It’s time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into books, promo products, avoiding burnout, and even a little bit of family wisdom. We also give a quick shout out to PPAI for recognizing us on their “Online 18.” We are pumped about it…and you can read all about that here.
This week’s episode is titled “Sexy Books We Love!”—but don’t worry, this isn’t just about steamy romance novels (though there is some of that). Jade and Kirby talk about their favorite books, underrated promotional products, how to recharge when burnout hits, and a special shoutout to some amazing Ohio entrepreneurs.
Now, let’s break down what went down in Episode 8!
Books We Love (Yes, Some of Them Are Spicy) 📚🔥
Books are a big part of both Kirby and Jade’s lives, and this week, they shared some of their favorites.
📖 Jade’s Pick: Acowar (A Court of Wings and Ruin) – Part of a fantasy, romance, and spicy book series, this one is for readers who love adventure, strong characters, and a little heat. If you know, you know. 😉
📖 Kirby’s Pick: The Reacher Series – If you love mystery, action, and thrillers, the Reacher books are a must-read. With the Amazon series bringing Jack Reacher to life, it’s a great time to check out the books if you haven’t already.
Of course, it’s not just about sexy and thrilling books—they also talked about more serious and business-focused reads. Want to hear what else made the list? You’ll have to watch the episode!
Underrated Promo Items That Always Deliver 🎁
Branded merch is what we do best, so Jade and Kirby took some time to shine a light on some underrated promo products that often get overlooked—but deliver BIG value.
✅ Branded Desk Mat – Jade’s pick! A simple but high-end promo item that elevates your workspace while providing constant brand visibility.
✅ Beach Towel – Kirby’s pick! High perceived value and something people keep for years. It’s one of those promo items that doesn’t just get thrown away—it gets used over and over again.
✅ Lip Balm – Another Jade favorite! It’s an inexpensive promo product, but 40% of the population is addicted to it. It’s one of those small items that people always appreciate.
Of course, they mentioned even more underrated items—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full list.
Avoiding Burnout: Our Go-To Reset Moves 🔄
Burnout happens to the best of us. When life and work get overwhelming, it’s important to have a reset strategy.
💡 Jade’s Burnout Hack: Reset your desk. When things start feeling chaotic, cleaning up and decluttering your workspace helps reset your brain and create a fresh start.
🌳 Kirby’s Burnout Hack: Get outside. Sometimes, the best way to clear your head is to step away from the screen, take a walk, and breathe in fresh air. Even 10-15 minutes outdoors can make a huge difference in productivity and energy levels.
Feeling burned out? Try these tips and see if they help you recharge!
Dad Was Right: The Elopement Prediction 👰♀️💍
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment is a little more personal.
Jade shared that Kirby knew early on that she and John were going to elope. It was one of those moments where Dad just knew, even before they did. Turns out, he was right.
Sometimes, dads just have a sixth sense about these things!
Shoutout to Jim & Bobbi Lepi! 🎉
This week’s shoutout goes to Jim and Bobbi Lepi, who were recently recognized for their contributions as Ohio Entrepreneurs. Jim was recognized for his work with Dresden & Company. And Bobbi is the leader of Lepi Real Estate (the leading real estate agency in Muskingum and surrounding counties).
They’ve made a huge impact in the community, and their recognition is well deserved. A big congratulations to them for their hard work and leadership!
Final Thoughts: Books, Merch & Avoiding Burnout
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with fun conversations, great insights, and a little bit of wisdom.
📢 Key takeaways: ✅ Books can be fun, exciting, and a great way to escape OR grow. ✅ Underrated promo items can make a huge impact—think outside the usual swag bag! ✅ Avoiding burnout starts with simple resets—whether it’s your desk or a walk outside. ✅ Sometimes, Dad really does know best. 😉 ✅ Jim & Bobbi Lepi deserve a big round of applause for their entrepreneurial contributions.
What’s your favorite underrated promo item? Do you have a go-to move for avoiding burnout? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
We are incredibly excited to share some big news—Hasseman Marketing has been recognized on the 2025 PPAI Online 18.
This prestigious list highlights the most successful and influential organizations in the Promotional Products industry when it comes to social media, content, and digital marketing. Being included is a huge honor, and we are thrilled to be recognized alongside some of the best in the business.
At Hasseman Marketing, we believe in the power of consistent, engaging, and fun content to connect with our audience and bring value to the industry. Our approach to digital marketing isn’t just about selling promotional products—it’s about educating, entertaining, and building relationships through a variety of platforms.
From weekly educational and inspirational content to interactive social media engagement, our goal has always been to deliver value while having fun along the way.
A Team Effort: Content That Connects
Content creation at Hasseman Marketing is truly a team effort. Everyone has a hand in shaping the messaging, videos, and ideas that resonate with our audience.
Some of our favorite content initiatives include:
Thirsty Thursdays, a lighthearted series where we test branded drinkware with a mystery beverage.
This recognition from PPAI reinforces our belief that authentic, creative, and valuable content can make a difference in the industry.
Kirby Hasseman on the Recognition
“I’m incredibly proud of our whole team for this recognition. Everyone at Hasseman Marketing has a hand in the content we create—from ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ to the funny videos that Jade Crider puts together. It’s a total team effort. To be recognized as a leader in digital marketing in our industry is an incredible honor, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.” Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing
What’s Next?
We are grateful to PPAI for this recognition, but we are just getting started!
We will keep creating content that inspires, educates, and entertains. Our goal is to continue helping brands stand out through creative branded merchandise and marketing strategies. We will keep engaging with our audience, because that is what makes this all possible.
For businesses looking to take their marketing to the next level, we have created a proven framework to help organizations plan and execute an effective marketing strategy. Get your own marketing playbook today at HitTheTargetBook.com. And if your organization needs help developing a social and digital strategy to stand out, please let us know how we can help!
The real estate space is competitive—which means standing out isn’t just about having the most listings or the biggest advertising budget. It’s about building relationships, creating value, and staying top-of-mind.
In my latest video, I break down four powerful ways realtors can market themselves BETTER and more effectively to grow their brand, connect with their community, and ultimately generate more business. We are all about the Relentless Pursuit of BETTER…learn more here.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Now, let’s dive into these four strategies!
Appreciation Marketing: Stand Out by Spreading Positivity
One of the most underrated ways to market yourself in real estate is simply showing appreciation.
📢 Why it matters:
89% of what we see in the world is negative. That means taking the time to show gratitude immediately makes you stand out.
People remember kindness. A well-timed thank-you note, birthday card, or thoughtful gift keeps you top-of-mind long after the transaction is complete.
How to do it: Send handwritten thank-you notes – Simple, personal, and effective. Recognize important milestones – Birthdays, anniversaries, and home-buying anniversaries. Give thoughtful closing gifts – Something useful and memorable, not just a generic gift card. Reward referrals – A small token of appreciation encourages more recommendations.
💡 Bottom line: Real estate is a relationship business. Show people they matter, and they won’t forget you.
Become the Digital Mayor of Your Community
If you want to be the go-to real estate professional in your area, don’t just sell homes—promote your community.
📢 Why it matters:
People don’t just buy homes—they buy into communities.
If you consistently highlight local businesses, events, and people, you become the trusted face of your market.
You’re not just another agent—you’re the local expert.
📌 How to do it: Use social media to highlight local events – Be the hype person for your town! Interview local business owners – Showcase what makes your community great. Celebrate local wins – Recognize people doing great things in your area. Create engaging content – “Hidden gems in [Your City]” or “Best coffee shops for a morning meeting.”
💡 Bottom line: When people associate you with your community’s success, they’ll also think of you first when they need a realtor.
Build Your Value…Build Your List
Social media is powerful, but it’s rented real estate—you don’t own it. That’s why it’s crucial to start building an email list so you can communicate with your audience whenever you want.
📢 Why it matters:
Social platforms can change algorithms at any time—your reach isn’t guaranteed.
With an email list, you control the conversation and can connect directly with potential clients.
By providing valuable insights, you establish yourself as an authority.
📌 How to do it: Offer lead magnets – A free home-buying checklist, local market report, or “Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling.” Send valuable emails – Tips, success stories, and market updates (not just “I have a new listing!”). Engage consistently – Don’t just sell—provide value, insights, and local knowledge.
💡 Bottom line: The more value you provide, the more trust you build—and that trust turns into business.
Own the Kitchen. Own the Office.
Where are people when they realize they need a realtor? Most of the time, it’s in the kitchen (discussing their next move) or in the office (planning for the future).
📢 Why it matters:
Branded merch keeps you top-of-mind in the spaces where decisions are made.
People may not need an agent today—but when they do, you want to be the first name they think of.
📌 How to do it: Branded kitchen items – Cutting boards, coffee mugs, or high-quality drinkware that stays in their home. Office essentials – Notebooks, planners, or desk accessories with your branding. Make it useful – The more functional the merch, the more often people see your name.
💡 Bottom line: Be strategic about where your brand appears, and you’ll always be in the right place at the right time.
Final Thoughts: Real Estate Marketing That Works
Marketing yourself as a real estate professional isn’t just about ads and cold calls—it’s about relationships, visibility, and providing real value.
📢 Here’s the game plan: Show appreciation. Gratitude makes you unforgettable. Be the digital mayor of your town. When you promote the community, people trust you more. Build your value and your list. Create content that keeps people engaged and informed. Own the spaces where decisions are made. Strategic branding puts you in front of the right people at the right time.
What’s your favorite way to market your real estate business? Drop a comment—we’d love to hear from you! And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby dive into marketing, branding, and the little things that make a big impact.
This week’s discussion touched on valuable advice we needed to hear, ways to elevate an event experience, and how AI is helping us work smarter every day. Plus, Dad was right (again), and we’re giving a big shoutout to the Coshocton Chamber and Coshocton Regional Medical Center for their upcoming Health Expo in Coshocton on March 15th.
Watch the latest episode below!
Now, let’s dive into the biggest takeaways!
Advice We Needed to Hear
We’ve all been given advice that didn’t fully hit us until we needed it most. Sometimes, those words stick with us for years, helping to shape how we think and act.
Here are some of the best pieces of advice that Jade and Kirby shared in this episode:
🐕 “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight… it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Kirby’s takeaway: This one is all about grit, perseverance, and mindset. It doesn’t matter where you start—it matters how much heart and effort you put in.
🏃 “A body in motion tends to stay in motion.”
Jade’s takeaway: Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. But once you do, momentum takes over. This applies to business, fitness, creativity, and pretty much everything else in life.
🔥 “You can’t control what happens. You can control your reaction.”
Kirby’s takeaway: This one was a game-changer for keeping his temper in check. We can’t always control external events, but we can control how we respond to them—and that makes all the difference.
Of course, there were more great insights in the episode, so listen in to hear them all!
How to Elevate an Event Experience
A great event doesn’t just happen—it’s intentionally designed from start to finish. Whether it’s a trade show, conference, or company gathering, the small details can make or break the guest experience.
Here are a few proven ways to take your event to the next level:
🎟️ Take great care of how the guest’s experience begins and ends.
First impressions matter, and last impressions last.
From registration to check-in to how guests leave the event, make every touchpoint seamless and enjoyable.
🔥 Get your team excited about the event (and use merch to do it!).
If your team is excited, attendees will feel that energy too.
Branded merch is a great way to unify your team and build anticipation before the event even starts.
💡 Borrow ideas from other events you loved.
If you’ve attended an event that made an impact, think about what made it special.
Whether it’s interactive experiences, creative giveaways, or thoughtful details, take inspiration and make it your own.
The best events aren’t just organized—they’re memorable. Focus on the guest journey, and you’ll create an experience that people want to come back to.
Using AI to Work Smarter
AI is changing the game in marketing, and we’re finding more ways to use it every day.
Here are a few ways we’re using AI to boost productivity and creativity:
📱 Helping with social media posts – AI can assist with writing captions, generating post ideas, and repurposing content across platforms.
📝 Creating summaries and synopses – Instead of starting from scratch, AI helps us break down key points from past content to create blogs, emails, and new posts.
🤔 Asking AI “What are we missing?” – When working on presentations or proposals, AI can offer insights we may not have considered, helping to fill gaps and strengthen our messaging.
AI isn’t here to replace creativity—it’s here to enhance it. The best results come when you use AI as a tool while still keeping your unique voice and perspective.
Dad Was Right: Life is About Choices
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment revolves around one of the simplest yet most profound life lessons:
👉 Life is about choices. 👈
Every day, we make choices—some small, some big. But over time, those choices add up and shape the direction of our lives.
✅ Want to improve your health? Start making small, daily decisions that lead toward better habits. ✅ Want to grow your business? Choose to be consistent, intentional, and proactive. ✅ Want to be happier? Choose to focus on gratitude and progress over perfection.
When you realize that your choices determine your path, you start making better decisions. Simple as that.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Chamber & Coshocton Regional Medical Center
This week’s shoutout goes to The Coshocton Chamber and Coshocton Regional Medical Center for organizing the upcoming Health Expo in Coshocton!
📅 Date: March 15, 2024 📍 Location: Community Room ⏰ Time: 8 AM – Noon
Health expos are a great way to connect with the community, promote wellness, and provide valuable resources. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out and show your support!
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Choices
This week’s episode covered a little bit of everything—personal growth, event marketing, AI, and even some solid life advice.
📢 Key takeaways: ✅ Great advice isn’t always easy to hear—but it’s often exactly what we need. ✅ Event success is all about the details—plan the guest journey intentionally. ✅ AI is a tool, not a replacement—use it to work smarter. ✅ Life is about choices—the small ones matter just as much as the big ones. ✅ Big things are happening in Coshocton! Be sure to check out the Health Expo.
Now we want to hear from you! What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? What AI tools are you using? How do you make events unforgettable? Let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Welcome back to another episode of the Better Merch… Better Marketing podcast! 🎙️ This week, we cover some hot topics in the world of branded merch and marketing—tariffs, employee engagement, brand purpose, and even a little workplace debate. Plus, we take a moment to celebrate Baltic State Bank’s expansion into West Lafayette, Ohio!
Let’s dive into this episode. 👇
1️⃣ What You Need to Know About Tariffs on Branded Merch
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news, you know that tariffs on imported goods are a moving target right now. The reality is, no one has all the answers, but we do know this: it could impact pricing and availability in the promotional products industry.
So, what does that mean for you? Two key things:
✅ Be open about your budget. If we have a general idea of what you’re working with, we can recommend the best options without unexpected surprises.
✅ Be flexible with your product choices. Some items may see price increases or availability issues, so being willing to explore alternative products can help keep your project on track.
The bottom line? We’re here to help you navigate these changes and find solutions that fit your needs. Communication is key!
2️⃣ How to Incentivize & Retain Great Employees (Especially Gen Z!)
Keeping great employees is more important than ever—and let’s be real, what employees want is evolving. Gen Z is bringing new expectations to the workplace, and organizations that want to attract and retain top talent need to adapt.
So, what matters to today’s workforce? Here are a few key takeaways:
✔️ Recognition & Appreciation: Employees want to feel valued, and branded merch can be a great tool for recognition programs and milestone rewards.
✔️ Flexibility: Work-life balance is a top priority, and companies offering hybrid or remote work options are seeing better retention.
✔️ Experiences Over Stuff: Instead of just handing out a generic t-shirt, consider customized welcome kits or branded items that enhance their daily work life.
Great branded merch isn’t just a giveaway—it can play a role in building culture, increasing engagement, and keeping employees happy.
3️⃣ Why Purpose Matters for Brands—And How Branded Merch Can Help
Purpose-driven marketing isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a major driver of customer loyalty. People want to do business with brands that stand for something.
So, how can you use branded merch to reinforce your purpose? We discussed two main strategies:
1️⃣ Create your own campaign or event. If your brand has a cause or mission, use branded merch to support it. Whether it’s an environmental initiative, a community project, or a fundraising event, merchandise can help tell your story and spread awareness.
2️⃣ Choose merch that already gives back. Some brands, like Snugz’s Basecamp product line, integrate philanthropy into their business model. When you purchase Basecamp items, a portion of the proceeds supports the Wounded Warrior Project—so you’re not just getting great merch, you’re making an impact.
The key takeaway? Customers and employees connect with brands that align with their values. Branded merch can be a great way to amplify that message.
4️⃣ Dad Was Wrong: Jade Loves Working from Home 😂
This is the part where Kirby has to admit he was wrong.
Jade shares how she unexpectedly loves working from home—despite Kirby’s early predictions that she wouldn’t. Turns out, flexibility and a personalized workspace can actually increase productivity and happiness for a lot of employees.
The lesson here? People work differently, and having options can be a good thing. (And maybe, just maybe, Kirby isn’t always right. 😉)
5️⃣ Shoutout to Baltic State Bank’s New Location in West Lafayette, Ohio! 🎉🏦
We love celebrating local businesses, and this week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to Baltic State Bank for expanding with a new location in West Lafayette, Ohio!
Growth like this is exciting for the community, and we’re thrilled to see businesses thriving. It will take some time for this project to come to fruition, but we love to see the investment!
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This episode covered a lot—tariffs, employee retention, brand purpose, remote work debates, and celebrating local businesses. But at the core of it all, we keep coming back to one thing:
Branded merch is more than just stuff. It’s a tool that can help you:
✅ Build stronger relationships with employees & customers
✅ Communicate your brand purpose in meaningful ways
✅ Create impact beyond just impressions
If you’re looking for better ways to use branded merch in your marketing, we’d love to help. Reach out, and let’s chat about how we can make your next campaign better.
And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing!
If you need help hitting the TARGET with your branded merch, reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
We’re back with another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! This week, Kirby and Jade dive into some of the quirks and challenges in the marketing world, sharing insights from the PPAI Expo, discussing the best ways to reach prospects, and of course, enjoying a little father-daughter banter.
Check out the latest episode below:
Marketing Pet Peeves: What Drives Us Crazy?
Every marketer has those little things that make them cringe. In this episode, Kirby and Jade talk about some of their biggest marketing pet peeves—from bad branding choices to messaging mishaps. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a clunky campaign or an organization missing the mark, you’ll relate to this segment!
Our Favorite Finds from the PPAI Expo
One of the highlights of the year for branded merchandise pros is the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. We got to see some of the latest and greatest products in the promotional world, and we’re sharing our top picks! If you’re looking for innovative and exciting branded merch ideas, you won’t want to miss this part of the episode.
Sales & Prospecting: Phone Calls vs. Emails
When it comes to sales outreach, is it better to pick up the phone or send an email? Kirby and Jade debate the effectiveness of each approach and share their personal experiences in the world of prospecting. Whether you’re a die-hard caller or a strategic emailer, there are key takeaways here for anyone in sales or marketing.
Dad Was Right: Jade Actually Enjoys Reading!
In a fun twist, Jade admits that Kirby was right about something this time: reading is actually enjoyable! They talk about what changed her mind and some of the books that have made an impact. (Don’t worry, Kirby is taking full credit for this one!)
Shoutout of the Week: Shrivers Hospice
This week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to Shrivers Hospice, which is opening a new office in Coshocton County. Their work in providing compassionate care to those in need is truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see them expand their reach in our community.
Key Takeaways from Episode 3:
The most common marketing mistakes that drive professionals crazy.
The latest and greatest in branded merch from the PPAI Expo.
A candid discussion on phone calls vs. emails for sales outreach.
Proof that sometimes (just sometimes), Dad is actually right.
A celebration of Shrivers Hospice and their commitment to serving the region.
What’s Next?
We love hearing from our listeners! If you have a marketing or branded merch question, send it our way and we might answer it in a future episode. Stay tuned for more great discussions, insights, and fun on the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast!
Make sure to watch Episode 3 above, share your thoughts, and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Together, we’re creating Better Merch…Better Marketing!
Got a topic or question for a future episode? Let us know in the comments or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you!
If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
