Welcome back to another episode of Thirsty Thursday—the weekly ritual where we grab a mystery drink, test out a fresh piece of branded drinkware, and offer up our brutally honest reactions (all in the name of marketing research, of course).
This week, the full crew—Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman—took on a spirit with some serious kick and a piece of drinkware built for shaking things up.
The Drink: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
The mystery drink this week was none other than New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon—a bold, high-proof choice that hit the table with confidence.
Reactions were… dramatic.
Jade: Immediate regret. Zero poker face. Upon the first sip she declared: “Looks like I’m not driving home today.” Translation: this bourbon was not her love language.
Briar: Appreciated it for what it was—strong, complex, and well made—but not something he’d choose to sip casually.
Kirby: Similar stance. Respect for the quality, but not exactly pouring himself a second glass.
In short: If you’re a bourbon person, this bottle delivers. If you’re Jade, it’s a hard no.
The Drinkware: Camden 17 oz Plastic Cocktail Shaker Bottle (BelPromo) + Shot Glasses (CPS)
Now this is where the enthusiasm kicked in.
This episode featured an awesome combo from two great suppliers:
Camden 17 oz Plastic Cocktail Shaker Bottle – BelPromo
A lightweight, durable shaker perfect for mixing cocktails (or hiding the fear in your eyes when you realize the drink is 100+ proof). Everyone loved the feel, the construction, and how practical it is for events, giveaways, or bar-themed kits.
Shot Glasses – CPS
Simple, clean, and surprisingly classy for a promo piece. Perfect for tastings, parties, or—if you’re Jade—recovering emotionally after unexpected bourbon.
Unanimous verdict: Great drinkware combo. Easy to brand. Easy to use. Total win.
Why It Works
Thirsty Thursday is more than just drinks and reactions—it’s a real-time look at how branded merch performs in the hands of real people.
This week’s takeaway:
The drink might not be for everyone.
But the drinkware? Useful, fun, practical, and universally loved.
That’s the power of good promo products—they work even when the bourbon doesn’t.
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon: Respect earned. Palates divided. Jade slightly traumatized.
Camden Shaker + CPS Shot Glasses: A perfect pairing. Great value. Highly recommended for branded kits or cocktail-themed swag.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books—full of laughs, strong drinks, and even stronger opinions.
Until next time… cheers! Ready for the next round whenever you are.
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into three timely topics that connect technology, culture, and business strategy. From the ongoing changes in streaming services to influencer privileges at the NYC Marathon and the rise of AI in sales, this episode brings fresh insights for marketers and business owners who want to stay sharp.
YouTube TV, Disney, and What It Teaches Us About Marketing
The first topic centered around YouTube TV’s recent negotiations with Disney and the growing frustration among subscribers over fewer available channels. Kirby and Jade discussed how the streaming wars illustrate an important marketing truth: customers notice when value disappears.
As brands evolve, they must protect what made customers choose them in the first place. When companies take away features, raise prices, or make access harder, they risk eroding loyalty.
Marketing takeaway: Whether you sell a service, a product, or branded merchandise, consistency and perceived value matter. People are willing to pay for quality, but not confusion. When your customers start asking, “Why am I still paying for this?” you have a retention problem—not just a pricing one.
NYC Marathon and the Influencer Debate
Next, the hosts tackled a headline from the running world: the NYC Marathon allowed influencers to start an hour before the elite runners.
Kirby, a passionate runner himself, had strong opinions on the subject. He shared how running has always been about fairness, discipline, and respect for the craft. While influencers bring exposure to the sport, giving them special treatment disrupts the integrity of competition.
Jade pointed out that this moment also reveals a broader tension in modern marketing—the balance between authenticity and influence. Social reach has value, but credibility and expertise still matter.
Lesson for marketers: Attention is valuable, but it should never replace authenticity. Whether you’re choosing brand ambassadors or designing campaigns, influence works best when it supports, not overshadows, the core mission.
AI and the Future of Sales Follow-Up
The final discussion focused on how AI is raising the standard for responsiveness. With automation tools now able to follow up perfectly every time, non-paid entities—bots, automated assistants, and CRMs—are outperforming many human sales efforts.
That begs the question: if AI can follow up instantly, do salespeople need to change how they operate?
Kirby and Jade agreed that AI should enhance, not replace, the human element. Technology can send reminders, craft responses, and track communication, but it cannot replace empathy, understanding, and genuine connection.
Takeaway: Use AI to handle consistency so your team can focus on creativity and relationships. The future of sales belongs to those who combine technology with humanity.
The kit includes quality essentials, ideal for onboarding, executive gifts, or client appreciation programs. It represents the kind of branded merchandise that balances style, practicality, and long-term visibility.
Lesson: The best merch supports your brand by being both useful and memorable. When recipients use your product daily, your logo becomes part of their routine.
Shout-Out: Surge Veterans Day Giveback
This week’s shout-out goes to the Surge Veterans Day Giveback, an initiative recognizing and serving those who have given so much. Kirby and Jade praised the organization for combining gratitude and action—two qualities that define meaningful community impact.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into creating repeatable content, making PR packaging meaningful, and learning from a purpose-driven brand from across the globe. They also feature a practical and elevated merch item and end with a shout-out rooted in community and service.
Mariah’s TikTok and Why Repeatable Content Matters
The episode began with a conversation about Mariah’s TikTok video and how it highlighted the value of creating repeatable content formats.
The biggest creators and most memorable brands often do not rely on random inspiration. They build content systems. A repeatable format gives your audience familiarity and gives your business consistency. In addition, Mariah Carey’s content is built around the holiday season…every year. So every single year, she is able to capitalize on content that she has created one time. Small to mid-sized businesses often miss this. Each piece of content is created as a one-time thing. Some of the biggest creators make a few pieces of evergreen content that can come back every year at the same time.
The lesson for small to mid-size businesses is simple. You do not need to reinvent your content every day. You need one format you can do with consistency and quality.
PR Packaging: How to Make It Count
Next, Kirby and Jade discussed PR packages and how to do them the right way. It is not about sending expensive boxes. It is about being intentional.
Here were the key points from the conversation:
Custom packaging and why it matters
The outside of the box is part of the brand experience. Custom packaging shows that your business cares about presentation and identity. It sets the tone before the person even opens it.
Understand who you are sending it to
Do not send generic kits to random influencers or clients. Know your audience. Think about their lifestyle, what they value, and whether your product fits their world. A PR box should feel like it was made for them.
Use all five senses, including tissue paper
Details matter. Tissue paper, textures, scents, handwritten notes, the sound of opening a sealed box. These sensory touches create emotion and memory. They elevate the experience beyond just product delivery.
And, if you want to hear the rest of the conversation, watch the episode.
Brand Spotlight: On The House (Australia)
Jade highlighted On The House, a feminine hygiene company from Australia. Their mission is to make menstrual care accessible and respectful, without stigma.
What makes them stand out is their clarity. Their branding is clean. Their message is simple. Their business model supports both convenience and compassion.
The takeaway for businesses is that purpose adds value. You do not need to solve global issues, but when your brand stands for something meaningful, people notice.
Product of the Week: Gemini Qi 3.0 Wireless Charger
Shout-Out: Local Food Drives and Community Support
This week’s shout-out goes to Skylar Hasseman-Stewart, Amy Hasseman, and everyone organizing food drives for families in need. These efforts matter. They show what service and leadership look like in real life and remind us that marketing is ultimately about people and relationships.
Final Thoughts
This episode focused on practical tools and purposeful actions.
Build repeatable content instead of chasing daily inspiration
Treat PR packaging as a brand experience, not a shipping box
Learn from brands with purpose and clarity
Use merchandise that is functional, high-quality, and long-lasting
Celebrate people who make their communities better
Better marketing starts with intention. Better merch supports that message.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—where we test mystery drinks, try out branded drinkware, and give our unfiltered opinions (for the good of marketing, of course).
This episode brought the full crew: Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman—and yes, things got interesting fast.
The Drink: Peanut Butter Milk Stout from Left Hand Brewing
This week’s mystery pour was the Peanut Butter Milk Stout from Left Hand Brewing Company—a creamy, dessert-style beer that definitely sparked some reactions.
Here’s how it went down:
Jade: Hard pass. The flavor and texture combo was just not her thing.
Briar: Surprisingly into it. Smooth, sweet, and different in a good way.
Kirby: Hesitant at first, but once the reveal came, he said:
“Now that I know what it is… it makes sense. It’s kind of growing on me.”
So if you’re into rich, nutty, sweet beers—this one might be your vibe. If you’re Jade? Probably not.
The Drinkware: Double-Walled Acrylic Tumbler from BelPromo
We say it every week: branded merch isn’t just stuff—when it’s useful and well-designed, it creates real impressions.
This episode proves it again:
Drink? Divisive. Everyone has their own opinion (and they should).
Drinkware? Home run.
Brand impact? Lasting.
So whether you’re team peanut butter beer forever or team please never again, we can all agree—the tumbler stole the show.
Want to test great drinkware for your brand—or need ideas for your next promo campaign? Let’s talk. We’d love to help.
Until next time… cheers from the Thirsty Thursday crew!
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
It’s time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this week Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie) and Kirby Hasseman are back to talk about nostalgia, growth, travel frustrations, and — of course — great branded merch.
Let’s unpack this week’s topics.
Nostalgia and Experiential Marketing
Jade and Kirby kicked off this week’s episode by talking about a new campaign from Kodak that’s tapping into the power of nostalgia. The company is bringing back old-school cameras, encouraging people to experience photography again — winding the film, waiting for the perfect shot, and developing the photos afterward.
Kirby pointed out that the magic of this campaign isn’t just nostalgia — it’s experience. By giving customers a tactile, emotional connection to a brand they already recognize, Kodak isn’t just selling cameras. They’re creating moments.
The lesson for marketers? Don’t overlook the power of experiences. Whether it’s through an exclusive event, a creative campaign, or a well-timed piece of branded merch, experiences connect customers to emotions — and that’s where brand loyalty lives.
Learning, Growth, and the Power of Repetition
Next up, Jade shared that she’s at the Leadership Development Conference (LDC) this week — both to attend and to be recognized for her PPAI Rising Star Award (huge congrats, Jade!).
She talked about the value of investing in yourself through learning, networking, and surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow. Even if you’ve heard something before, hearing it again after a year of experience can hit totally differently.
Kirby agreed, noting that personal and professional development is rarely about hearing new ideas — it’s about hearing familiar ideas from a new perspective. Growth changes how we absorb wisdom.
It’s a reminder that training, conferences, and events aren’t just expenses — they’re investments in your long-term success.
Travel Pet Peeves (and the Case for Common Sense)
Since Jade was traveling for her conference, it only made sense to vent a little about travel pet peeves.
Her biggest frustration? People who lack spatial awareness — whether that’s standing in the middle of a busy airport walkway or taking forever to get through security. Kirby agreed (wholeheartedly) and added that his personal travel headache is people who don’t listen or don’t understand the “rules” of travel.
Their conclusion: travel brings out the best and the worst in people, but there’s a simple fix — a little patience, awareness, and empathy go a long way. It’s a lesson that applies to more than just airports, too. Whether in business, marketing, or life, slowing down to pay attention to your surroundings can save a lot of frustration.
Product of the Week: The OxFord Backpack
This week’s featured product is one that’s stylish, practical, and perfect for professionals on the go — the OxFord Backpack from AceHigh.
This high-quality laptop backpack combines clean design with everyday functionality. It’s perfect for travel, commuting, or as part of a company gifting program. Jade and Kirby agreed this one deserves a spot in the Hasseman Marketing Year-End Gift Shop— and it’s easy to see why. It’s a functional gift that still feels elevated and thoughtful.
Shout Out: Coshocton County’s New Ice Rink
Finally, this week’s shout-out goes to the Coshocton County Commissioners for bringing a new ice rink to the community. The ribbon cutting is coming soon, and it’s just one of many impressive projects that local leaders have pushed forward in recent years.
Jade and Kirby both reflected on how cool it is (no pun intended) to see momentum building in Coshocton County. From the ice rink to major development projects, the community continues to invest in growth, opportunity, and fun.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was a mix of fun and insight — from travel rants to marketing strategy to celebrating local wins.
Whether you’re creating a campaign that taps into nostalgia, investing in your own growth, or just trying to survive the airport with your sanity intact, the message is clear: stay intentional, stay self-aware, and always keep learning.
Because better marketing — and better business — always starts with better people.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
Digital Grabs Attention. Physical Builds Connection. Together…They Build Loyalty.
When it comes to marketing, most organizations feel pressure to pick a side: Digital — fast, data-driven, measurable. Physical — tangible, personal, and lasting.
But the truth is, you don’t have to choose. The most effective brands know that when you blend digital and physical marketing, you create a one-two punch of awareness + connection that builds real loyalty over time.
Let’s explore five practical ways you can make your digital and physical marketing work together.
Start With a Unified Message
You’ve seen it happen: a brand launches a slick online ad, you click to learn more, and suddenly it feels like you’ve entered a different world. The tone shifts. The visuals don’t match. The vibe is completely off.
That kind of disconnect breaks trust.
Your digital and physical presence should look, feel, and sound consistent. If your social media is playful and colorful but your branded merch looks like it’s from a different decade, your audience notices—even if they can’t quite explain why.
At Hasseman Marketing, we encourage clients to think of their brand as a single story told across multiple touchpoints. Whether someone encounters your logo on Instagram, your website, a billboard, or a water bottle, the tone and message should align.
Because when your marketing feels seamless, people feel confident they know who you are.
Use Merch to Enhance Digital Experiences
Here’s where physical marketing can transform your digital funnel.
Imagine someone downloads your free guide, registers for your webinar, or subscribes to your video series. Most companies stop there—they send a confirmation email and hope the lead stays engaged.
But what if you went a step further?
Send a small, thoughtful piece of branded merch that ties into the experience. Maybe it’s a notebook that matches the design of your guide, or a coffee mug that includes the series name.
That one physical touchpoint adds weight and warmth to an otherwise digital transaction. It keeps your brand on their desk (literally) and in their mind long after they’ve closed the browser tab.
It doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to be intentional. When your physical follow-up supports the same story your digital marketing started, you build connection—and that’s what drives conversion.
Make It Interactive with QR & NFC Technology
We’ve all seen QR codes make a big comeback, but there’s another tool marketers should be paying attention to: NFC technology (the same tech that powers tap-to-pay).
You can now create pens, tumblers, or notebooks that let customers tap their phone and instantly visit your website, a campaign page, or even a personalized thank-you video.
This is where the physical and digital truly merge. At a recent fundraiser, one team printed QR codes on their shirts that linked directly to their donation page. It turned every participant into a walking call-to-action.
Imagine taking that same concept into your next trade show, customer event, or direct-mail campaign. A piece of merch that connects instantly to your digital world becomes more than swag—it becomes a gateway.
Use Social Media to Tell the Story Behind the Merch
The merch itself is great, but the story behind it can be even better.
For our Customer Appreciation Show, we didn’t just hand out products—we told the story of why we chose each one. We filmed behind-the-scenes clips of our team debating product options, explaining why an item fit the event theme, and sharing what we hoped it would mean to our clients.
That authenticity resonated. Attendance went up, and engagement skyrocketed because people felt part of the journey before they ever walked in the door.
So, don’t stop at showing the finished product. Use your social platforms to celebrate the people, creativity, and emotion behind your merch decisions. That’s what transforms ordinary promo into meaningful marketing.
Guide Behavior and Track Results
Finally, remember that every piece of merch can serve a purpose.
By embedding a QR code, NFC tag, or even a custom short URL, you can turn your giveaways into measurable, actionable tools.
Add a simple card that says, “Scan here to book a demo,” or “Tap your mug to join our VIP list.” Then track the responses. You’ll know exactly who’s engaging and which campaigns drive real ROI.
For influencer kits or event boxes, create an intentional next step—like encouraging recipients to post and tag your brand or share an unboxing video. When you combine the tactile power of merch with the trackability of digital, your marketing becomes both human and smart.
The Big Takeaway
Digital grabs attention. Physical builds connection. And together—they build loyalty.
If your marketing feels one-sided right now, start small. Add a tangible follow-up to your next email campaign. Include a QR code on your packaging that points to a heartfelt video message. Or hand out NFC-enabled gifts that drive people straight to your website.
Every digital campaign deserves a physical complement—and every piece of merch deserves a call-to-action.
Because when the two worlds work together, your audience doesn’t just remember your brand… they believe in it.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
