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.
We’re back, baby! 🎉 Thirsty Thursday has returned, and we’re kicking things off in a BIG way—with a special episode recorded live at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas!
Last week, we got everyone ready for our return by sharing a Thirsty Thursday Greatest Hits episode, packed with some of our funniest moments from past episodes. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can watch it here for some good laughs. But this week, we’re back with a brand-new episode, featuring a mystery drink, an awesome guest, and a whole lot of fun!
A Special Thirsty Thursday at PPAI Expo
For this episode, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider took Thirsty Thursday on the road to the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the biggest event of the year for branded merchandise and promotional products. And we didn’t just bring the show—we brought a special guest!
Joining us as this week’s guest taster was Dawn Browne from Keystone, who was kind enough to donate the Trail Mug for our mystery drink tasting. (Spoiler: The mug looked fantastic. The drink inside? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out. 😉)
But that’s not all. This episode couldn’t have happened without the generous help of Brandon Pecharich of Mark8Media, who not only recorded the episode but also took on the crucial task of hunting down the mystery drink. It was a lot to coordinate, and we’re so grateful for their help in making it happen!
What’s the Mystery Drink?
As always, Thirsty Thursday is all about drinking from branded drinkware—and hoping the mystery drink inside isn’t too terrible. We never know what we’re getting into, which makes every sip an adventure.
So, what did Brandon find for us to try this time? Was it a smooth sip or a rough ride? You’ll have to watch the episode to see our reactions!
Bringing back Thirsty Thursday has been a blast, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going with new episodes coming soon. We love sharing these moments with you, showcasing great branded drinkware, and (sometimes) suffering through questionable drink choices—all in the name of fun.
At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about fun…and doing marketing BETTER. 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.
Welcome back to the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 2, where Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman dive into exciting topics in marketing, business, and branded merchandise—all while adding their unique father-daughter dynamic to the mix. If you missed Episode 1, don’t worry; you can catch up anytime. But today, we’re diving into new discussions that we think you’ll love.
Check out the latest episode below:
What’s in Episode 2?
Here’s a rundown of what we covered in this week’s podcast:
1. The TikTok Drama: What Happened and What’s Next?
We kicked off this week’s episode by discussing the recent TikTok drama. From its sudden removal to the widespread reaction, Jade shared how she felt when the app disappeared briefly and what it meant for content creators and marketers alike. Kirby and Jade also speculated on what might come next for the platform and how businesses should approach TikTok moving forward. Spoiler alert: This conversation was packed with insights into adapting to change in the digital marketing landscape.
2. Lessons from the PPAI Expo
Last week, we attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the premier event for promotional products and branded merchandise. We had the chance to explore new trends, connect with industry leaders, and come away with some important lessons in business. In this episode, we share our key takeaways that can help you in whatever business you are in!
3. Audience Question: How Can You Attract and Retain Clients?
This week’s listener question comes from someone who tuned in to Episode 1: How can you attract and retain clients? Kirby broke down his TARGET method for effective marketing, offering actionable steps to help businesses stand out and build lasting relationships.
To make it even better, Kirby is giving away his book, Hit The TARGET, for free! Head over to HitTheTargetBook.com to grab your free copy, which includes the ebook, audiobook, and online course.
4. When Dad Was Wrong
In this week’s fun and lighthearted segment, Jade turned the tables and shared an area where she thinks Kirby is wrong. This playful moment highlighted how different perspectives—even within a family—can lead to some lively discussions and even better ideas.
5. Shout Out to Local Stars: Main Street Station & Sorrell’s on the Square
We wrapped up the episode by celebrating two amazing Coshocton businesses, Main Street Station and Sorrell’s on the Square, both of which were recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants. These local spots are doing incredible things for our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a spotlight on their achievements. If you haven’t visited them yet, make it a priority!
Key Takeaways from Episode 2
TikTok’s impact on marketing is undeniable, and adaptability is key as platforms evolve.
Live events like the PPAI Expo are invaluable for networking, learning, and staying ahead in your industry.
Attracting and retaining clients requires a clear strategy, like Kirby’s TARGET method, and a focus on delivering value.
It’s okay to challenge ideas and perspectives—that’s where growth (and sometimes laughter) happens.
Supporting local businesses is a vital part of building strong communities.
What’s Next?
We’re already planning Episode 3, and we’d love to hear from you! Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Send it our way, and we might feature it in an upcoming episode. Whether it’s about branded merchandise, marketing strategies, or building better business practices, we’re here to help.
Make sure to watch Episode 2 above, share your thoughts, and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Together, we’re creating Better Merch…Better Marketing!
Have a question or comment? Drop it below 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.
If you’ve been missing our Thirsty Thursday videos, we’ve got good news: we’re bringing them back! 🎉
For those who don’t know, Thirsty Thursday is one of our favorite video series here at Hasseman Marketing. In each episode, we try a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware. The catch? We have no idea what the drink will be. Sometimes it’s delicious, and sometimes…well, not so much. 😂
It’s been a few months since our last episode, so to get back into the groove, we went through some of our older episodes and pulled together a collection of the funniest moments. From unexpected reactions to some questionable drink choices, this video will remind you why Thirsty Thursday is always a good time.
We love doing these videos because they’re a fun way to showcase branded drinkware while sharing a laugh with our audience. And the best part? New episodes are starting again soon! So stay tuned as we dive into more mystery drinks, more laughs, and more (hopefully) tasty surprises.
In the meantime, check out our “funny moments” video and let us know which clip made you laugh the most.
