On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back with another round of insights, trends, and real-world lessons from the frontlines of branding and merch.
This week’s conversation includes:
The Trader Joe’s tote bag craze and what it teaches us about branding, scarcity, and audience connection*
Tariff lessons and how to respond (not react) as pricing shifts
Productivity apps that help keep the Hasseman Marketing team running smoothly
Product of the week: a name badge release program from Vault
A shoutout to the upcoming Shark Tub event in Zanesville—a pitch competition for entrepreneurs
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Trader Joe’s Tote Bags: A Masterclass in Brand, Scarcity, and Culture
You’ve probably seen it by now—Trader Joe’s mini tote bags going viral. People are lining up. Resellers are flipping them online. And social media is buzzing with hype.
So what’s the lesson here?
Jade and Kirby break it down like this:
Great brand affinity + well-designed merch = success
Create something that resonates with your audience—not just another logo slap
Add scarcity to the mix, and the hype becomes real
The bigger takeaway: branded merch works when it’s emotional, meaningful, and hard to get. Whether it’s for employees, fans, or customers, the same formula can be applied to your brand—if you’re thoughtful and intentional.
Tariff Talk: What We’ve Learned So Far
Tariffs have been front and center in recent industry conversations. Some suppliers are already adjusting pricing, others are holding firm (for now), and many distributors and clients are wondering what to do next.
Here’s what Kirby and Jade shared as key takeaways:
Don’t panic—but don’t wait. If you know you need product this year, ordering sooner can help lock in current pricing.
Confirm all pricing before reordering. Don’t assume your old quote is still valid—always double-check.
Domestic and alternative sourcing is becoming even more relevant.
Be transparent with your clients and help them plan ahead.
With so much going on, staying organized is key—and this week, Kirby and Jade share their go-to productivity apps that help them keep things moving.
Jade’s Picks:
Notion – For project management, content planning, and internal documentation.
Google Calendar – For scheduling, visibility, and shared team planning.
Kirby’s Picks:
Outlook – For email, calendar, and daily task tracking.
Trello – For visual workflows, project timelines, and marketing tasks.
Whether you’re a list-lover, a visual thinker, or a calendar junkie, the right tools make it easier to focus on what matters—and keep teams aligned along the way.
Product of the Week: Name Badge Release Program
This week’s featured product isn’t just about the item—it’s about the program behind it.
Vault’s name badge release program simplifies how companies onboard and update name badges for new employees, locations, or events.
Why it matters:
Consistency across locations or roles
Reduces the back-and-forth on proofs and reorders
Saves time for internal teams (and your promo partner)
This is one of those “simple but smart” solutions that helps businesses look polished and professional without reinventing the wheel.
Perfect for organizations with frequent new hires or multiple departments.
Shoutout of the Week: Shark Tub in Zanesville
This week’s shoutout goes to the Shark Tub Pitch Competition happening in Zanesville on April 9th. Hosted by the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, Shark Tub is all about supporting and spotlighting local entrepreneurs.
Events like this are vital for the region—they foster innovation, create connections, and help the next generation of business leaders grow. Hats off to the organizers and participants!
Final Thoughts
From tote bags and TikTok trends to name badge programs and productivity hacks, this episode had a little bit of everything. It’s a reminder that great branding is about more than just product—it’s about strategy, intention, and execution.
Here’s your quick recap:
Trader Joe’s tote bag buzz shows the power of brand + scarcity
Tariffs aren’t the end of the world, but they require planning and flexibility
Tools like Notion, Trello, Outlook, and Google Calendar keep things moving behind the scenes
Vault’s name badge release program is a smart system for growing teams
And we love seeing communities support entrepreneurship, like at Shark Tub
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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’re an entrepreneur or sales professional at a small to mid-sized organization, chances are you’re not sitting around waiting for business to land in your lap. You’re out there earning it—calling, emailing, networking, and building relationships. Or at least you WANT to be doing that.
Cold calling is an activity that most people strictly avoids…if they can. We get it…but it’s still one of the most direct and effective ways to grow your business. The problem? It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. And most days, it’s easy to avoid.
That’s exactly why we created the C.A.L.L.O.U.T. Framework—a system to help you take action with intention, energy, and consistency. This is what we use to get our minds right.
Watch the video now!
C – Connect with Your Why
Before you dial a single number, take a moment to connect with your purpose. Why are you making these calls? What are your goals? Whether it’s hitting your monthly revenue target, serving more people, or growing your brand—start with clarity. Your “why” is your fuel. You might not feel like doing it. On most days, I don’t. That’s why it’s so vital to remind yourself (before you begin), why you are doing this activity.
A – Adjust Your Mindset
You’ve heard it before: mindset matters. But here’s the twist—be the thermostat, not the thermometer. Don’t just react to people’s energy. That won’t end well for you. Set the tone. Bring confidence, positivity, and professionalism to every call. You are not begging—you’re bringing value.
L – Line Up Your Script
No, you don’t need to sound robotic. But you do need to know what you want to say and what you want to achieve. Write out your intro, a few powerful questions, and your ideal next step. Preparation creates confidence. In addition, understanding the overall goal helps you to understand where you are driving the conversation.
L – Lift the Phone
Here’s the most important (and often hardest) part: take action. You won’t feel ready. You’ll want to tweak your script again. Don’t. Just start dialing. Momentum builds as you go.
O – Organize Your Results
Document every call. Log who you spoke to, what happened, and what comes next. This creates a powerful feedback loop—not just for tracking, but for motivation. Every call logged is a step forward. (Bonus: crossing things off a list triggers a dopamine hit. Try it.)
U – Upgrade Your Energy
Celebrate the wins—big and small. Did you set a meeting? Awesome. Did someone say, “That’s interesting, call me next week”? That’s a win. Celebrate it. The more you attach positive emotion to your activity, the more likely you are to keep showing up.
T – Try Again Tomorrow
Cold calling is a muscle, not a one-time event. The secret? Show up consistently. Build the habit. Mastery follows repetition.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to love cold calling. You just need a system that keeps you focused, consistent and energized.
The C.A.L.L.O.U.T. Framework is here to help you do just that.
So the next time you hesitate to make that call, take a breath, review the framework, and start dialing.
Because the business you want is waiting on the other side of that call.
Want more tools like this to grow your business? Head over to HassemanMarketing.com for more blogs, video tips, and inspiration built for busy entrepreneurs like you.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard the word “Tariff” a lot lately! We certainly have started to hear rumblings across the promotional products industry about tariffs and their potential impact on branded merchandise. Some suppliers have already announced pricing changes. Others are doing what they can to absorb the increases in the short term, while still signaling that higher prices are likely on the horizon. And yes, President Trump has signaled a 90-day pause on Tariffs. But we want to be as prepared as possible as we move forward.
The bottom line? There’s still a lot we don’t know. But that doesn’t mean we should freeze. In fact, it’s the perfect time to be intentional and strategic with how you approach your branded merch.
Here are a few practical steps you can take to protect your brand and your budget as we navigate this evolving situation together:
Order Soon if You Want to Maintain Current Pricing
If you’ve already received a quote or placed a reorder in the past, don’t assume the price will hold for long. Tariff-related price changes could affect production costs quickly.
If you’re planning a fall event or year-end program and you know what you need, it’s smart to place your order sooner rather than later. Locking in pricing now can help you avoid unexpected cost increases later.
Double-Check All Pricing Moving Forward
Even if you have a saved quote or recently ordered a product, it’s important to reconfirm current pricing before placing your next order.
Some suppliers have already updated their pricing due to increased import costs, and others are adjusting weekly. Before you commit, make sure your pricing is up to date. If you’re working with us, we’re happy to check and confirm it for you.
Consider Domestically Produced Options
One way to avoid tariff-related price volatility is to explore products made in the USA.
Domestic products are often subject to fewer supply chain disruptions and are unaffected by many import tariffs. We have a curated shop of USA-made promotional products, and we’d be happy to help you find something that supports both your brand and domestic manufacturing.
[Link to your Made-in-USA product collection here]
Look at Alternatives from Other Countries
It’s also worth noting that not all imported goods are created equal. Tariffs may apply to certain countries or materials but not others.
In some cases, we can source comparable products from countries that are not currently impacted by new tariffs. This gives you more flexibility without compromising on the quality or function of your branded merchandise.
Communicate Your Deadlines Early
As pricing shifts and suppliers work through changing costs and inventory, longer lead times may become more common.
To avoid delays, it’s a good idea to start planning your campaigns and event merch sooner—and to communicate any firm in-hands dates early in the process. That way, we can help you avoid rush charges or shipping complications caused by availability or supplier transition periods.
Stay Flexible and Open to New Ideas
If your go-to item suddenly sees a price jump or becomes temporarily unavailable, we’re here to help. One of the best things you can do right now is to remain open to suggestions.
There are thousands of great branded merch options out there, and we love helping clients discover new pieces that fit their goals. Flexibility can make a big difference in maintaining your brand presence without blowing your budget.
Stay Informed—But Don’t Panic
The truth is, tariffs are part of a larger and often unpredictable global trade landscape. While changes are happening, this isn’t the first time the industry has faced cost pressure, and it won’t be the last.
The key is to stay in touch with your promotional partner (that’s us), stay informed, and make smart decisions. We’re actively tracking updates from suppliers and manufacturers and will continue to keep you in the loop.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to panic—but this is a moment for intentionality. If you’ve got branded merchandise projects in your pipeline, let’s talk sooner rather than later.
Together, we can:
Secure pricing while it’s still stable
Explore domestic and alternative product options
Build in extra time to avoid rush fees or unexpected availability issues
Keep your brand strong and visible, no matter what the headlines say
If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help. Let’s plan ahead and stay proactive—because that’s how smart brands succeed in any environment.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
It’s time for a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby dive into the world of promo, branding, and marketing strategy—with a healthy dose of fun and practical tips along the way.
In this episode, they cover:
Their favorite social media platforms right now—and why
How to do a Company Merch Shop the right way
How something as simple as a custom pin can build brand momentum
A shoutout to Genesis Healthcare, who just received top recognition for their commitment to patient care
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Social Media Favorites: What’s Working Now
Social media is always shifting, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the platforms. This week, Jade and Kirby shared which channels are working best for them—and why.
Kirby’s picks:
LinkedIn for business. It’s professional, focused, and great for sharing ideas and building credibility in the B2B space.
TikTok for entertainment and inspiration. It’s where he scrolls when he wants quick creative ideas or just a laugh.
Jade’s pick:
Instagram is making a comeback in her world. With its visual storytelling and improving features for engagement, it’s once again a top platform for connection and content.
Takeaway: Choose the platforms that fit both your audience and your own energy. Then go all in on creating value there.
How to Build a Company Merch Shop That Works
Company merch shops are growing in popularity—but not all of them are created equal.
Kirby and Jade shared tips on what makes a great branded merch store for employees, clients, or partners:
Keep the options curated. Don’t overwhelm people with 500 items. Choose 10–15 on-brand, high-impact pieces.
Make it easy to order. User experience matters. A simple, intuitive interface goes a long way.
Tie it into the company culture. Let the shop support recruiting, retention, and internal celebrations.
Offer seasonal drops or limited releases to keep excitement and engagement high.
When done well, a company merch shop isn’t just about gear—it’s about amplifying culture and creating brand champions from within.
How a Custom Pin Can Spread Your Message
Sometimes it’s the small things that pack the biggest punch—and this week, Kirby and Jade spotlighted the power of custom pins.
They’re portable, collectible, and personal.
You can use them to celebrate milestones, raise awareness, recognize team members, or build community around a cause or idea.
Pins are easy to wear, share, and show off—making them perfect for both internal initiatives and public-facing campaigns.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-impact way to spread your message, a pin might be the perfect fit.
Product of the Week: 13 oz Barista Mug with Cork Bottom
This week’s featured product is a fan favorite—the 13 oz Barista Ceramic Mug with a Cork Bottom from our friends at Bel Promo.
Stylish two-tone design that looks great on any desk or kitchen counter
Cork bottom adds warmth, protects surfaces, and gives it a unique touch
Generous size without being bulky—perfect for coffee, tea, or even soup
This is a product that feels premium but remains accessible for giveaways, client gifts, or employee appreciation. And yes—it photographs beautifully for social, too.
Shoutout: Genesis Healthcare Earns Top Honors
We always love highlighting people and organizations doing great work, and this week we’re celebrating Genesis Healthcare for being awarded the highest overall star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
This recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of the Genesis team, and we’re proud to give them a well-earned shoutout on this week’s show.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing had a little bit of everything—social media insights, branded merch strategy, thoughtful recognition, and one very lovable mug.
Here’s your quick recap:
Use social media intentionally and go where you (and your audience) thrive
Build a company merch shop that reflects your culture and adds real value
Don’t overlook small but powerful tools like custom pins
Celebrate those doing great work—like Genesis Healthcare
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe, and if you want help leveling up your branded merch strategy or creating your own company merch shop, we’d love to help.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
It’s time for another episode of Thirsty Thursday, the show where we sip (or sometimes suffer) through a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware—and this week’s episode was definitely one for the books.
In this installment, Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman gathered around for what started out as a promising tasting experience. We had a slick new drinkware piece from Gold Bond, and we were excited. But then we took a sip… and that’s where things went off the rails.
Let’s just say, the drink did not go down easy.
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Pour Caddy Stainless Steel Flask Set (Gold Bond)
Before we dive into the chaos that was this week’s mystery drink, let’s give some love to the real winner of the episode—the drinkware.
This week we tested out the Pour Caddy from Gold Bond, and it was a total standout.
Stylish and functional – The stainless steel flask set includes a pour spout and shot glasses that fit perfectly into the cap.
Portable and giftable – Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or gifting it to your favorite client, it’s sleek, compact, and screams quality.
Branding opportunity – It has a high-end feel that elevates any logo, making it perfect for executive gifting or team appreciation kits.
We all gave the Pour Caddy a resounding thumbs-up. It’s one of those branded merch pieces that people will actually keep, use, and remember.
The Drink: Jeppson’s Malört
Now, about that drink…
Jeppson’s Malört is a liqueur with a reputation that precedes it. Distilled in Chicago, Malört is often described as a “rite of passage” drink—something you try once, maybe for the shock value, and then never again.
Tasting notes (according to the internet and our faces):
Bitter.
Herbal.
Lingering.
Memorable… but not in the good way.
If you’ve never had it, imagine grapefruit peel mixed with rubber cement and despair. Okay, maybe we’re being dramatic—but it was rough. The reactions were priceless (you’ll definitely want to watch the video for the full effect), and the general consensus was: never again.
That said, it made for a hilarious episode.
What Makes Thirsty Thursday Work
We always say that Thirsty Thursday is about more than the drink. It’s about:
Testing out fun branded merch
Sharing honest reactions
Highlighting what makes products memorable
And of course, having a good time doing it
This week hit all those notes. We found a fantastic drinkware product that we’ll be recommending a lot going forward, and we had a little too much fun trying one of the worst mystery drinks we’ve ever pulled from the hat.
If you’re in charge of picking branded drinkware for an upcoming campaign, event, or client gift—don’t let this week’s drink scare you away. The Pour Caddy is the kind of item that brings people together and creates a lasting impression.
Final Verdict
Drinkware: Pour Caddy from Gold Bond – 10/10 recommend
Drink: Jeppson’s Malört – never again
Entertainment value: Off the charts
Thirsty Thursday continues to be a place where branding meets fun, and where we can laugh, learn, and sip (or suffer) together.
Have a drinkware item you want us to test—or a drink you think we have to try? Let us know! And if you want to learn more or order, head to our Thirsty Thursday shop here.
We’ve got a special edition of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast this week because…Jade is in Coshocton! That’s right. Jade made the trip from Colorado, and we recorded this episode in person at the Hasseman Marketing Office!
This week’s conversation ranged from branding tips to quarterly strategy, and even a little merch love. Here’s what we covered:
Rebranding is more than just designing a pretty new logo—it’s about building a visual and emotional identity that connects with your audience. Whether you’re rebranding your business or helping a client through the process, here are a few key takeaways we shared:
Include a One-Color Version: Your logo needs to be versatile. From embroidery to screen printing to social media icons, having a one-color version ensures your brand always shows up clean and strong.
Think About Platform Applications: Will your logo look good as a profile pic? Can it scale up to a banner or down to a pen? Consider all the places your brand might appear and design accordingly.
Create Brand Guidelines: This is one of the most overlooked but essential parts of a rebrand. A brand guide sets the tone for consistency across platforms—fonts, colors, logo usage, tone of voice, and more.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to update your branded merch! Rebranding is a great time to create a new merch collection that showcases your refreshed look.
Why We’re Loving 1-Piece Minimums
The promotional products world is shifting—and we love it. More and more suppliers are offering 1-piece minimums, and that’s opening up a world of possibilities.
Here’s why this trend matters:
More flexibility for smaller clients or internal company projects
Easier sampling and gifting without large order commitments
Great for personalization and test runs
We believe this shift will lead to more creative, thoughtful, and customized branding experiences, especially for companies that want to test ideas or give high-end gifts in smaller quantities. Want to see a few 1-piece options? Check out this shop.
Tactics to Make Q2 Your Best Yet
We’re officially into the second quarter of the year—and whether Q1 flew by or dragged on, now’s the time to get focused.
Here are a few strategies we discussed to help make Q2 count:
Revisit Your Annual Goals: What did you say you’d accomplish this year? Are you on track? If not, don’t beat yourself up—just reset.
Create New, Specific Q2 Goals: Sometimes yearly goals feel too big. Break them into quarterly targets and take it one quarter at a time.
Refocus Your Energy: Spring is a great time to clear the mental (and digital) clutter and lean into action.
This episode is your gentle nudge to take a deep breath, refocus, and get back on track with intention and energy.
Product of the Week: Fossa Ladies’ Skyline Soft Shell Half-Zip
Each week we highlight a piece of branded merch we love—and this one is both stylish and practical.
Not only is it a valuable service to the community, but it’s also a great example of giving first and adding value before asking for anything in return. Way to go, Community Bank!
Final Thoughts
This week’s episode had a little bit of everything—brand strategy, Q2 planning, merch trends, and local shoutouts. And recording together in Coshocton brought some extra energy to the table.
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
