After taking a short break for some well-deserved family time, Jade Crider (your Branding Bestie) and Kirby Hasseman are back for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! And this week’s conversation hit all the right notes — from football season and finding your audience to learning how (or maybe how not) to unplug.
Let’s dive into this week’s episode highlights.
What the NFL Can Teach Marketers
Football season is back—and so is the frustration of trying to watch it. Between Amazon Prime, Peacock, ESPN+, CBS, Fox, NBC, and YouTube TV, the NFL is scattered across at least six different platforms this year. Kirby and Jade both laughed about how confusing it’s become just to watch a game. But that chaos sparked a great marketing lesson.
Just like football, there’s no single platform to reach your audience. You can’t rely on one channel—whether it’s social media, email, or video content—to carry all your marketing weight.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to identify your perfect customer. When you truly understand who they are, where they spend their time, and what they care about, you can meet them where they already are—without wasting effort shouting into the void.
Kirby also added a great point about collaboration. Sometimes, instead of trying to do everything yourself, partnering with another brand that serves the same audience can help you reach your customers faster and more effectively. It’s a win-win.
The Art (and Struggle) of Disconnecting
Both Jade and Kirby took some time off recently for a family trip. And while they enjoyed the break, both admitted they weren’t perfect at truly “disconnecting.”
In today’s world, where work is always one notification away, it’s harder than ever to unplug. But as they discussed, learning how to step back can actually make you better when you step back in.
Jade talked about how planning ahead helps her relax on vacation—tying up loose ends before leaving makes it easier to actually enjoy the time away. Kirby shared how he’s learning to set more intentional boundaries, even if that means occasionally failing at it.
Their takeaway? You can’t pour from an empty cup. Recharging isn’t just good for you—it’s good for your business, your creativity, and your relationships.
“Locking In” — Gen Z’s New Take on Focus
The duo also dove into a Gen Z trend that’s taking over TikTok and beyond: “Locking In.”
It’s essentially about committing to a goal early—like starting your New Year’s resolution in October instead of waiting until January—and going all in with focus and intensity.
Jade couldn’t help but laugh at the idea that this is basically just rebranding “hard work” with a new name. But Kirby loved it. He pointed out that in today’s culture, we’ve almost made “hustle” a bad word, even though hard work is still one of the few things we can fully control.
His advice? Whether you call it “Locking In” or “grinding,” the key is to start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Progress belongs to those who take action.
At first glance, it looks like a sleek, high-quality writing instrument (which it is). But the magic happens when you tap it to your phone. The pen can be programmed to take users directly to a website, video, digital business card, or landing page.
Jade and Kirby agreed this is one of the best examples of branded merch with function and flair. It’s practical, tech-savvy, and bridges the gap between physical and digital marketing. Whether you’re in real estate, education, healthcare, or any other industry—this pen has major potential to keep your brand in hand and in mind.
This week’s shout-out went to the folks at PromoCares, a collective of promo professionals using their platform for good. They’re currently raising funds to build water towers in underserved communities through their Water 4 Good initiative.
Kirby and Jade both praised the organization for leading with purpose and showing how branded merch can make a real difference in the world. It’s marketing with heart—and a perfect example of how this industry can give back in meaningful ways.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was all about clarity, balance, and action. Whether you’re trying to reach your ideal audience, take time off without guilt, or “lock in” to your next big goal, there’s one big takeaway: Be intentional.
Because whether it’s your marketing, your mindset, or your merch—when you align your actions with your purpose, great things happen.
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!
This week’s Thirsty Thursday was full of laughs, light-hearted banter, and maybe just a little bit of bullying—courtesy of Jade!
In this episode, Kirby, Jade, and Briar tested out the Chili Lime Mexican Lager from Parsons North Brewing Company—and it definitely brought some heat. The crew had mixed reactions, but one thing they all agreed on? The drinkware was a winner.
They sipped (and debated) from the 32 oz Hydrapeak Insulated Tumbler, a sleek and sturdy piece that keeps your beverage cold no matter how spicy the conversation gets. You can check it out or order your own here:
In the latest episode of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, Jade and Kirby dive into a fun and insightful conversation centered around creativity, nostalgia, strategy—and, of course, better merch. Titled “McDonald’s Monopoly Marketing,” this episode is packed with takeaways for marketers, business leaders, and anyone looking to make the most of Q4.
Let’s break down the highlights of the show.
McDonald’s Monopoly Is Back—and It’s Brilliant Marketing
McDonald’s has brought back its iconic Monopoly game, and both Jade and Kirby are here for it. Why? Because it hits on two powerful marketing strategies at once: Nostalgia Marketing and Owned Media.
Nostalgia marketing is a term they’re hoping to coin, and for good reason. When you tap into a customer’s fond memories—especially from childhood or earlier in life—you tap into emotion. That emotion builds connection, trust, and attention. The Monopoly game has been a core memory for many McDonald’s fans, and bringing it back in the digital age just works.
But here’s where it gets really smart: this time, the game is tied to the McDonald’s app.
Instead of just peeling game pieces off fry boxes, customers now need to interact with the McDonald’s app, turning the campaign into a powerful owned media play. McDonald’s isn’t just driving visits—they’re building long-term customer relationships by getting people into their ecosystem. That means more push notifications, more loyalty, and more data.
Jade and Kirby both agree: this campaign is chef’s kiss marketing. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a strategic move that any business can learn from.
Takeaway: How can your business create moments of nostalgia for your customers—and tie those moments to platforms you own (like your email list or app)?
Q4 Goals: The Power of Starting Fresh (Every Quarter)
Next up, Kirby and Jade talk about the fresh energy that comes with the start of a new quarter. At Hasseman Marketing, goal setting isn’t just a once-a-year thing—it’s baked into the rhythm of the business. And Q4 is no different.
Kirby shares how they break down annual goals into quarterly checkpoints. It’s a method that keeps things practical, focused, and achievable. When you only focus on big, long-term goals, it’s easy to lose momentum. But quarterly goals keep the team aligned and energized.
Jade adds that she loves the “reset” vibe that comes with a new quarter. It gives her the chance to revisit what’s working (and what’s not), and bring fresh creativity to her projects.
Takeaway: If you’re not setting quarterly goals, you’re missing out on one of the simplest and most effective tools for keeping your marketing (and your mindset) on track.
LinkedIn on the Rise
Let’s talk about LinkedIn.
Jade noticed something—and she’s not alone. LinkedIn is growing. Not just in user count, but in content engagement and business relevance. While other platforms are battling algorithms and ad fatigue, LinkedIn is quietly becoming a go-to space for professional content, real conversations, and brand-building.
Kirby has been a longtime fan of LinkedIn and talked about how he uses it to connect with business leaders, share consistent content, and build credibility. The platform is less about viral dance trends and more about value-driven posts—and that’s exactly what makes it effective.
Whether you’re in sales, recruiting, leadership, or marketing, LinkedIn is worth a second look.
Takeaway: Now is a great time to double down on LinkedIn. Start by sharing what you know, celebrating your wins, and being authentically helpful.
Product of the Week: Gold Bond HydraPeak 32 oz Water Bottle
This week’s featured product comes from the team’s friends at Gold Bond—and it’s a winner.
The HydraPeak 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle with straw lid is a perfect blend of quality, function, and value. Whether you’re hydrating during your workday or keeping your brand in front of your customers, this bottle does the job.
High perceived value
Customizable with your brand
Built for everyday use
This is the kind of merch that doesn’t get tossed—it gets used.
Takeaway: Don’t just give stuff—give merch that earns a permanent spot in your customer’s daily life.
Shout Out: Groundbreaking at the AEP Site in Conesville
Finally, Kirby and Jade wrap up the episode with a BIG shout-out to the recent groundbreaking at the old AEP site in Conesville, Ohio.
This massive site has been under redevelopment since 2020, and now the first business is moving in—a major step forward for the community.
Huge kudos go out to the Port Authority, County Commissioners, City Officials, and the many organizations who have collaborated to make this happen. It’s proof that when people work together with vision and purpose, big things happen.
Takeaway: Community progress is something to celebrate—and it’s made possible by people who believe in building a better future.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a perfect snapshot of what Better Merch…Better Marketing is all about:
Learning from smart brands (like McDonald’s)
Staying intentional with your goals
Using the right platforms
Choosing the right merch
And celebrating progress—big or small
If you haven’t tuned in yet, this is a great episode to jump into.
Catch the full episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing wherever you listen to podcasts—and be sure to share it with a fellow marketer or business owner who needs a little spark.
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 July, I invested two months in Dan Martell’s Elite Coaching Program—and it was a great investment for my growth as a leader and entrepreneur. The program wasn’t cheap ($3,000), but it forced me to take a step back and remind myself of something important: I am the product. If I don’t invest in me, everything else eventually suffers.
Here are the four biggest lessons I took away from my time in the program.
Be Willing to Invest in Yourself
We say we want to grow. We say we want to lead better, sell better, market better. But often, we’ll invest in everything else—software, equipment, campaigns—before we invest in ourselves.
That’s a mistake. The truth is, you are the product. Your ideas, your leadership, your energy, your clarity—those are what drive your business and your team forward. If you don’t invest in sharpening those things, the rest will never reach its potential.
For me, the price tag of $3,000 was actually part of the lesson. It meant I had skin in the game. It made me show up differently. When you pay for coaching, training, or mentoring, you’re not just buying content—you’re buying commitment.
The Five Daily Non-Negotiables
Dan outlined a set of five daily habits that serve as a foundation for success. They’re simple, but powerful:
Workout – Move your body every day. Energy fuels everything else.
Read 10 pages of a self-development book – Feed your brain with fresh ideas and perspective.
Review your goals 2–3 times a day – Keep your eyes on the prize so distractions don’t pull you off course.
Post 3 Instagram stories – Share your journey, let people in, build your brand.
Make 5 reach-outs to prospects or customers – Growth is in the follow-up, not just the new ideas.
If you think about it, these five things cover your mind, body, brand, and business. Do them daily, and the compounding effect is incredible.
Make Your Goals Inevitable
This one was a breakthrough for me. Dan says: don’t just set goals—make them inevitable.
Here’s how:
Start with your big dream goal.
Break it down into what you need to achieve this year to move toward it.
Then break that down further into the daily actions that—if done consistently—make the big goal unavoidable.
For example, if your dream goal is a revenue number, break it into quarterly and monthly sales targets. Then, translate those into how many daily reach-outs or conversations you need. If you do those reach-outs every day for 1,000 days, hitting the big goal becomes inevitable.
I love this because it removes some of the mystery around success. It’s no longer about luck—it’s about math and consistency.
There’s Not Just One Way to Succeed
One of the things I’ve noticed in personal development is that every guru has their “one true way.” Some say you need to go all-in on a single focus. Others say you should diversify. Dan had his own take as well.
The truth? There isn’t just one way. Success leaves clues, but it doesn’t leave a map. The trick is to study the lessons, learn the patterns, and then carve your own trail.
That was freeing for me. I don’t need to copy someone else’s exact playbook. I can take what works for me and build my own system.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway? Growth is intentional. If you want to be better in business—or in life—you have to commit to daily habits, make your goals inevitable, and be willing to invest in yourself.
I loved my time in the Elite Coaching Program, and I’m grateful for the lessons I learned. If you’re considering an investment in yourself—whether it’s coaching, a program, or just more dedicated time to growth—do it.
At the end of the day, you are the product.
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!
Season 2 of Better Merch…Better Marketing is rolling along, and this week Kirby and Jade are back LIVE in the Hasseman Marketing office for a lively conversation about tech, retail, events, and of course, branded merch. From futuristic glasses to giant grocery bags, they covered a wide range of topics you won’t want to miss.
Meta AI Glasses: Cool Tool or Creepy Gadget?
The episode kicked off with a look at the Meta AI glasses—a product that has sparked plenty of buzz and more than a few questions.
Jade pointed out some creative ways these could be used at a trade show or live event, like identifying brands in real time or helping attendees navigate a show floor. Imagine walking into a booth and instantly pulling up a brand’s story or product catalog, all without pulling out your phone.
Kirby, meanwhile, focused on the content creation angle. For marketers, the ability to record, stream, and create hands-free opens up some incredible opportunities. But he also acknowledged the elephant in the room: privacy concerns. How will people feel about wearing or being recorded by glasses that are always on?
Both agreed it’s a fascinating piece of tech—but they want to hear from you. Would you wear Meta AI glasses? Would you use them in your business?
Aldi’s Giant Bag Campaign
From futuristic tech to the grocery aisle, Jade and Kirby then tackled the latest campaign from Aldi. The discount chain made waves with their oversized shopping bags designed to perfectly fit their carts. To add to the buzz, they gave away 1,000 of them.
The verdict? Jade and Kirby loved the concept. The bag fits seamlessly into Aldi’s shopper experience, it’s fun, and it’s a walking billboard for the brand. But the limitation—only 1,000 bags—left them scratching their heads. Why not make this a bigger program that more shoppers could access?
The lesson: if you create branded merch that perfectly fits your brand and resonates with your audience, don’t stop at just a taste. Scale it up and let the campaign run.
Lessons from the Customer Show
With Hasseman Marketing’s Branding Basecamp Customer Show just wrapped up, Kirby and Jade shared their takeaways.
The T-shirt station was a hit. Giving attendees a chance to print and customize their own shirt was not only fun but also created an interactive brand experience.
You can never over-communicate. From emails to reminders, making sure people know what’s happening and where to go is critical for success.
People remember the highlights. The conversations, the experiences, and the special touches are what stick—not the little things you might stress about behind the scenes.
It was a great event, and Jade and Kirby were thrilled with the feedback and energy.
Product of the Week: The 10 x 10 Tent
This week’s Product of the Week is something many attendees saw firsthand at the show: the 10 x 10 Deluxe Steel Frame Tent.Check it out here.
Tents like these are perfect for:
Outdoor events and festivals
Trade shows and community gatherings
Company picnics or recruiting fairs
Not only do they provide function and shelter, but they also create a big, bold canvas for your brand. Learn more and get yours here.
Shout-Out: Baltic State Bank
Finally, Jade and Kirby gave a shout-out to Baltic State Bank, which is opening a new branch in West Lafayette. It’s always encouraging to see investment and growth in the local community, and this expansion is a win for the area.
Wrapping Up
This episode had a little bit of everything: tech trends, retail campaigns, event lessons, and a standout product for outdoor marketing. If there’s a thread tying it all together, it’s this: when you combine creativity with strategy, branded merch and marketing campaigns can create real impact.
From AI glasses to giant shopping bags, the landscape of marketing continues to evolve—and Better Merch…Better Marketing is here to help you make sense of it all.
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! This week was a special one because Jade is officially back in the office (for the Customer show), which meant the full crew—Jade, Briar, and Kirby—was together again. And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, we celebrated by trying a mystery drink from a fresh piece of branded drinkware.
So what did we sip on this time? Let’s dive in.
The Drink: Downeast Pumpkin Blend
Since fall is in the air, it only made sense to try something seasonal. We cracked open the Downeast Pumpkin Blend cider, a drink that promised to bring cozy autumn vibes in every sip.
The reviews were solid across the board. Jade, who has been lovingly nicknamed “Jade Cider” for her fondness of this category, gave it a big thumbs up. She thought the pumpkin spice notes were flavorful and a perfect match for the season. Briar and Kirby were also on board, calling it “solid” and “good for the season.” While it may not be the kind of cider you’d drink every single day, it definitely has a place as a fall staple—something you’d want to enjoy by a campfire, after a hayride, or at a fall tailgate.
Bottom line? If you’re looking for a seasonal sip that pairs pumpkin spice with crisp cider, Downeast delivers.
The Drinkware: Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap
Now let’s talk about the star of the show—the Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap from Bel Promo. This 34 oz. bottle was an absolute hit with the team. Everyone agreed: it’s a great size, great value, and perfect for both everyday hydration and promotional use.
One of the standout features of this piece is its subtle, tone-on-tone imprint. Sometimes, less really is more. The design came out sleek and understated, which makes the bottle not only functional but also stylish. In fact, this was one of the giveaway items at our recent customer show, and it received rave reviews.
Another big win? The low minimum order quantity. With just 12 pieces as the starting point, this makes it a great option for smaller teams, special events, or exclusive giveaways. You don’t have to commit to hundreds just to get high-quality branded drinkware into the hands of your audience. Learn more and order yours here.
Why This Works
One of the things we love most about Thirsty Thursday is showing how branded merch can be more than “stuff.” When it’s done right, it’s useful, high-quality, and creates an experience. The Vulcan Water Bottle is exactly that kind of piece—it’s the kind of promo item people actually want to use. Pair that with a fun, seasonal drink like Downeast Pumpkin Blend, and you’ve got a winning combo that fits the vibe of the season.
Final Thoughts
This week’s Thirsty Thursday was a reminder of why we love doing this series. It’s about trying new things, testing out great merch, and having a little fun along the way. The Downeast Pumpkin Blend brought the fall flavors, and the Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap proved to be an MVP in the branded merch game.
So what’s the verdict? Solid reviews on the cider (especially from Jade “Cider”) and unanimous love for the drinkware. That’s a Thirsty Thursday win in our book.
If you want to check out this piece for your team, event, or next campaign, you can find it here: Vulcan Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Strap. And don’t forget—if you want to see other great drinkware ideas we’ve tested on the show, you can shop our Thirsty Thursday collection here: Thirsty Thursday Shop.
Until next time, cheers from all of us at Thirsty Thursday!
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!
