Social media can be one of the most powerful tools to grow your organization, connect with your audience, and build your brand. But let’s be honest—many businesses struggle to make it work. Why? Because they focus on being perfect instead of simply being better.
At Hasseman Marketing, we believe the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. The key is to consistently get a little better each day.
If you’re looking to improve your social media presence, here are 5 simple tips to do social media BETTER for your organization. And if you want to dive deeper into this, head HERE to get the Hit The TARGET book for free.
1. Give Value First
Too many organizations treat social media like traditional advertising: Buy this. Hire us. Look at us. But social media is different. It’s about building relationships, and relationships thrive on value.
Ask yourself:
How can I help my audience?
What can I teach, inspire, or share that will make their lives better?
Providing value could mean sharing helpful tips, answering FAQs, entertaining with behind-the-scenes content, or offering inspiration. When you lead with value, people will engage, trust you, and stick around for the long term.
Remember: give first, ask second.
2. Be Consistent
Social media is like fitness—you can’t post once or twice and expect results. You build trust and credibility with consistency. Whether you post daily, three times a week, or weekly, the key is to show up regularly.
Here’s why consistency matters:
It keeps your brand top of mind.
It builds integrity (your audience knows they can rely on you).
Social media algorithms reward consistent posting.
The good news? You don’t need to go viral to succeed. Small, consistent efforts over time create meaningful results. Keep showing up, and the growth will come.
3. Post More
If you’re struggling with social media growth, ask yourself this: Are you posting enough? Many organizations are hesitant to post frequently, worrying about “bothering” their audience.
Here’s the truth: social media is a free tool to grow your business. Use it!
The more you post:
The better your reach and engagement will be.
The more opportunities you have to connect with your audience.
The more content you can test and learn from.
If you’re not sure where to start, try this:
Share updates about your team, products, or community involvement.
Post tips, quotes, or behind-the-scenes videos.
Repurpose older content into new formats.
Social media is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
4. Engage With Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. If someone takes the time to comment on your post, comment back! Engagement isn’t just polite—it’s how you build relationships.
When you respond to comments or messages, you:
Show your audience that you care.
Build a loyal community around your brand.
Increase the visibility of your posts (engagement boosts algorithms).
It doesn’t take much—a quick “Thank you!” or a thoughtful reply can go a long way. The brands that succeed on social media don’t just talk at their audience—they talk with them.
5. Gather Information
Social media is not just a place to post—it’s also a tool to gather valuable information for your business.
Here’s how you can leverage it:
Encourage people to sign up for your email list.
Use polls or surveys to learn what your audience wants.
Offer lead magnets (like free guides or webinars) to build your database.
Your ultimate goal should be to take your audience off social media and into your ecosystem—like your email list—where you can communicate directly. Social media is borrowed space, but your list? That’s something you own.
Social Media: It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, follow these 5 tips, and focus on getting better—one post, one conversation, one audience interaction at a time:
Give value—be helpful, inspiring, or entertaining.
Be consistent—show up regularly to build trust.
Post more—take advantage of this free tool.
Engage with your audience—reply, connect, and build relationships.
Gather information—turn your audience into lasting relationships.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about showing up, providing value, and putting in the work over time. That’s how you’ll grow your brand, strengthen your community, and do social media BETTER.
Are you ready to improve your organization’s social media presence? Start with one tip today, and let’s pursue better together.
If you need help creating social media content that connects, 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.
Imposter syndrome is a sneaky thing. It often creeps in when we’re pushing ourselves to grow, learn, or share what we know with others. I’ve felt it, especially when creating personal development content. Who am I to teach others when I don’t have it all figured out myself? That question used to hold me back.
But then, a simple realization shifted my perspective: I don’t need to be perfect—I just need to be BETTER.
This mindset—focusing on progress instead of perfection—has become the foundation for what I call The Relentless Pursuit of BETTER. It’s a personal development philosophy that acknowledges we’re all works in progress and gives us a clear roadmap to improve every day.
And here’s the best part: BETTER is more than just a word. It’s an acronym that serves as a step-by-step guide to help you stay on track in your own journey of growth.
B: Be Intentional
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. To improve, you must set intentional goals. These goals act as your compass, giving you direction and purpose. Think about what you truly want to achieve and write it down. Most people really struggle to name what they really want in their life. This is the first step to getting BETTER in your life. Be intentional about what you want…and write it down so you can see it every day.
E: Engage in Learning
The fastest way to grow is to learn. Seek out new knowledge, whether through books, podcasts, courses, or mentors. Every piece of insight adds to your toolkit, preparing you to take on new challenges. Learning is fun when you are working to learn something you WANT to know. And there are so many tools to learn for free. Dig in and learn as much as you can about what you are trying to accomplish.
T: Take Action
Ideas are great, but they don’t mean much without action. Make a plan and start moving toward your goals. Even small steps add up over time. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to begin. Too many of us get stuck in learning because we think we will take action when we “know enough.” But we will always feel that pull to wait. Take action. More learning will happen as you go.
T: Track Your Efforts
What gets measured gets improved. Tracking your efforts helps you stay accountable and see how far you’ve come. Whether it’s writing down daily habits, logging workouts, or noting achievements, keep a record of your progress. I was late to the party on this one. I always thought, “I know what I am doing.” But when I started to measure every day…and write it down…it affected what I actually did.
E: Evaluate Your Progress
Every so often, take a step back and assess how you’re doing. Are you moving closer to your goals? What’s working? What’s not? This evaluation gives you clarity and keeps you focused.
R: Reflect and Adjust
Life rarely goes as planned, and that’s okay. Reflection allows you to celebrate wins and learn from setbacks. Then, adjust your approach to keep moving forward. Being adaptable is a superpower in the pursuit of growth.
Why BETTER Works
The beauty of this framework is its simplicity. It doesn’t ask you to have everything figured out. Instead, it encourages you to focus on consistent, incremental improvement. Each day, ask yourself: How can I be just a little bit better than yesterday?
The Relentless Pursuit of BETTER isn’t about perfection or reaching an endpoint. It’s about embracing the journey of becoming the best version of yourself—one intentional step at a time.
So, the next time imposter syndrome whispers in your ear, remind yourself: You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to pursue BETTER.
What will you do today to get started on your own relentless pursuit of BETTER?
In our fast-paced world, productivity and happiness can feel like elusive goals. However, achieving both can be simpler than we think—it often comes down to small but impactful daily habits. Here are five actionable steps you can take to increase both your productivity and happiness. Let’s dive in!
1. Get More Sleep
It sounds basic, but the truth is, many of us aren’t getting enough quality sleep. The benefits of a good night’s rest go far beyond just feeling alert. Sleep plays a crucial role in our ability to process information, manage stress, and make sound decisions. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived individuals are less productive and more likely to make errors at work.
Action Tip: Aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night. To improve sleep quality, establish a wind-down routine, keep your room cool, and avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
2. Get Consistent Exercise
Physical activity isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about keeping your mind sharp and resilient, too. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood, boost energy, and increase productivity. When you get moving, your brain releases endorphins, which help you feel happier and more focused.
Action Tip: If the thought of hitting the gym is daunting, start small. A daily 20-minute walk, some stretching, or a short yoga session can make a big difference in how you feel and perform each day.
3. Set Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals gives direction to your day. With a goal in mind, you’re more likely to stay on track and avoid distractions. Not only does achieving goals help you feel accomplished, but it also boosts confidence, which can lead to even more productivity and happiness.
Action Tip: Start by writing down one or two goals each morning. They don’t have to be monumental; even small wins can lead to big feelings of progress and satisfaction. Review your goals at the end of the day to see what you’ve accomplished and celebrate each step forward.
4. Be Mindful (Or Set Time for Meditation)
Mindfulness and meditation help us slow down, focus, and reduce stress—three things that greatly improve productivity. When you’re mindful, you’re more in tune with your thoughts and emotions, which makes it easier to handle stress, stay focused, and avoid burnout.
Action Tip: Start with just five minutes a day. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths. You could also try guided meditation apps if that helps you stay focused. Over time, this simple practice can transform your mental clarity and emotional resilience.
5. Create an Intentional Morning Routine
A consistent morning routine can set the tone for a productive and joyful day. When you start your day with intention, you’re less likely to feel rushed or overwhelmed, which gives you a sense of calm and control. A morning routine doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s about choosing habits that set you up for success.
Action Tip: Your morning routine might include something as simple as a few minutes of stretching, writing down a couple of goals for the day, or having a quiet cup of coffee while planning your schedule. Experiment to find what works best for you, and make it a daily ritual.
Improving productivity and happiness isn’t about drastic changes—it’s about small, consistent actions that build up over time. By getting enough sleep, staying active, setting goals, being mindful, and establishing a morning routine, you’re creating a solid foundation for both productivity and happiness. So, take one step today, and keep building from there. You might be surprised by how quickly you notice the difference!
Like so many of us, I have been blessed to be surrounded by wise and patient mentors. These folks had faith in me long before I had earned it. And some of my best (and earliest) business lessons came from my parents. They were my OG mentors! So, while there were many more, here are 5 business lessons I learned from my parents.
5 Business Lessons I Learned From My Parents
Lift The Heavy Stuff First
This simple lesson came from my Dad when I was young. I was probably 8 or 9 years old and my parents decided it was time to re-arrange the furniture. My dad asked me to help him and I was excited. I was young and felt like it was my chance to prove what “a big boy” I was. My dad went straight to the big couch in the room. He said “Always lift the heavy stuff first. After that, everything else will seem lighter.” This is great advice for moving furniture. And it turns out it is true in almost every area of our lives!
Control Your Responses
There are so many things that come at us on a daily basis…and much of it is out of our control. We just can’t control everything that happens to us or around us. We can, however, control how we respond to it. And in that space between the action and the reaction lies our power. The people I find to be most successful (and most thoughtful) seem to be the ones who can control their emotions and gain power over the space between the action and their own reaction.
What Do You Win By Winning?
When I was a very young salesperson I had a client that made a mistake on their own order. It was their fault. And I did not want to be responsible or take the blame for their mistake. But my mom pointed out that, while the mistake was their fault, I needed to maintain the relationship…and that was more important than being right. So I need to ask myself “What do I win by winning this argument?” Most of the time, the answer is “a broken relationship.”
When In Doubt, See the People
Yes…technology is great. We have the ability to reach out to clients via text, email, Snapchat, messenger, etc. There are so many ways to connect with customers and prospects. And yet, most of us feel less connected to each other. An old adage that I find to not only still be true, but more true, is we need to get in front of people. That is how real relationships are formed. Most communication is non-verbal. Now I will say that zoom (and those other video platforms) are great. They bridge some of that gap. But I find that the best meetings I have are still in person. When in doubt, see the people.
Be The Bright Spot
And when you are out and about working to “see the people,” make sure you bring some joy with you. Most of what we see in the world today is negative. Studies will tell you that 89% of what we see is a negative message. And with this year being an election year, I think that is probably low. So if you want to stand out in this crowded space, be the bright spot in people’s day. Push out positivity and joy. Make people smile. Give kindness. It’s free. This is a simple piece of advice that I find I am never upset that I follow.
So there you have it! Those are 5 Business Lessons I learned from my parents. I hope they provided you with some value as well. As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
Our latest episode of Lessons from DMJ features an insightful interview with Mark Graham, the co-founder and chief brand officer at commonsku. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of customer care and team collaboration in building a successful business. From the humble beginnings of a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry, commonsku’s growth story is nothing short of inspirational. In this article, we delve into Mark’s reflections on his journey, his emphasis on customer and colleague care, his advice on creating memorable events, and his thoughts on team growth and inspiration.
Mark’s entrepreneurial wisdom is a beacon for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of business. His insights on the importance of not trying to control everything and finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress are particularly enlightening. As we explore Mark’s journey and wisdom, we hope to inspire you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust.
Reflection on the Growth of commonsku
Mark’s reflections on the growth of commonsku are a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He recalls the journey from a startup to a stable business in the promotional products industry with a sense of pride and gratitude. The journey, as he puts it, was not without its challenges. One of the key lessons he learned was the importance of not trying to control everything as an entrepreneur.
Mark emphasizes that finding a balance between focusing on details and letting go of unnecessary stress is crucial for entrepreneurial success. It’s about understanding that perfection is not always attainable and that sometimes, good enough is indeed good enough. This balance, he believes, is what has allowed common skew to grow and thrive in a competitive industry.
The Importance of Taking Care of Customers and Colleagues
Mark’s philosophy on building a successful business is centered around taking care of customers and colleagues. He believes that the success of a business is directly tied to the happiness of its customers and employees. This means going above and beyond to ensure that customers are satisfied and that employees feel valued and respected.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a great business by taking care of customers and colleagues. This involves not only providing excellent products and services but also creating a work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. According to Mark, a happy team leads to happy customers, and happy customers lead to a successful business.
Advice on Creating Great Events
Mark is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a seasoned event planner. He shares his advice on creating great events, emphasizing the importance of being a great host, focusing on guest experiences, and connecting attendees. According to him, a successful event is one where guests feel welcomed, engaged, and connected.
Being a great host, he says, involves anticipating guests’ needs and going above and beyond to meet them. Focusing on guest experiences means creating memorable moments that guests will remember long after the event is over. And connecting attendees involves facilitating meaningful interactions between guests, which can lead to lasting relationships and collaborations.
Growth of the Team at commonsku
Mark discusses the growth of his team at commonsku and the challenges that come with transitioning from a small team to a larger organization. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and trusting team members and giving them guidance without micromanaging. According to him, a successful team is one where members feel trusted and empowered to do their best work.
He believes that as a leader, it’s important to provide guidance and support without stifling creativity and initiative. This involves trusting team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. It’s this trust and respect, he says, that has allowed the team at commonsku to grow and thrive.
Inspiring People
Mark draws inspiration from several people in his life. His business partner and wife, his parents, Denise Taschereau from Fairware, and Rena Nelson from Brandid are just a few of the people who inspire him. He credits these individuals for their resilience, creativity, and dedication, and for inspiring him to be a better leader and entrepreneur.
He encourages others to find their own sources of inspiration, whether it’s from family, friends, or industry leaders. According to him, inspiration can come from anywhere, and it’s important to stay open and receptive to it.
Conclusion
Mark’s journey and insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders. His emphasis on customer care, team collaboration, and balance is particularly enlightening. He encourages people to connect with him and commonsku on social media platforms and LinkedIn to continue the conversation and learn more about his journey and insights.
As we conclude, we hope that Mark’s wisdom inspires you to take a customer-centric approach in your business, create memorable experiences, and build a team that’s rooted in respect and trust. Remember, success in business is not just about making profits, but also about making a positive impact on customers and employees.
In the latest episode of DMJ, we had the pleasure of hosting Josef Schinwald, the CEO of Guest Experts on Air. Schinwald, a seasoned expert in the podcasting industry, shared his insights on the art of getting booked on podcasts. He delved into the intricacies of overcoming initial nervousness, the methodology of securing a spot on a podcast, and the importance of standing out as a guest. Furthermore, he discussed the role of social media in promoting podcast appearances and the future of the podcasting industry.
Notably, Schinwald also mentioned his book on podcast guesting, offering a wealth of practical advice for those interested in this field. This article aims to encapsulate the key points from this enlightening interview, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to make their mark in the podcasting world.
Overcoming Nervousness and Anxiety
Josef Schinwald kicked off the interview by addressing a common concern among many aspiring podcast guests – nervousness and anxiety. He stressed that speaking on podcasts is akin to public speaking, and it’s natural to feel a bit jittery at first. However, he assured that with practice, this nervousness can transform into a sense of joy and fulfillment.
He further emphasized that podcasting can be a fun and enjoyable experience. The key is to embrace the nervousness and use it as a stepping stone to improve and refine your public speaking skills. Over time, you’ll find that the anxiety fades away, replaced by the thrill of sharing your knowledge and insights with a wider audience.
Methodology for Getting Booked on Podcasts
Next, Schinwald shared his tried-and-tested methodology for getting booked on podcasts. The first step, he said, is to research and identify experts in your field. This helps you understand the landscape and identify where you can add value. The next step is to find podcasts where you would be a good fit based on your unique value proposition.
He also recommended using tools like Listen Notes to find podcast hosts’ email addresses and reach out to them. This proactive approach can significantly increase your chances of getting booked. Remember, the goal is to position yourself as a unique and valuable guest who can bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Standing Out as a Guest
Standing out as a guest is crucial in the competitive world of podcasting. Schinwald suggests that one of the best ways to do this is by actively contributing to discussions and focusing on your niche expertise. By sharing your unique insights and experiences, you can add value to the podcast and engage the audience in a meaningful way.
He also pointed out that being a specialist in a specific area can be more powerful than being a generalist. This is because a specialist can delve deeper into a topic, offering nuanced insights that a generalist might not be able to provide. So, identify your niche and own it!
Using Social Media to Promote Podcast Appearances
Schinwald also discussed the importance of using social media to promote podcast appearances. He suggested repurposing podcast content into video clips and sharing them on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This not only increases your visibility but also helps you reach a wider audience.
He further recommended utilizing AI tools to format and optimize the content for each platform. Consistent promotion of your podcast appearances on social media can significantly boost your reach and engagement, helping you build a strong online presence.
The Future of Podcasting
Looking ahead, Schinwald predicted that podcasting will continue to grow, with AI playing a significant role in expanding the industry. He cited a projection that podcasting could be a $130 billion industry by 2030, with currently five million podcast listeners.
He also highlighted how AI technology could enhance the podcasting experience, enabling content in different languages and making podcasts more accessible to a global audience. This underscores the immense potential of podcasting and the exciting opportunities it holds for the future.
Book on Podcast Guesting
Finally, Schinwald mentioned his book on podcast guesting, which is available for free on the Guest Experts on Air website. The book provides practical advice on how to get booked on high-end podcasts, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in this field.
From identifying the right podcasts to crafting compelling pitches, the book covers all the essential aspects of podcast guesting. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to make their mark in the podcasting world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interview with Josef Schinwald provided a wealth of insights and strategies for getting booked on podcasts, standing out as a guest, and leveraging social media for promotion. It also sheds light on the future of podcasting and offered a sneak peek into Schinwald’s book on podcast guesting. Whether you’re a seasoned podcast guest or just starting out, these tips and strategies can help you navigate the podcasting world with confidence and ease.
