Another week, another round of marketing insights, branded merch strategies, and a few laughs along the way! At Hasseman Marketing, we love creating content that helps businesses grow while keeping things engaging and fun. This past week was packed with valuable lessons, great conversations, and even a little time with Maverick (our favorite four-legged co-star).
If you missed anything, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a look at what went down this week at Hasseman Marketing.
Monday Minute: The Sentence That Kills Progress
We kicked off the week with Monday Minute, where Kirby shared a phrase that stops progress in its tracks—“I am already good at that.”
It’s a dangerous mindset. The moment you decide you don’t need to improve, you stop growing. The best in any industry—from elite athletes to top entrepreneurs—never stop learning and refining their skills. The key to long-term success? Stay curious. Stay coachable. Keep improving.
Employee Appreciation Day Reminder (Starring Maverick!)
Jade and her pup Maverick took over the camera to remind everyone that Employee Appreciation Day is coming up on March 7th.
If you want to show your team some love, branded merch is a great way to make employees feel valued and engaged. Plus, Maverick steals the show in this one, so even if you don’t need the reminder, it’s worth watching for the cuteness overload. 🐶
Kirby shared a short but powerful productivity tip on YouTube this week, and it’s something we’re all guilty of doing. Constantly shifting between tasks kills focus and slows down progress. Instead, commit to one thing at a time, and you’ll get way more done.
Delivering Marketing Joy: From Bank Robber to Sales Leader
This week’s Delivering Marketing Joy was a special one. Kirby sat down with Luke Lunkenheimer, who shared his incredible journey from bank robber to sales leader.
Yep, you read that right. Luke’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and growth, and his insights on overcoming challenges to find success are truly inspiring. If you need a reminder that it’s never too late to change your path, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Thirsty Thursday: The Hangover Cure from Las Vegas
Thirsty Thursday is back! This time, we recorded from the PPAI Expo show floor in Las Vegas—and let’s just say, the theme was fitting.
In this episode, we put The Hangover Cure to the test in a mystery drink challenge. Did it actually work? Were our taste buds forever ruined? You’ll have to watch and find out!
Better Merch…Better Marketing: Super Bowl Ads & Branded Apparel
To close out the week, Jade and Kirby dropped a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where they tackled:
🏈 The best (and worst) Super Bowl ads – Who nailed it, and who made us say, “WTF?”
👕 Why branded apparel shouldn’t be boring – And how to create apparel that people actually want to wear.
🔥 Branded merch trends – What businesses should be paying attention to right now.
If you’re in marketing, branding, or just love good (and bad) advertising, this one’s for you!
That’s everything from this week at Hasseman Marketing! From marketing insights to productivity hacks, mystery drinks, and an inspiring redemption story, it was a week full of valuable content.
Now, we’d love to hear from YOU! Which piece of content stood out the most? Drop us a comment or reply—we always love getting your feedback.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or just want to brainstorm big ideas, we’re here for you. Let’s make something great together! 🚀
Until next week, keep climbing! ⛰️
– The Hasseman Marketing Team
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 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.
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.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Better Merch…Better Marketing, featuring Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider! This weekly show is designed to explore marketing, branded merchandise, and everything in between—all while sharing some laughs and insights along the way. If you’re looking for actionable tips, fun discussions, and a fresh perspective on building your brand, you’re in the right place.
Our very first episode is live, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. You can watch the full episode below:
What’s This Podcast All About?
In this debut episode, we dive into why we’re starting this podcast and what you can expect in the weeks ahead. Whether you’re an HR professional, a marketing guru, or a small business owner/entrepreneur, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights that you can apply to your organization. Plus, we’ll bring our unique father-daughter dynamic to every conversation, adding a little fun and humor along the way.
Highlights from Episode 1
Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered:
Why This Podcast?
We kick things off by sharing our vision for Better Merch…Better Marketing. This podcast is all about helping businesses and organizations like yours create better branded merchandise and marketing campaigns that drive results.
Lessons from 2024
The past year has been full of opportunities, challenges, and valuable lessons. We share a few key takeaways that have shaped our approach to marketing and branded merch.
Goals for 2025
A new year means new goals! From expanding our services to building stronger connections with our clients, we outline what we’re working toward in the coming year.
Dad Was Right (Again)
In a fun segment, Jade shares a lesson where Kirby’s advice turned out to be spot on—proving that sometimes, dads really do know best.
Shout Out to the Friends of the Park 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
We’re proud to spotlight the upcoming Friends of the Park event happening this April. This race raises funds to support our local parks, and we encourage everyone to get involved—whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines. If you are interested in registering, head here.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning! Each week, we’ll bring you a mix of trending marketing topics, teachable moments, and standout branded merchandise campaigns to inspire your next move. Plus, we’ll be answering audience questions in future episodes, so stay tuned and send us your marketing or merch-related queries.
We’re excited to embark on this journey and hope you’ll join us. Check out the video above, share your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes. Let’s create Better Merch…Better Marketing together!
Have a question or topic idea for the podcast? 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.
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.
