If you’ve been missing our Thirsty Thursday videos, we’ve got good news: we’re bringing them back! 🎉
For those who don’t know, Thirsty Thursday is one of our favorite video series here at Hasseman Marketing. In each episode, we try a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware. The catch? We have no idea what the drink will be. Sometimes it’s delicious, and sometimes…well, not so much. 😂
It’s been a few months since our last episode, so to get back into the groove, we went through some of our older episodes and pulled together a collection of the funniest moments. From unexpected reactions to some questionable drink choices, this video will remind you why Thirsty Thursday is always a good time.
We love doing these videos because they’re a fun way to showcase branded drinkware while sharing a laugh with our audience. And the best part? New episodes are starting again soon! So stay tuned as we dive into more mystery drinks, more laughs, and more (hopefully) tasty surprises.
In the meantime, check out our “funny moments” video and let us know which clip made you laugh the most.
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.
In today’s competitive marketplace, finding a marketing partner who truly understands your needs and delivers results can be challenging. At Hasseman Marketing, we pride ourselves on standing out from the crowd. What makes us different? It comes down to two key elements: our Proven Process and our 3 Uniques. Together, these cornerstones of our business are designed to ensure our clients not only achieve their goals but enjoy the journey along the way. Here’s how:
The Proven Process: A Roadmap to Success
We believe great marketing doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’ve developed a Proven Process that guides every project we undertake. This structured approach ensures consistency, quality, and results for every client, no matter the project size or scope. Our process includes five key steps:
Discovery – We begin by listening. Understanding your goals, challenges, and vision is the foundation for everything we do. By getting to know you and your business, we can craft a strategy that truly aligns with your needs.
Present Solutions – Once we understand your objectives, we present customized solutions designed to achieve your goals. Whether it’s branded merchandise, a digital campaign, or a comprehensive marketing plan, every solution is tailored specifically to you.
Implement & Deliver – Execution is where ideas come to life. From design to delivery, our team ensures every detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Follow Up – We don’t stop at delivery. We follow up to make sure you’re thrilled with the results and that the project met your expectations.
Repeat – Our goal is to build lasting partnerships. With each project, we aim to deepen our understanding of your business and continue delivering value over time.
This Proven Process not only ensures a seamless experience but also gives you peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place from start to finish.
The 3 Uniques: Why Clients Love Working with Us
Beyond our process, we’ve identified three key qualities that set us apart from other marketing agencies. These are our 3 Uniques:
Full House – In House: Unlike many agencies that outsource key services, we do it all in-house. From video production to graphic design and branded merchandise, we have the expertise and tools to manage your marketing under one roof. This means faster turnaround times, better communication, and a more cohesive strategy.
Customer Centric: Your success is our success. We align our goals with yours, focusing on what matters most to you. Whether it’s driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or building stronger employee relationships, our team is committed to delivering results that align with your vision.
No Surprise Charges: Transparency is essential in any partnership. With Hasseman Marketing, you’ll always know what to expect. We provide upfront invoices so you’re never caught off guard by hidden fees for proofs, shipping, or art charges.
Why This Matters for You
When you choose Hasseman Marketing, you’re not just hiring a vendor—you’re gaining a partner. Our Proven Process ensures every project is handled with care and precision, while our 3 Uniques guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.
This combination of structure, expertise, and customer focus is why so many of our clients come back to us year after year. Whether you need branded merchandise, digital marketing, or a comprehensive marketing strategy, you can trust us to deliver Marketing Joy every step of the way.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Let’s start the Discovery phase today!
When done right, branded merchandise is more than just a logo on a product—it’s an extension of your brand’s identity. Great merch connects with your audience, creates lasting impressions, and builds loyalty. But creating truly impactful branded merchandise takes more than picking a product from a catalog.
The first—and most critical—step in creating better branded merch is to know your audience. Ask yourself:
Who will receive this product?
What do they value?
How will they use it?
For example, a sleek tumbler might be the perfect gift for professionals who need coffee on the go, while a cozy crewneck sweatshirt might resonate more with college students. The more you understand your audience, the better you can select products that align with their needs, tastes, and lifestyles.
2. Create a Cool Design
Branded merch should excite your audience, not bore them. A great design goes beyond simply slapping your logo on an item—it should be visually appealing and represent your brand in a way that makes people want to wear or use it.
Here are some tips for designing merch your audience will love:
Keep it clean and professional, but don’t be afraid to add a creative twist.
Use colors that match your brand but also pop on the product.
Incorporate messaging or visuals that resonate with your audience.
A well-designed piece of merch turns recipients into walking ambassadors for your brand.
3. Give Yourself Time
Rushing the process is a surefire way to miss opportunities for greatness. Better branded merch takes time—time to brainstorm ideas, create designs, and review proofs. By giving yourself ample time:
You can think through the product’s purpose and impact.
Your design team has the opportunity to create something truly exceptional.
You’ll avoid costly mistakes or last-minute compromises.
Remember: rushed merch often feels rushed. Plan ahead, and you’ll end up with a product you’re proud to share.
4. Pay Attention to Detail
Details matter, especially in branded merchandise. Before placing an order, always request a proof of your design, and then really look at it.
Here’s what to check for:
Are the colors correct?
Is your logo placed where you want it?
Are there typos or errors in any text?
Does the design scale well on the product?
Taking the time to review every detail ensures that the final product matches your vision. A small mistake on a proof can turn into a big problem when it’s on 500 products.
5. Pay Attention to the Merch That Moves You
Think about the last time you received a piece of branded merch that you loved. What made it special? Was it the design? The quality? The functionality?
When you notice merch that moves you, take note of why. Use those insights to create products that will resonate with your audience in the same way. The key to better merch is understanding what you find impactful and using that knowledge to connect with others.
Why BETTER Merch Matters
Branded merchandise isn’t just about promotion—it’s about creating an experience. When you invest time and energy into doing merch BETTER, your audience will notice. They’ll feel valued, appreciated, and connected to your brand.
By following these 5 tips, you can turn ordinary promotional products into extraordinary tools for engagement. So take the time to understand your audience, create something exciting, and pay attention to the details.
Because when it comes to branded merch, better isn’t just possible—it’s worth pursuing.
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?
