It is time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this week Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider cover several topics that blend retail insights, smart marketing tactics, long-term planning, and a standout merch piece you should know about. From Black Friday failures and wins to the importance of QR codes and seasonal strategy, this episode offers takeaways for any organization trying to build stronger marketing momentum heading into the new year.
A Tale of Two Black Friday Promotions
Kirby and Jade opened the episode with a look at two Black Friday promotions that produced two very different customer reactions. One came from TARGET and the other from Lowe’s. Both brands had the right idea with offering giveaways, but the execution yielded very different results.
TARGET promoted an experience. They advertised special gifts, exclusive opportunities, and a large branded bag intended to enhance the shopping experience. The problem came when customers discovered that the bag was filled with underwhelming items. There was a disconnect between the expectation created by the promotion and the reality of what was delivered.
Then came Lowe’s. Their promotion featured a branded utility bucket filled with products that had real value. Useful tools, recognizable items, and a tangible sense that customers were receiving something worthwhile. To take it a step further, Lowe’s added a sweepstakes opportunity, including the chance to win a gift card worth up to $2,000 toward an appliance purchase. The entire campaign created excitement, value, and loyalty.
The lesson from both examples is clear. If you are going to run a promotion, do it well. Make sure the value you promise matches the value you deliver. Customers are willing to engage and participate, but they can quickly tell the difference between a thoughtful campaign and a hollow one. Lowe’s nailed the execution. TARGET fell short.
QR Codes and the Missed Opportunity in Merch
Next, Jade and Kirby talked about the use of QR codes in branded merchandise and marketing. QR codes have become more common across industries, but they both agreed that most organizations still do not use them enough.
The simplest marketing rule is this. For every call to action you include in your digital or traditional marketing, you should use that same percentage of calls to action in your merch. If you invite someone to sign up, learn more, watch a video, or claim an offer through your ads or social, you should give them that same pathway on your physical products.
Branded merchandise already lives in front of your audience. It is handled, seen, worn, or kept nearby. That makes it a prime opportunity to connect the physical world with your digital presence. A well-placed QR code can lead to an exclusive offer, a landing page, a product demo, or a discount. The goal is to treat every branded item as a touchpoint that leads to the next step. Most businesses are still leaving this opportunity untapped.
Seasonal Influence and Planning for 2026
The conversation then shifted to seasonal influence in branded merchandise. Jade talked about the importance of thinking ahead and planning for the upcoming year. Her message was simple. Now is the time to start planning for 2026, not when January arrives.
Businesses often limit seasonal thinking to apparel, but Jade encouraged listeners to look beyond that. Your region, your customers, and your industry should all shape the promotions you plan and the merchandise you choose. If you understand the rhythms of your customers, you can map out smarter, more intentional campaigns throughout the year.
This type of planning helps you avoid last minute decisions that may not align with your goals. It also ensures that your merch program supports your marketing strategy instead of reacting to it. Whether it is event season, recruitment season, outdoor season, gifting season, or onboarding season, thoughtful planning today creates better results tomorrow.
Product of the Week: The Sonosphere
This week’s featured product is the Sonosphere, a standout offering from HPG Brands. It is part wireless speaker and part award, with a one piece minimum and impressive value. It is one of those rare pieces where form and function are equally strong.
The Sonosphere is ideal for employee recognition, executive gifting, year end awards, or branded displays. It has the look of a premium desk award while providing the usefulness of a wireless speaker. That combination makes it memorable and appreciated. You can see it (and many of our other Year End Gifts) here in our shop!
This is the type of merch that elevates a brand and makes a statement, both visually and practically.
Shout Out: Peoples Bank and the Peoples Bank Foundation
The shout out this week goes to Peoples Bank and the Peoples Bank Foundation. They announced that they will be donating more than $150,000 during the holiday season. In addition, they highlighted the volunteerism of their team members, who consistently serve their communities throughout the year.
It is a powerful example of a company that supports the regions they serve in meaningful ways. Their commitment to giving, community programs, and hands on involvement shows what leadership looks like in the financial industry. You can learn more here.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday, the weekly tradition where Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman bravely sip unknown liquids out of branded drinkware—all in the noble pursuit of better marketing.
This week’s episode brought a bold vodka, a color-changing party cup, and a quote from Jade that instantly entered the Thirsty Thursday Hall of Fame.
Let’s dive in.
The Drink: Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka
This week’s mystery drink was Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka, a spirit known for being clean, sharp, and—apparently—universally despised by the Thirsty Thursday crew.
Reactions were immediate and unanimous:
Jade: Hated it. Absolutely not for her.
Briar: Also hated it. No notes.
Kirby: Hated it and summed it up perfectly:
“It’s a hurricane in a cup.”
But the best moment came when Jade tried to guess the drink and missed badly. Her response:
“I don’t know my vodkas, but I do know my husband.” (Context: Johnny—her husband—was the one who picked this week’s mystery drink.)
Safe to say: Sobiesky is not making anyone’s top shelf around here.
Check out our Thirsty Thursday shop for more pieces we’ve tested and approved: Just Click Here!
✔ Final Verdict
Category
Verdict
Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka
Hated by all three. Strong, sharp, and not a vibe.
Mood 14oz Hurricane Cup
Big win. Fun, functional, and perfect for events.
Another episode wrapped—full of laughs, strong opinions, and a drink we’ll never forget (even if we’d like to).
See you next week for another round of mystery drinks, merch testing, and the relentless pursuit of marketing joy.
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
Every great business solves a problem. That’s the essence of entrepreneurship. But in the world of marketing, there’s a question most people overlook:
What problems does branded merch actually solve?
It’s easy to think of promotional products as giveaways, freebies, or “nice-to-haves.” But that mindset misunderstands what great branded merchandise really is. When used well, merch isn’t a trinket—it’s a strategic tool. A lever that moves people. A physical touchpoint that influences awareness, trust, loyalty, culture, communication, and even conversion.
In this DMJ 1 on 1, we break down the real business problems branded merch solves—and why top organizations continue to invest in it year after year.
The Awareness Problem: Reaching the Right People
Most businesses aren’t struggling because they’re bad at what they do. They’re struggling because not enough of the right people know who they are.
Awareness matters—but targeted awareness matters even more.
Branded merch creates consistent visibility with your perfect customer. Not for a glance or a swipe, but for days, months, or even years.
Think about a bank trying to reach small business owners. A simple drop-off kit with notepads, pens, or desk accessories keeps that bank’s brand in front of business owners every single day. That is targeted, enduring awareness—something a social post or ad impression can’t match.
Awareness isn’t about reaching everyone. It’s about reaching the right ones—again and again.
The Trust Problem: Familiarity Builds Confidence
Someone once said, “People buy from those they trust.” And trust doesn’t come from a single impression—it comes from familiarity built over time.
That’s where long-lasting, well-chosen branded merch shines.
A calendar that stays up all year. A tumbler used every morning. A mousepad that never leaves the desk. A beach towel that lasts seven years. (Yes, really.)
Every time your customer uses your branded item, you get a moment of familiarity. A micro-impression. A reminder that you’re the company that showed up with something useful.
Even better: this trust-building happens automatically.
You don’t need to boost ads. You don’t need to post more often. You don’t need to cross your fingers and hope they remember you.
Branded merch quietly does the work for you.
The Loyalty Problem: Combatting Perceived Indifference
This might be the most shocking stat of all:
69% of customers who leave a business do so because of perceived indifference.
Not because of price. Not because of competition. Not because of bad service.
They leave because they don’t think you care.
Branded merch, paired with appreciation, solves this problem instantly.
A quarterly appreciation box. A handwritten note with a meaningful gift. A thank-you item for your top 20% of customers.
When customers feel valued, they stay longer, spend more, and refer more often. They become your cheerleaders—not because of a discount or deal, but because of how you made them feel.
That’s the power of appreciation. And appreciation—the real kind—requires action.
The Engagement Problem: Strengthening Culture and Team Pride
It’s not just about customers—your people matter too.
Employees want to feel connected, appreciated, and proud of where they work. Branded merch creates that sense of belonging.
Onboarding kits make day one feel meaningful. Service awards make tenure feel celebrated. Wellness gifts show you care beyond the job description. Apparel creates unity and pride.
A team that feels appreciated talks about your brand. They advocate for it. They recruit for it. They represent it everywhere they go.
Your employees are your most powerful marketing force—and merch helps them wear that pride on their sleeve. Literally.
The Communication Problem: Making Your Message Stick
Too many companies print their logo on everything and call it a day. But branded merch becomes far more powerful when you pair it with your message, not just your mark.
Instead of only pushing a logo, use your merchandise to amplify:
Your annual theme Your rallying cry Your vision Your values Your culture statements Your tagline
When that message appears on notebooks, mugs, apparel, or desktop items, people internalize it through repetition. Your message sticks because they see it every day—not once in a meeting slide deck.
Branded merch reinforces communication through exposure. It helps people remember what matters most.
The Conversion Problem: Driving Action
Finally, great merch influences behavior.
Nonprofits have mastered this for decades: Donate $50, get a shirt. Donate $100, get the full merch pack.
That model works because of psychology—the tangible incentive nudges action.
Businesses can use the same principle.
Register for the event → get the merch. Attend the demo → get the kit. Join the newsletter → receive the welcome pack. Complete onboarding → earn the swag.
Whether you’re selling, educating, fundraising, or recruiting, merch paired with a clear message can move people to take the next step.
Conclusion: The Real Problems Branded Merch Solves
Smart branded merchandise is one of the most versatile tools in your marketing toolbox. It’s not about “stuff.” It’s about strategy.
And when you align the right message, the right audience, and the right merchandise, you’re not giving things away—you’re building a brand that lasts.
That’s how you truly Deliver Marketing Joy.
And as always, we are here to help! 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 is time for another episode of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, hosted by Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider. This week’s conversation covered creative content trends, goal setting for the year ahead, smart use of LinkedIn, a fun product spotlight, and a moving local shout-out. The themes ranged from playful to strategic, but each topic held value for business owners, marketers, and anyone looking to elevate their brand.
Microdramas and the Rise of Story-Driven Content
The episode opened with a look at one of the latest trends sweeping social platforms: microdramas. These short, punchy narrative videos are becoming a new form of entertainment and a powerful content tool. Jade and Kirby explored how brands can take inspiration from this trend by creating their own simple, bite-sized stories.
Microdramas work because they do not require major production. They rely on character, tension, and humor, not expensive sets or elaborate equipment. For marketers, this creates an opportunity. You can spotlight a product, capture a customer pain point, exaggerate a workplace scenario, or highlight your company culture in a way that is engaging and memorable.
The key is that microdramas invite creativity. They let brands show personality. They help companies escape the traditional sales pitch and instead entertain, educate, and build emotional connection. For any business that wants to stand out in a noisy feed, this is a format worth exploring.
Now Is the Time to Plan for 2026
Kirby and Jade then switched gears to talk about goal setting, and they made an important point: waiting until January to plan for the new year is too late. If you want meaningful goals, thoughtful execution, and a sense of alignment heading into the next year, the planning should start now.
The end of 2025 is approaching quickly. This is the moment to review what has gone well, what still needs work, and what needs to be completed before December 31. Clarity today leads to better decisions tomorrow. Those who wait until the new year begins often find themselves choosing goals they do not actually care about or are not ready to pursue.
Kirby emphasized that planning early gives you two advantages. First, you finish the current year strong. Second, you can be more thoughtful about what you truly want out of 2026. Instead of reactive goals, you can set intentional ones. Instead of scrambling on January 1, you can begin the year with momentum and direction.
Leveraging LinkedIn Navigator for Business Growth
Jade has been diving into LinkedIn Navigator, and this week she shared insights about using LinkedIn to drive sales and business connections. The conversation centered around how the platform continues to grow, becoming one of the most reliable spaces for professionals to connect, educate, and market themselves.
LinkedIn is not just for job seekers. It is a relationship-building tool. When used consistently, it helps brands build visibility and thought leadership. Jade discussed how LinkedIn Navigator can refine your prospecting, help you understand your ideal audience, and create a more organized system for outreach.
Consistency is the heartbeat of LinkedIn. Show up often, share value, comment on other posts, and treat the platform as a place to build credibility. For small and mid-sized businesses, LinkedIn provides direct access to decision-makers and industry peers. Used strategically, it can move relationships forward and generate real business opportunities.
Product of the Week: Custom Socks
This week’s product spotlight was a fun one: custom socks. Jade shared a playful example featuring Porshe and Maverick posed as the Grinch and his dog. The result was a memorable, humorous, and highly brandable piece of merch that shows how flexible custom socks can be. Want to learn more about creating these for your brand? Click here.
Custom socks give brands a lot of creative freedom. You can feature mascots, pets, team members, patterns, icons, holiday themes, and more. They combine usefulness with personality, which makes them a great option for holiday gifts, event giveaways, employee appreciation, or retail merchandise.
When done well, custom socks are a conversation starter. People show them off, photograph them, and share them. They create visibility without feeling like traditional promotional items. For companies looking to add a little personality to their merch mix, this is a product worth considering.
Shout-Out: The Mural on Main Street
The episode wrapped up with a shout-out to a new mural on Main Street in Coshocton. The artwork is a depiction of the powerful “I will take it from here” image that shows the military taking the flag from first responders. It is a tribute to service, sacrifice, and unity. It is also a meaningful addition to the local community.
Jade and Kirby highlighted how public art can elevate a community, inspire pride, and tell a story. This mural does all of those things. It honors the people who serve and protect, and it gives Coshocton residents a visual reminder of courage and commitment. It is the kind of project that brings people together and adds character to the place they call home.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
Welcome back to another episode of Thirsty Thursday—the weekly ritual where we grab a mystery drink, test out a fresh piece of branded drinkware, and offer up our brutally honest reactions (all in the name of marketing research, of course).
This week, the full crew—Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman—took on a spirit with some serious kick and a piece of drinkware built for shaking things up.
The Drink: New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon
The mystery drink this week was none other than New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon—a bold, high-proof choice that hit the table with confidence.
Reactions were… dramatic.
Jade: Immediate regret. Zero poker face. Upon the first sip she declared: “Looks like I’m not driving home today.” Translation: this bourbon was not her love language.
Briar: Appreciated it for what it was—strong, complex, and well made—but not something he’d choose to sip casually.
Kirby: Similar stance. Respect for the quality, but not exactly pouring himself a second glass.
In short: If you’re a bourbon person, this bottle delivers. If you’re Jade, it’s a hard no.
The Drinkware: Camden 17 oz Plastic Cocktail Shaker Bottle (BelPromo) + Shot Glasses (CPS)
Now this is where the enthusiasm kicked in.
This episode featured an awesome combo from two great suppliers:
Camden 17 oz Plastic Cocktail Shaker Bottle – BelPromo
A lightweight, durable shaker perfect for mixing cocktails (or hiding the fear in your eyes when you realize the drink is 100+ proof). Everyone loved the feel, the construction, and how practical it is for events, giveaways, or bar-themed kits.
Shot Glasses – CPS
Simple, clean, and surprisingly classy for a promo piece. Perfect for tastings, parties, or—if you’re Jade—recovering emotionally after unexpected bourbon.
Unanimous verdict: Great drinkware combo. Easy to brand. Easy to use. Total win.
Why It Works
Thirsty Thursday is more than just drinks and reactions—it’s a real-time look at how branded merch performs in the hands of real people.
This week’s takeaway:
The drink might not be for everyone.
But the drinkware? Useful, fun, practical, and universally loved.
That’s the power of good promo products—they work even when the bourbon doesn’t.
New Riff Single Barrel Bourbon: Respect earned. Palates divided. Jade slightly traumatized.
Camden Shaker + CPS Shot Glasses: A perfect pairing. Great value. Highly recommended for branded kits or cocktail-themed swag.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books—full of laughs, strong drinks, and even stronger opinions.
Until next time… cheers! Ready for the next round whenever you are.
And as always, we are here to help! 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 this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into three timely topics that connect technology, culture, and business strategy. From the ongoing changes in streaming services to influencer privileges at the NYC Marathon and the rise of AI in sales, this episode brings fresh insights for marketers and business owners who want to stay sharp.
YouTube TV, Disney, and What It Teaches Us About Marketing
The first topic centered around YouTube TV’s recent negotiations with Disney and the growing frustration among subscribers over fewer available channels. Kirby and Jade discussed how the streaming wars illustrate an important marketing truth: customers notice when value disappears.
As brands evolve, they must protect what made customers choose them in the first place. When companies take away features, raise prices, or make access harder, they risk eroding loyalty.
Marketing takeaway: Whether you sell a service, a product, or branded merchandise, consistency and perceived value matter. People are willing to pay for quality, but not confusion. When your customers start asking, “Why am I still paying for this?” you have a retention problem—not just a pricing one.
NYC Marathon and the Influencer Debate
Next, the hosts tackled a headline from the running world: the NYC Marathon allowed influencers to start an hour before the elite runners.
Kirby, a passionate runner himself, had strong opinions on the subject. He shared how running has always been about fairness, discipline, and respect for the craft. While influencers bring exposure to the sport, giving them special treatment disrupts the integrity of competition.
Jade pointed out that this moment also reveals a broader tension in modern marketing—the balance between authenticity and influence. Social reach has value, but credibility and expertise still matter.
Lesson for marketers: Attention is valuable, but it should never replace authenticity. Whether you’re choosing brand ambassadors or designing campaigns, influence works best when it supports, not overshadows, the core mission.
AI and the Future of Sales Follow-Up
The final discussion focused on how AI is raising the standard for responsiveness. With automation tools now able to follow up perfectly every time, non-paid entities—bots, automated assistants, and CRMs—are outperforming many human sales efforts.
That begs the question: if AI can follow up instantly, do salespeople need to change how they operate?
Kirby and Jade agreed that AI should enhance, not replace, the human element. Technology can send reminders, craft responses, and track communication, but it cannot replace empathy, understanding, and genuine connection.
Takeaway: Use AI to handle consistency so your team can focus on creativity and relationships. The future of sales belongs to those who combine technology with humanity.
The kit includes quality essentials, ideal for onboarding, executive gifts, or client appreciation programs. It represents the kind of branded merchandise that balances style, practicality, and long-term visibility.
Lesson: The best merch supports your brand by being both useful and memorable. When recipients use your product daily, your logo becomes part of their routine.
Shout-Out: Surge Veterans Day Giveback
This week’s shout-out goes to the Surge Veterans Day Giveback, an initiative recognizing and serving those who have given so much. Kirby and Jade praised the organization for combining gratitude and action—two qualities that define meaningful community impact.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! 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!
