Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby talk all things branded merch, marketing, and the latest trends in the promo world.
This week, it’s Merch Madness—a fun and competitive episode where we put branded merch head-to-head in a tournament-style showdown to determine the ultimate winner. But that’s not all. We also cover:
Unpopular opinions that might ruffle some feathers
How to create branded merch that stands out in the social media era
This week’s featured product: the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
A special shoutout to the Coshocton Board of DD luncheon and the amazing award winners
Who won Merch Madness? You’ll have to watch or listen to find out!
Now, let’s break it all down.
Unpopular Opinions: Things That Might Get Us in Trouble
We kicked things off with some hot takes that might not sit well with everyone, but hey—they’re our opinions, and we stand by them!
Jade’s Unpopular Opinion: Just because you’re an A student doesn’t mean you’re the smartest person in the room. School rewards a certain type of intelligence, but real-world success is about more than just grades.
Kirby’s Unpopular Opinion: YETI tumblers are overrated in branded merch. There are plenty of high-quality, functional alternatives that provide the same (if not better) results, often at a better price point. Don’t just default to the brand name—explore other great options!
Do you agree or disagree with these? Let us know!
Merch Madness: The Branded Merch Showdown
In honor of March Madness, Jade created a bracket-style tournament featuring a mix of popular and underrated branded merch items.
Koozies vs. Tote Bags – Which one is more useful? More impactful?
Chisel Pencils vs. Lip Balm – Does function win over practicality?
Hand Sanitizer vs. Wireless Chargers – Which one is the must-have in today’s world?
The debates were heated, hilarious, and surprisingly difficult at times. Some of our picks might shock you.
Who took home the championship title? Watch the episode to find out!
How to Create Branded Merch That Stands Out in the Social Media Era
Branded merch isn’t just about slapping a logo on something and calling it a day—especially in a world where social media plays such a huge role in brand engagement.
Here are some tips on how to create merch people actually want to wear, use, and share:
Prioritize Great Design – The best branded merch doesn’t look like promo—it looks like something you’d buy in a store. Invest in good design, color choices, and aesthetic appeal.
Design for Your Real Audience – Think about who will actually be using the product. What do they love? What will make them want to show it off?
Make It Limited or Exclusive – People love limited-edition drops. Whether it’s for an event, a milestone, or a campaign, exclusive merch feels special.
Encourage Social Sharing – If your merch looks great, people will post about it. Create something photo-worthy and consider including hashtags or QR codes to drive engagement.
Want to create branded merch that people love? These tips will help.
Featured Product of the Week: Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
This week, we’re spotlighting a sleek, practical piece of branded merch that we both love—the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet. Check it out here
What makes it great?
MagSafe-compatible – Perfect for iPhone users who love a minimalist, no-bulk wallet option.
Holds essentials – Cards, ID, and cash stay secure while staying lightweight and convenient.
Premium feel – High-quality material makes it a great executive gift or giveaway.
We’re big fans of functional, everyday branded merch—and this one delivers.
Shoutout: Coshocton Board of DD Luncheon & Local Award Winners
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Board of DD for putting together an incredible area luncheon.
Not only was it a great event, but it also celebrated some incredible individuals and organizations making a difference. It’s always inspiring to see people recognized for their hard work and contributions to the community.
A huge congratulations to all the award winners—thank you for what you do!
Final Thoughts: A Fun Episode with Big Takeaways
This week’s episode was a mix of fun, debates, and valuable marketing insights.
Here’s what we covered:
Unpopular opinions that challenge conventional thinking
Merch Madness—a battle of branded merch items
How to create merch that stands out in today’s digital world
A product we’re loving: the Lean2 Magnetic Wallet
A shoutout to an amazing local event celebrating community leaders
Which branded merch item would YOU have picked as the winner of Merch Madness? Let us know!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Too often, we hold ourselves back waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, or the perfect conditions. But the truth is, the people who succeed in any area of life aren’t the ones who wait for perfection—they’re the ones who relentlessly pursue BETTER.
In this episode of DMJ 1 on 1, I break down 7 actionable tips to help you push past fear, take consistent action, and create meaningful progress. Watch the full episode here:
Now, let’s dive into the 7 tips that will help you relentlessly pursue BETTER.
If You Want to Finish, You Have to Start
One of the biggest obstacles to progress is over-preparation. We convince ourselves that we need more time, more research, more planning—when in reality, we just need to start.
Our brains tend to resist action because new things feel risky and uncertain. The trick? Hijack your brain. Give yourself permission to just start—without pressure. Because once you take that first step, you’ll often find it’s much easier to keep going.
If you’re stuck, take the smallest possible action forward. Momentum creates motivation.
It’s Not the Complexity… It’s the Consistency
Most of the time, we already know what to do. The challenge isn’t figuring out a complex strategy—it’s doing the simple things consistently.
Want to get in shape? Eat better and move more.
Want to grow your business? Show up for your customers and add value.
Want to improve your skills? Practice regularly.
It’s not about making huge changes overnight. It’s about small actions done consistently over time.
The real magic happens when you stop overcomplicating and start being consistent.
Other People’s Opinions Are None of Your Business
If you’re doing something big, different, or ambitious, people will have opinions. Some will be supportive. Others will be critical. But here’s the truth:
Their opinions don’t matter.
Most of the time, criticism comes from people who aren’t doing what you’re doing—and their negativity says more about them than about you.
Stay focused on your own journey. Take feedback from people you respect, but don’t let the fear of judgment stop you from pursuing your goals.
Lift the Heavy Stuff First
Most people avoid the hard stuff. We procrastinate on difficult tasks, choosing to do the easier, less important things first. But that just leaves us drained before we even get to what really matters.
The solution? Do the hard things first.
Have a tough conversation? Do it first thing in the morning.
Need to create something meaningful? Start with it before checking emails.
Facing a difficult workout? Knock it out early.
When you tackle the biggest challenge first, the rest of the day feels easier and more productive.
Perfection is a Fool’s Errand
Perfection does not exist. It’s an illusion, and more importantly, it’s a procrastination tool.
Waiting for things to be perfect before you take action is just another form of fear. The only way to get good at anything is to start by being bad at it.
The first time you create something, it won’t be great.
The first time you try a new skill, you’ll struggle.
The first version of your idea will need work.
And that’s okay. Because progress happens through action, not overthinking.
Be Patient with Results, But Impatient with Action
Most people give up because they expect instant success. The truth is, meaningful progress takes longer than you think.
But while you should be patient with results, you should be impatient with action.
If you want to improve, take more action, faster.
If you want to grow, put in more reps, more experiments, more effort.
If you want better results, stop waiting and start doing.
Results take time. But the faster you take action and learn, the sooner you’ll see progress.
Measure What Matters So You Can Learn
Taking action is important. But if you’re not measuring what matters, you’re missing a huge opportunity to improve.
What gets measured, gets improved.
If you’re trying to grow a business, track leads, revenue, and engagement.
If you’re trying to improve fitness, track workouts, nutrition, and progress.
If you’re trying to develop a skill, track practice time and key milestones.
Take action, measure the results, and adjust accordingly. That’s how real improvement happens over time.
Final Thoughts: The Pursuit of BETTER
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to keep getting better.
By focusing on starting, staying consistent, ignoring critics, tackling hard things first, ditching perfectionism, taking fast action, and measuring progress, you can create real momentum in any area of life or business.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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 Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Jade and Kirby discuss strategies for building a strong brand and using marketing to grow—even when times are uncertain.
This week, they cover:
Tips for marketing during uncertain times and how businesses can use this period to strengthen their brand
When and why a company should create a merch collection
How to leverage merch and social media during a product launch
A product they are both obsessed with—custom shoes
A special shoutout to McWane Ductile for their incredible contributions to the community
Watch or listen to the full episode here:
Marketing in Uncertain Times
Uncertain times impact everyone, including employees, customers, and the overall market. Many businesses react by pulling back, cutting budgets, and waiting for things to improve. But the companies that continue to invest in their marketing during these periods are the ones that come out ahead.
Here are three areas businesses should focus on when times are uncertain:
Take Care of Your Employees – Just like businesses, employees feel uncertain too. Providing a strong company culture, recognition, and support can help keep them engaged and motivated. A strong internal team leads to better customer experiences, which ultimately strengthens the brand.
Focus on Your Current Customer Base – While finding new customers is important, it’s even more critical to take care of the ones you already have. Make sure they feel appreciated through great customer service, personal outreach, and even small branded gifts that let them know they are valued. Retaining customers is far more cost-effective than constantly chasing new ones.
Double Down on Social Media and Content – Uncertain times can make some businesses hesitant to invest in marketing, but this is actually the time to grow market share. With fewer competitors actively marketing, there’s an opportunity to stand out. Creating valuable content, staying engaged on social media, and consistently communicating with your audience can help solidify your brand as an industry leader.
The key takeaway is not to panic and cut back. Instead, use this time to strengthen relationships, expand your reach, and build loyalty.
When Should Your Company Create a Merch Collection?
A merch collection isn’t just a collection of promotional products—it’s a branding strategy that can help create a sense of identity for employees, customers, and fans of the brand.
It makes sense to launch a merch collection when:
Celebrating a major milestone such as a company anniversary, rebrand, or expansion
Building team culture through employee appreciation or incentive programs
Running a community or charity campaign where proceeds from branded merch support a cause
Supporting a product launch by offering exclusive branded items alongside a new release
A well-executed merch collection can create buzz, strengthen relationships, and generate brand loyalty both internally and externally.
How to Leverage Merch and Social Media for a Product Launch
Branded merchandise and social media are a powerful combination for generating excitement around a product launch.
Here’s how they work together:
Before launch, use social media to build anticipation by offering sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes content, and giveaways featuring limited-edition merch
On launch day, drive engagement with interactive posts, live videos, and exclusive promotions that include branded merchandise
After launch, encourage customers to share their experiences with the product and branded merch on social media to increase visibility and credibility
Branded merchandise isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a tool to create engagement, excitement, and lasting brand awareness around a new product.
A Product We Are Obsessed With: Custom Shoes
Jade and Kirby both recently got custom shoes, and they are officially a new favorite branded merch item. Not only are they cool and comfortable, but they also have a one-piece minimum, making them accessible for companies of all sizes.
Custom shoes offer a unique way to showcase branding in a way that people actually want to wear. They’re a conversation starter, a personal branding tool, and a high-end piece of swag that stands out.
If you’re looking for a fresh and creative way to promote a brand, custom shoes might be the perfect fit.
Shoutout to McWane Ductile
This week’s shoutout goes to McWane Ductile, a company that is making a major impact in the local community.
They have:
Donated $500,000 to make the McWane River Walk a reality
Become the leading donor to the local United Way
Implemented the Total Wellness Plan for their employees to promote health and well-being
McWane Ductile is an example of a business that goes beyond just operations—it actively invests in the people and community around them. Their commitment to giving back is something worth recognizing.
Final Thoughts
This episode covered a mix of business strategies, marketing insights, and some exciting branded merch ideas.
Key takeaways:
Taking care of employees and customers should be a top priority during uncertain times
A merch collection can strengthen company culture, customer loyalty, and brand awareness
Social media and branded merch work together to create excitement around product launches
Custom shoes are a unique and eye-catching piece of branded merchandise
McWane Ductile is setting the standard for corporate community involvement
What are your thoughts on marketing during uncertain times? Have you ever launched a merch collection or used custom shoes for branding? Let’s talk about it.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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.
It’s time for another Thirsty Thursday, where we put branded drinkware to the test while trying a mystery drink! This week, Wendy Vogel, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman joined forces for a festive, holiday-inspired episode that truly tasted like Christmas in a cup.
What were we sipping on? The Cutwater Peppermint White Russian—a seasonal take on a classic cocktail. And what did we drink it from? The Stainless Steel Can Cooler from Bel Promo, which kept our drinks chilled and stylish throughout the episode.
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
Now, let’s break it all down!
The Drinkware: Stainless Steel Can Cooler from Bel Promo
Keeps drinks cold for hours – Perfect for those who sip slowly or get distracted mid-drink.
Sleek and stylish design – The stainless steel look makes it feel premium and modern.
Durable and lightweight – Great for tailgates, events, and everyday use.
A strong branding opportunity – With a large imprint area, this is a great piece of promo merch for companies wanting to stay in the hands of their customers year-round.
Final Verdict on the Drinkware:
A unanimous thumbs up! If you’re looking for high-quality, functional branded merch that people will actually use, this stainless steel can cooler is a great option.
Now, onto the mystery drink of the week—Cutwater’s Peppermint White Russian. If you’re a fan of rich, creamy cocktails with a holiday twist, this one definitely fits the bill.
What’s in it?
Vodka & Coffee Cream Liqueur – The classic White Russian base.
Peppermint Flavor – Adds a festive kick and makes it feel like a holiday dessert in a glass.
Our Thoughts:
Tastes like Christmas in a cup – The peppermint flavor was smooth, not overpowering.
Rich and creamy – This is definitely a dessert cocktail, not something you’d sip all night.
Would we drink it again? Mostly yes! While it won’t be everyone’s go-to, it’s a great seasonal option that pairs well with holiday gatherings and cozy nights in.
This week’s Thirsty Thursday was a fun mix of holiday flavors and high-quality branded merch.
🏆 The Stainless Steel Can Cooler from Bel Promo? Absolutely a win—a solid choice for promotional drinkware. 🍹 The Cutwater Peppermint White Russian? A mostly positive review—great for holiday vibes but not an everyday drink.
We had a blast tasting Christmas in a cup and putting another awesome piece of branded merch to the test.
Join Us for the Next Thirsty Thursday!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we: ✅ Try a mystery drink (sometimes delicious, sometimes questionable) ✅ Test out branded drinkware to see if it’s worth recommending ✅ Have a little fun while doing it
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.
It’s time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into books, promo products, avoiding burnout, and even a little bit of family wisdom. We also give a quick shout out to PPAI for recognizing us on their “Online 18.” We are pumped about it…and you can read all about that here.
This week’s episode is titled “Sexy Books We Love!”—but don’t worry, this isn’t just about steamy romance novels (though there is some of that). Jade and Kirby talk about their favorite books, underrated promotional products, how to recharge when burnout hits, and a special shoutout to some amazing Ohio entrepreneurs.
Now, let’s break down what went down in Episode 8!
Books We Love (Yes, Some of Them Are Spicy) 📚🔥
Books are a big part of both Kirby and Jade’s lives, and this week, they shared some of their favorites.
📖 Jade’s Pick: Acowar (A Court of Wings and Ruin) – Part of a fantasy, romance, and spicy book series, this one is for readers who love adventure, strong characters, and a little heat. If you know, you know. 😉
📖 Kirby’s Pick: The Reacher Series – If you love mystery, action, and thrillers, the Reacher books are a must-read. With the Amazon series bringing Jack Reacher to life, it’s a great time to check out the books if you haven’t already.
Of course, it’s not just about sexy and thrilling books—they also talked about more serious and business-focused reads. Want to hear what else made the list? You’ll have to watch the episode!
Underrated Promo Items That Always Deliver 🎁
Branded merch is what we do best, so Jade and Kirby took some time to shine a light on some underrated promo products that often get overlooked—but deliver BIG value.
✅ Branded Desk Mat – Jade’s pick! A simple but high-end promo item that elevates your workspace while providing constant brand visibility.
✅ Beach Towel – Kirby’s pick! High perceived value and something people keep for years. It’s one of those promo items that doesn’t just get thrown away—it gets used over and over again.
✅ Lip Balm – Another Jade favorite! It’s an inexpensive promo product, but 40% of the population is addicted to it. It’s one of those small items that people always appreciate.
Of course, they mentioned even more underrated items—but you’ll have to tune in to hear the full list.
Avoiding Burnout: Our Go-To Reset Moves 🔄
Burnout happens to the best of us. When life and work get overwhelming, it’s important to have a reset strategy.
💡 Jade’s Burnout Hack: Reset your desk. When things start feeling chaotic, cleaning up and decluttering your workspace helps reset your brain and create a fresh start.
🌳 Kirby’s Burnout Hack: Get outside. Sometimes, the best way to clear your head is to step away from the screen, take a walk, and breathe in fresh air. Even 10-15 minutes outdoors can make a huge difference in productivity and energy levels.
Feeling burned out? Try these tips and see if they help you recharge!
Dad Was Right: The Elopement Prediction 👰♀️💍
This week’s “Dad Was Right” moment is a little more personal.
Jade shared that Kirby knew early on that she and John were going to elope. It was one of those moments where Dad just knew, even before they did. Turns out, he was right.
Sometimes, dads just have a sixth sense about these things!
Shoutout to Jim & Bobbi Lepi! 🎉
This week’s shoutout goes to Jim and Bobbi Lepi, who were recently recognized for their contributions as Ohio Entrepreneurs. Jim was recognized for his work with Dresden & Company. And Bobbi is the leader of Lepi Real Estate (the leading real estate agency in Muskingum and surrounding counties).
They’ve made a huge impact in the community, and their recognition is well deserved. A big congratulations to them for their hard work and leadership!
Final Thoughts: Books, Merch & Avoiding Burnout
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with fun conversations, great insights, and a little bit of wisdom.
📢 Key takeaways: ✅ Books can be fun, exciting, and a great way to escape OR grow. ✅ Underrated promo items can make a huge impact—think outside the usual swag bag! ✅ Avoiding burnout starts with simple resets—whether it’s your desk or a walk outside. ✅ Sometimes, Dad really does know best. 😉 ✅ Jim & Bobbi Lepi deserve a big round of applause for their entrepreneurial contributions.
What’s your favorite underrated promo item? Do you have a go-to move for avoiding burnout? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! 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 are incredibly excited to share some big news—Hasseman Marketing has been recognized on the 2025 PPAI Online 18.
This prestigious list highlights the most successful and influential organizations in the Promotional Products industry when it comes to social media, content, and digital marketing. Being included is a huge honor, and we are thrilled to be recognized alongside some of the best in the business.
At Hasseman Marketing, we believe in the power of consistent, engaging, and fun content to connect with our audience and bring value to the industry. Our approach to digital marketing isn’t just about selling promotional products—it’s about educating, entertaining, and building relationships through a variety of platforms.
From weekly educational and inspirational content to interactive social media engagement, our goal has always been to deliver value while having fun along the way.
A Team Effort: Content That Connects
Content creation at Hasseman Marketing is truly a team effort. Everyone has a hand in shaping the messaging, videos, and ideas that resonate with our audience.
Some of our favorite content initiatives include:
Thirsty Thursdays, a lighthearted series where we test branded drinkware with a mystery beverage.
This recognition from PPAI reinforces our belief that authentic, creative, and valuable content can make a difference in the industry.
Kirby Hasseman on the Recognition
“I’m incredibly proud of our whole team for this recognition. Everyone at Hasseman Marketing has a hand in the content we create—from ‘Thirsty Thursdays’ to the funny videos that Jade Crider puts together. It’s a total team effort. To be recognized as a leader in digital marketing in our industry is an incredible honor, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward.” Kirby Hasseman, CEO of Hasseman Marketing
What’s Next?
We are grateful to PPAI for this recognition, but we are just getting started!
We will keep creating content that inspires, educates, and entertains. Our goal is to continue helping brands stand out through creative branded merchandise and marketing strategies. We will keep engaging with our audience, because that is what makes this all possible.
For businesses looking to take their marketing to the next level, we have created a proven framework to help organizations plan and execute an effective marketing strategy. Get your own marketing playbook today at HitTheTargetBook.com. And if your organization needs help developing a social and digital strategy to stand out, please let us know how we can help!
