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.
We’re back, baby! 🎉 Thirsty Thursday has returned, and we’re kicking things off in a BIG way—with a special episode recorded live at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas!
Last week, we got everyone ready for our return by sharing a Thirsty Thursday Greatest Hits episode, packed with some of our funniest moments from past episodes. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can watch it here for some good laughs. But this week, we’re back with a brand-new episode, featuring a mystery drink, an awesome guest, and a whole lot of fun!
A Special Thirsty Thursday at PPAI Expo
For this episode, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider took Thirsty Thursday on the road to the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the biggest event of the year for branded merchandise and promotional products. And we didn’t just bring the show—we brought a special guest!
Joining us as this week’s guest taster was Dawn Browne from Keystone, who was kind enough to donate the Trail Mug for our mystery drink tasting. (Spoiler: The mug looked fantastic. The drink inside? Well, you’ll have to watch to find out. 😉)
But that’s not all. This episode couldn’t have happened without the generous help of Brandon Pecharich of Mark8Media, who not only recorded the episode but also took on the crucial task of hunting down the mystery drink. It was a lot to coordinate, and we’re so grateful for their help in making it happen!
What’s the Mystery Drink?
As always, Thirsty Thursday is all about drinking from branded drinkware—and hoping the mystery drink inside isn’t too terrible. We never know what we’re getting into, which makes every sip an adventure.
So, what did Brandon find for us to try this time? Was it a smooth sip or a rough ride? You’ll have to watch the episode to see our reactions!
Bringing back Thirsty Thursday has been a blast, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going with new episodes coming soon. We love sharing these moments with you, showcasing great branded drinkware, and (sometimes) suffering through questionable drink choices—all in the name of fun.
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 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.
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.
Coshocton, Ohio – November 2024 – Hasseman Marketing, a full-service marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through innovative marketing solutions, is thrilled to celebrate its 20th anniversary this month. Founded in 2004, the Coshocton-based agency has grown from a small startup into a trusted partner for clients across industries, providing a full spectrum of marketing services, from branding and promotional products to social media strategy and content creation.
Hasseman Marketing Celebrates 20 Years
Over the past two decades, Hasseman Marketing has established itself as a go-to agency for businesses in Ohio and beyond, consistently delivering customized solutions that drive results. Known for its commitment to customer service and a personalized approach to each client’s needs, the agency has helped numerous local businesses, nonprofits, and larger organizations achieve their marketing goals.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 20 years,” said Kirby Hasseman, founder and CEO of Hasseman Marketing. “Our success is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our clients have placed in us. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing to innovate and support our clients in an ever-changing marketing landscape.”
In addition to its client work, Hasseman Marketing is deeply committed to the local community. The agency has been involved in numerous initiatives to support local organizations, foster community spirit, and encourage local business growth.
To commemorate this special occasion, Hasseman Marketing will be creating amazing branded merch (no surprise) and creating social content to celebrate and look back. These celebrations are both a way to thank their clients and the Coshocton community that has supported them from the start.
About Hasseman Marketing: Founded in 2004, Hasseman Marketing is a full-service marketing agency based in Coshocton, Ohio. With a focus on strategic and creative marketing solutions, Hasseman Marketing offers branding, promotional products, social media strategy, content creation, and much more to help businesses of all sizes grow and thrive.
If there was ever a piece of business content that gets you ready to slide into the weekend, it’s Thirsty Thursday! On Thirsty Thursday, we try a mystery drink from a very cool piece of branded drinkware. We have no idea what is coming, so you get a true (and sometimes inappropriate) reaction to what we try! This time we discuss the amazing 22 oz Brumate Toddy with Fashion Colors from our pals at Hit Promo. Watch the latest episode now!
Why The 22 oz Brumate Toddy with Fashion Colors?
While the feedback on the drink each week can have mixed reviews, this piece of branded drinkware was universally loved! The Brumate Toddy with Fashion colors features several very cool positives. First, the colors really are fun. As you can see on the video, Jade, Briar and Kirby each have a different color. So you have some cool, “outside of the box” options when it comes to branding. In addition, the lid is sweet. It’s leakproof (as Briar proved in the video) and you can adjust it for right or left-handed drinkers.
As for the drink…well the reviews were mixed. Watch the video to get the full reaction. But in short, Jade does not like beer. It doesn’t matter what brewers put in it to make it “more fall.”
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Thirsty Thursday as much as we did. Until next time, stay thirsty!
Each Thirsty Thursday, we feature a cool piece of branded drinkware. To learn more… head to our shop here.
