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.
Marketing, a crucial component of any successful business, is often met with dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams themselves. This dissatisfaction, a long-standing issue, is often a result of the lack of organizational planning in marketing. Unlike other disciplines, such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. In this “lessons from DMJ,” we discuss these challenges and introduce the FAPI marketing framework as a potential solution.
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments. The strategy stage, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. However, implementing this framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, commitment from the leadership team, and a clear understanding of the marketing pillars and objectives. This article will delve into these aspects and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of the FAPI marketing framework.
Dissatisfaction with Marketing
Marketing dissatisfaction is a pervasive issue that affects both the C-suite and the marketing teams. The C-suite, or the executive level of a company, often expresses dissatisfaction with the performance and results of marketing efforts. This dissatisfaction stems from a variety of factors, including the inability to measure marketing effectiveness, the lack of alignment between marketing and business goals, and the perceived high cost of marketing activities.
On the other hand, marketing teams also face their own set of challenges. High churn rates, or the rate at which employees leave the company, are common in marketing departments. This can be attributed to the high-pressure environment, the lack of clear goals and objectives, and the constant need to prove the value of marketing to the rest of the organization.
Marketing Lagging Behind Other Disciplines
Marketing, as a discipline, often lags behind others in terms of organizational management. Unlike fields such as engineering and logistics, marketing has not fully embraced the benefits of mature organizational strategies. This lack of organizational planning in marketing can lead to inefficiencies, misalignment of goals, and ultimately, dissatisfaction from both the C-suite and the marketing teams.
There is a pressing need for more attention to be paid to organizational planning in marketing. By adopting a more structured approach, marketing teams can align their activities with the overall business goals, measure their effectiveness more accurately, and ultimately, increase satisfaction levels within the organization.
Introduction to the FAPI Marketing Framework
The FAPI marketing framework is a sequential process that addresses the entire marketing process. It is designed to bring structure and organization to marketing activities, thereby addressing many of the challenges faced by marketing teams. The framework emphasizes collaboration and participation from all departments, ensuring that marketing activities are aligned with the overall business goals.
The strategy stage of the FAPI marketing framework, known as the “frame,” sets the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities. This stage is crucial as it provides a clear direction for the marketing team and ensures that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives.
Challenges in Implementing the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework is not without its challenges. It requires a cultural change within the organization, with everyone, from the leadership team to the frontline employees, needing to embrace the framework and its principles. This cultural change is often the most difficult part of implementing the FAPPY framework, as it requires a shift in mindset and a commitment to a more structured approach to marketing.
Leadership commitment is crucial for the successful implementation of the FAPI framework. Without the support and buy-in from the leadership team, it can be difficult to drive the necessary cultural change and ensure that the framework is embraced throughout the organization. Furthermore, creating a culture of organizational planning in marketing can be a challenge, as it requires a shift from a more ad-hoc approach to a more structured and planned approach.
Starting with the FAPI Framework
To start implementing theFAPI framework, it is important to assemble a team of functional leads and managers. These individuals will play a crucial role in driving the implementation of the framework and ensuring that it is embraced throughout the organization. They will also be responsible for defining the marketing pillars and strategic objectives, which will serve as the foundation for all marketing activities.
Before diving into execution, it is important to establish clarity and set solid foundations. This involves clearly defining the marketing pillars and objectives, setting the parameters and boundaries for marketing activities, and ensuring that everyone in the organization understands and embraces the FAPPY framework.
The Architecture Stage of the FAPI Framework
The architecture stage of the FAPI framework involves tactical planning, forecasting, resource allocation, and team structure. This stage is crucial as it turns the strategy into a blueprint for execution. It involves planning the specific marketing activities, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and deciding on the budget allocation.
The shape of the marketing team is also determined during the architecture stage. This involves deciding on the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, based on the objectives and the industry. By clearly defining the team structure, roles, and responsibilities, the marketing team can operate more efficiently and effectively, thereby increasing satisfaction levels within the organization.
Investing Time and Resources in the FAPI Framework
Implementing the FAPI framework requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, this investment is necessary to establish clarity and processes, which are crucial for successful execution. By investing time and resources in the beginning, organizations can ensure that they have a solid foundation for their marketing activities.
Establishing systems and processes is also crucial for effective marketing. These systems and processes provide a framework for the marketing team to operate within, ensuring that all activities are aligned with the overall business objectives and that the effectiveness of marketing activities can be accurately measured.
Conclusion
The FAPI marketing framework provides a comprehensive solution to address the challenges and dissatisfaction in marketing. By emphasizing collaboration, setting clear objectives, and establishing solid foundations, the FAPI framework can help organizations improve their marketing effectiveness and increase satisfaction levels within the organization. It is a powerful tool that can transform the way organizations approach marketing, leading to improved results and increased satisfaction levels.
Welcome to another episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we explore the fascinating world of beverages, one sip at a time. This week, we’re diving into a mystery drink served in a 3 oz mini mate shot glass from Modern Glass. This intriguing little glassware piece is not only perfect for our tasting adventure, but it also sparks our imagination for other potential uses. Imagine using it as a unique giveaway at events or as a fun element in team-building activities. But for today, it’s all about the mystery drink it holds.
Our mission is to unravel the secrets of this drink. Is it a yeasty liquor? Does it taste like watered-down vodka or beer? Or is it something entirely different? Join us as we embark on this tasting journey, share our initial impressions, make wild guesses about the flavor, and finally reveal the true identity of this mystery drink. So, grab your shot glasses, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
Tasting the Mystery Drink
As we take our first sips of the mystery drink, our taste buds are immediately intrigued. The flavor profile is complex, with a yeasty undertone that reminds us of a well-crafted liquor. It’s not overpowering, but it’s definitely there, adding a unique twist to the drink. It’s almost like a watered-down vodka or beer, but there’s something more to it, something that we can’t quite put our finger on just yet.
Our initial impressions are mixed. The yeasty flavor is unexpected, but not unpleasant. It’s a taste that’s hard to describe, but it’s definitely intriguing. We’re curious to find out more about this drink, and we’re eager to continue our tasting journey.
Guessing the Flavor
As we continue to taste the mystery drink, we start to speculate on its flavor. Could it be a pineapple-infused vodka? Or perhaps a fruity beer? Our guesses are all over the place, but there’s one thing we all agree on: this drink is unlike anything we’ve tasted before.
Finally, the moment of truth arrives. The mystery drink is revealed to be sake. We’re surprised, but in retrospect, it makes sense. The yeasty flavor, the subtle complexity, the hint of fruitiness – it all adds up to a well-crafted sake.
Opinions on Sake
Now that we know we’re drinking sake, our opinions are divided. One of us is a fan, enjoying the subtle flavors and the smooth finish. The other, however, is not as impressed. It’s not that the sake is bad, it’s just not to their taste. And that’s the beauty of tasting – everyone has their own preferences and opinions.
Despite our differing opinions, we all agree that this sake-tasting experience has been a fun and enlightening journey. We’ve learned a lot about this traditional Japanese drink, and we’re eager to explore more in the future.
Characteristics of Sake
So, what exactly is sake? It’s a Japanese rice wine made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. The result is a drink with a subtle flavor and a unique character. It’s not as strong as vodka, but it’s not as light as beer either. It’s somewhere in between, with a complexity that’s hard to describe.
One of the things we love about sake is its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be mixed with other drinks to create interesting cocktails. For example, try mixing sake with orange juice for a refreshing and unique drink. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
As we wrap up our Thirsty Thursday episode, we can’t help but reflect on the fun we’ve had with the mini-mate shot glass from Modern Glass. It’s been the perfect vessel for our mystery drink, adding a touch of elegance and fun to our tasting experience.
Overall, we’ve enjoyed this yeasty liquor adventure. We’ve tasted, we’ve guessed, we’ve learned, and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. We can’t wait to see what the next Thirsty Thursday brings. Until then, cheers! Oh…and if you want to see all of the cool branded drinkware featured in Thirsty Thursday, check out our shop here.
As always, we want to provide you with value. So if you want to create marketing campaigns (and appreciation gifts) that hit the TARGET, check out our TARGET marketing playbook here.
