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.
It’s time for another Thirsty Thursday, where we put branded drinkware to the test—with a mystery drink, of course! This week, Briar Swigert, Jeff Wickerham, and Kirby Hasseman took on the challenge, sipping on something a little sweet, a little bold, and a whole lot festive.
What did we drink? The Cookie Exchange Milk Stout from Great Lakes Brewing. It was like cookies…and beer! What did we drink it from? The Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle with a Bamboo Lid. Did we like both? Spoiler alert: Thumbs up all around!
🎥 Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle with Bamboo Lid
Every Thirsty Thursday, we test out a piece of branded drinkware, because let’s be real—not all drinkware is created equal. This time, we sipped from the Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle, and here’s what we loved about it:
✅ Lightweight & Durable – Made from aluminum, this bottle is sturdy but easy to carry. ✅ Bamboo Lid = Premium Feel – That bamboo top isn’t just for looks—it adds a touch of style and sustainability. ✅ Sleek Design – The shape is comfortable to hold, making it a great option for on-the-go hydration. ✅ Good Branding Space – Plenty of room for a bold, clean logo imprint.
This gets the Thirsty Thursday stamp of approval! If you’re looking for a high-quality, customizable sports bottle, check out the Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle here: 👉 Ryze 22oz Aluminum Sports Bottle
The Drink: Cookie Exchange Milk Stout by Great Lakes Brewing
Of course, it wouldn’t be Thirsty Thursday without a mystery drink. This time, we cracked open a Cookie Exchange Milk Stout from Great Lakes Brewing.
So what exactly is a Cookie Exchange Stout? Picture this: 🍪 Rich, chocolatey notes 🥛 Creamy, smooth finish ☕ Hints of roasted malt & coffee
This dessert-inspired stout is the kind of drink you want to sip on while sitting by the fire after a holiday party. And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion, we all took a taste and gave it a big thumbs up.
Want to try it for yourself? You can learn more about this seasonal brew from Great Lakes Brewing here: 👉 Cookie Exchange Milk Stout
Final Verdict: A Winning Combo!
When both the drink and the drinkware get high marks, you know it’s a good Thirsty Thursday.
🚰 The Ryze Aluminum Sports Bottle – A solid, stylish, and eco-friendly option for branded drinkware. 🍺 The Cookie Exchange Milk Stout – A rich and flavorful brew that lives up to its name.
Would we drink another round? Absolutely.
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 another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where we dive into branding, business, and the world of promotional products—all while keeping it fun. This week, Jade and Kirby tackled some hot topics, including:
🎙️ Podcasts that inspire us 👟 Nike’s partnership with Skims 🆚 Trendy vs. timeless branded merch 📢 Why fancy office gear actually matters 🚀 A shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative
Watch the latest episode here now!
Now, let’s break down the highlights.
Podcasts We Love & Why You Should Be Listening 🎧
Podcasts have become one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. They can motivate, educate, and inspire—whether you’re on your morning run, driving to work, or just need a little lift.
Jade’s Podcast Picks: 📢 Mel Robbins – Known for her high-energy motivation and practical advice on mindset and success. 📢 Ed Mylett – A mix of business, leadership, and personal development, featuring some of the top names in entrepreneurship.
Kirby’s Podcast Picks: 🎯 Alex Hormozi – The Game – Straight-up, no-nonsense business advice from a multi-millionaire entrepreneur. 🎯 Jon Acuff – All It Takes Is a Goal – A deep dive into setting and achieving goals in a way that actually works.
💡 Why this matters: If you’re in business, marketing, or sales, podcasts are an easy (and free) way to keep learning and stay motivated.
What are your favorite podcasts? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Nike x Skims: A Smart Play or Just Hype? 👟
Nike recently announced a partnership with Skims, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, as a way to better connect with female athletes and consumers.
💬 Jade and Kirby’s take:
Nike’s strategy: They’re trying to tap into a younger, fashion-forward female demographic.
Skims’ role: Skims brings a strong brand identity and a built-in audience that trusts the brand.
Does it make sense? At the end of the day, Jade and Kirby agreed that it could make sense for Nike in the short term as they look to re-make their image in this area.
Final thoughts: The collaboration is bold, but we’ll have to wait and see if it translates into sales and long-term brand impact.
Branded Merch: Trendy vs. Timeless – Which One Wins?
When it comes to branded merch, should you go for trendy items or stick to timeless classics? The answer is it depends—on your audience and your campaign goals.
✅ Trendy items – Great for brands that want to feel fresh, modern, and relevant. But trends fade fast. ✅ Timeless classics – These are reliable, always in demand, and have staying power. But they can sometimes feel predictable.
💡 The takeaway? It’s all about the audience. If your merch is for a younger, trend-sensitive crowd, go for something trendy. If you’re creating corporate gifts or long-term brand builders, invest in high-quality, classic items that will be used and appreciated for years.
What’s your approach—trendy, classic, or a mix of both?
Dad Was Wrong: Fancy Office Equipment Edition 🖥️
In this episode, Jade called out Kirby in the latest “Dad Was Wrong” segment.
The topic? Fancy office equipment.
Kirby originally teased Jade when she wanted premium office gear, questioning whether it was really necessary. But now? Jade stands by her decision—because having the right setup makes her happier and more productive.
The lesson? Sometimes, investing in quality work tools isn’t just about luxury—it’s about creating an environment where you do your best work.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative 🚀
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Collaborative, a new space for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators in Coshocton, Ohio.
🏢 What’s exciting? ✅ The sign just went up, and the project is getting close to completion! ✅ It’s going to be a game-changer for local businesses and anyone who needs a place to work, meet, or collaborate. ✅ We can’t wait to see how this space supports business growth in our community.
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This week’s episode covered a wide range of topics, from personal growth to global branding moves, marketing strategy, and workspace productivity.
Key takeaways: 🚀 Keep learning – Podcasts are a free way to stay sharp and motivated. 🔥 Brand collaborations can be powerful – But only if they make sense. 🆚 Trendy vs. Timeless? It depends on your audience. 💡 Your workspace matters – Investing in your environment can boost productivity. 🏢 Big things are happening in Coshocton! – The Coshocton Collaborative is set to be a huge asset to local entrepreneurs.
What’s your take on Nike x Skims, trendy vs. classic merch, or workspace investments? 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.
