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.
If you’ve been missing our Thirsty Thursday videos, we’ve got good news: we’re bringing them back! 🎉
For those who don’t know, Thirsty Thursday is one of our favorite video series here at Hasseman Marketing. In each episode, we try a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware. The catch? We have no idea what the drink will be. Sometimes it’s delicious, and sometimes…well, not so much. 😂
It’s been a few months since our last episode, so to get back into the groove, we went through some of our older episodes and pulled together a collection of the funniest moments. From unexpected reactions to some questionable drink choices, this video will remind you why Thirsty Thursday is always a good time.
We love doing these videos because they’re a fun way to showcase branded drinkware while sharing a laugh with our audience. And the best part? New episodes are starting again soon! So stay tuned as we dive into more mystery drinks, more laughs, and more (hopefully) tasty surprises.
In the meantime, check out our “funny moments” video and let us know which clip made you laugh the most.
In today’s competitive marketplace, finding a marketing partner who truly understands your needs and delivers results can be challenging. At Hasseman Marketing, we pride ourselves on standing out from the crowd. What makes us different? It comes down to two key elements: our Proven Process and our 3 Uniques. Together, these cornerstones of our business are designed to ensure our clients not only achieve their goals but enjoy the journey along the way. Here’s how:
The Proven Process: A Roadmap to Success
We believe great marketing doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why we’ve developed a Proven Process that guides every project we undertake. This structured approach ensures consistency, quality, and results for every client, no matter the project size or scope. Our process includes five key steps:
Discovery – We begin by listening. Understanding your goals, challenges, and vision is the foundation for everything we do. By getting to know you and your business, we can craft a strategy that truly aligns with your needs.
Present Solutions – Once we understand your objectives, we present customized solutions designed to achieve your goals. Whether it’s branded merchandise, a digital campaign, or a comprehensive marketing plan, every solution is tailored specifically to you.
Implement & Deliver – Execution is where ideas come to life. From design to delivery, our team ensures every detail is handled with care and professionalism.
Follow Up – We don’t stop at delivery. We follow up to make sure you’re thrilled with the results and that the project met your expectations.
Repeat – Our goal is to build lasting partnerships. With each project, we aim to deepen our understanding of your business and continue delivering value over time.
This Proven Process not only ensures a seamless experience but also gives you peace of mind knowing there’s a plan in place from start to finish.
The 3 Uniques: Why Clients Love Working with Us
Beyond our process, we’ve identified three key qualities that set us apart from other marketing agencies. These are our 3 Uniques:
Full House – In House: Unlike many agencies that outsource key services, we do it all in-house. From video production to graphic design and branded merchandise, we have the expertise and tools to manage your marketing under one roof. This means faster turnaround times, better communication, and a more cohesive strategy.
Customer Centric: Your success is our success. We align our goals with yours, focusing on what matters most to you. Whether it’s driving sales, increasing brand awareness, or building stronger employee relationships, our team is committed to delivering results that align with your vision.
No Surprise Charges: Transparency is essential in any partnership. With Hasseman Marketing, you’ll always know what to expect. We provide upfront invoices so you’re never caught off guard by hidden fees for proofs, shipping, or art charges.
Why This Matters for You
When you choose Hasseman Marketing, you’re not just hiring a vendor—you’re gaining a partner. Our Proven Process ensures every project is handled with care and precision, while our 3 Uniques guarantee a seamless and enjoyable experience.
This combination of structure, expertise, and customer focus is why so many of our clients come back to us year after year. Whether you need branded merchandise, digital marketing, or a comprehensive marketing strategy, you can trust us to deliver Marketing Joy every step of the way.
Ready to see the difference for yourself? Let’s start the Discovery phase today!
When done right, branded merchandise is more than just a logo on a product—it’s an extension of your brand’s identity. Great merch connects with your audience, creates lasting impressions, and builds loyalty. But creating truly impactful branded merchandise takes more than picking a product from a catalog.
The first—and most critical—step in creating better branded merch is to know your audience. Ask yourself:
Who will receive this product?
What do they value?
How will they use it?
For example, a sleek tumbler might be the perfect gift for professionals who need coffee on the go, while a cozy crewneck sweatshirt might resonate more with college students. The more you understand your audience, the better you can select products that align with their needs, tastes, and lifestyles.
2. Create a Cool Design
Branded merch should excite your audience, not bore them. A great design goes beyond simply slapping your logo on an item—it should be visually appealing and represent your brand in a way that makes people want to wear or use it.
Here are some tips for designing merch your audience will love:
Keep it clean and professional, but don’t be afraid to add a creative twist.
Use colors that match your brand but also pop on the product.
Incorporate messaging or visuals that resonate with your audience.
A well-designed piece of merch turns recipients into walking ambassadors for your brand.
3. Give Yourself Time
Rushing the process is a surefire way to miss opportunities for greatness. Better branded merch takes time—time to brainstorm ideas, create designs, and review proofs. By giving yourself ample time:
You can think through the product’s purpose and impact.
Your design team has the opportunity to create something truly exceptional.
You’ll avoid costly mistakes or last-minute compromises.
Remember: rushed merch often feels rushed. Plan ahead, and you’ll end up with a product you’re proud to share.
4. Pay Attention to Detail
Details matter, especially in branded merchandise. Before placing an order, always request a proof of your design, and then really look at it.
Here’s what to check for:
Are the colors correct?
Is your logo placed where you want it?
Are there typos or errors in any text?
Does the design scale well on the product?
Taking the time to review every detail ensures that the final product matches your vision. A small mistake on a proof can turn into a big problem when it’s on 500 products.
5. Pay Attention to the Merch That Moves You
Think about the last time you received a piece of branded merch that you loved. What made it special? Was it the design? The quality? The functionality?
When you notice merch that moves you, take note of why. Use those insights to create products that will resonate with your audience in the same way. The key to better merch is understanding what you find impactful and using that knowledge to connect with others.
Why BETTER Merch Matters
Branded merchandise isn’t just about promotion—it’s about creating an experience. When you invest time and energy into doing merch BETTER, your audience will notice. They’ll feel valued, appreciated, and connected to your brand.
By following these 5 tips, you can turn ordinary promotional products into extraordinary tools for engagement. So take the time to understand your audience, create something exciting, and pay attention to the details.
Because when it comes to branded merch, better isn’t just possible—it’s worth pursuing.
