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.
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.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Jonathan Baker about what entrepreneurs who want to sell their business need to know! Watch now!
Lessons from DMJ: Advice on Selling Your Business
This time on Lessons from DMJ, Jonathan Baker, the practice lead and M&A services for Punctuation, shares invaluable advice for entrepreneurs contemplating the sale of their business. The decision to sell a business is monumental and involves numerous factors that need careful consideration. This article will delve into the key aspects that entrepreneurs need to keep in mind, from determining the value of the business, the importance of the terms of the deal, the emotional toll of selling a business, to knowing when to sell or keep building.
Each of these aspects is critical and can significantly impact the outcome of the sale. They are not only about the financial implications but also about the emotional and lifestyle changes that come with it. So, let’s dive in and explore these aspects in detail to equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Determining the Value of Your Business
Understanding the value of your business is the first step in the selling process. Buyers determine the value of a business based on their goals and what they value in the business. This can vary significantly from one buyer to another, depending on their strategic objectives and the specific aspects they value in a business.
Several factors can influence the value of a business. These include the magnitude of profits, the positioning of the business in its market, client concentration, recurring revenue, location, and the extent of the business’s reliance on the founder. Each of these factors can either increase or decrease the perceived value of the business to potential buyers.
The Importance of Terms in the Deal
The terms of the deal can often be more important than the valuation itself. These terms can dictate the buyer’s continued employment, their ability to retain clients, and their post-sale lifestyle. The valuation is a point-in-time number, but the terms of the deal can have long-term implications on the buyer’s financial situation and lifestyle.
It’s crucial to negotiate terms that are favorable and align with your post-sale plans. This could involve clauses regarding your continued involvement in the business, guarantees about client retention, or stipulations about your lifestyle after the sale. Understanding and negotiating these terms can make a significant difference to the outcome of the sale.
The Emotional Toll of Selling a Business
Selling a business can be an emotional rollercoaster, akin to buying a house or dating. The process can be filled with excitement, despondency, and everything in between. It’s crucial to stay focused on running the business throughout the process, as getting too caught up in the sale can distract from the day-to-day operations.
Remember, the sale process can take time, and it’s essential to keep the business running smoothly during this period. This not only maintains the value of the business but also keeps you grounded and focused during the emotionally charged sale process.
Knowing When to Sell or Keep Building
The decision to sell or continue building your business is a significant one. It should be based on revisiting the reasons you started the business in the first place and considering the life-changing amount of money that a sale could bring. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully and make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.
Remember, selling is not the only option. There may be other avenues to explore, such as partnerships, mergers, or even franchising. It’s crucial to consider all these options and choose the one that best suits your financial situation and future plans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selling a business is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. It’s not just about the financial implications but also about the emotional toll and lifestyle changes that come with it. Selling is not the only option, and sometimes it may be financially better to not sell the business.
To learn more about these aspects and get professional advice, consider reaching out to Jonathan Baker at Punctuation. With their expertise in M&A services, they can provide you with the guidance you need to navigate the sale process successfully.
Delivering Marketing Joy is an award-winning interview show that helps marketers level up. Each week, Kirby Hasseman interviews the best and brightest minds in marketing to help you level up. This time on Lessons from DMJ, Kirby talks with Adam Callinan on profitability, Shark Tank, and why every entrepreneur is struggling right now. Watch now.
In this insightful interview, we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Adam Callinan, the founder of Pentan, an e-commerce-focused SAS company. Callinan, who previously co-founded BottleKeeper, a company that achieved a staggering $8 million in sales without a single employee, shares his experiences, challenges, and lessons learned. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, software, and automation in building a business, as opposed to the traditional approach of hiring people.
Through his unique journey, Callinan provides a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, highlighting the struggles that every entrepreneur faces, and the importance of creating structure and maintaining physical and mental well-being. He also discusses why many early-stage companies struggle with profitability, and shares his experience of appearing on Shark Tank, which significantly boosted his company’s revenue. Lastly, he offers a special deal for listeners to access Pentan for the first 30 days for just $1.
Building a Company with No Employees
Callinan’s journey with BottleKeeper is a testament to the power of technology and automation in business. With a foundation rooted in a previous medical device business, BottleKeeper was built with strict guardrails to avoid hiring employees. Instead, Callinan focused on using technology and automation to build platforms and manage operations.
This unconventional approach allowed him to maintain control over the business, reduce overhead costs, and achieve impressive sales figures. The success of BottleKeeper serves as a compelling case study for entrepreneurs exploring alternative business models.
Challenges of Building Bottlekeeper
Despite its success, the journey of building BottleKeeper was not without its challenges. Callinan faced difficulties with inventory management and the cyclical nature of the business, which resulted in swings in revenue throughout the year. These challenges, while difficult, provided invaluable lessons that shaped the growth and evolution of the company.
Moreover, Callinan also discusses the mental challenges of dealing with the highs and lows of the business. The entrepreneurial journey, while rewarding, can often be a rollercoaster of emotions, and Callinan’s experience underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Struggles Faced by Entrepreneurs
Callinan highlights the struggles that every entrepreneur faces, emphasizing the need for entrepreneurs to create structure and take care of themselves physically and mentally. The entrepreneurial journey can be fraught with challenges and uncertainties, making it crucial for entrepreneurs to prioritize their well-being and avoid isolation.
Creating structure, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for long-term success. Callinan’s insights underscore the importance of self-care in entrepreneurship, a topic that is often overlooked in the pursuit of business success.
Reasons for Early Stage Companies Not Being Profitable
Callinan discusses why many early-stage companies struggle with profitability. He points out that the default approach of raising capital can lead to frivolous spending, and the tendency to add fixed expenses without understanding the necessary revenue levels can hinder profitability.
Understanding financial metrics and marketing efficiency is crucial for profitability. Callinan’s insights provide a valuable perspective for early-stage entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of financial literacy and strategic planning in achieving profitability.
Impact of Appearing on Shark Tank
Callinan shares his experience of appearing on Shark Tank, a platform that provided incredible free advertising for BottleKeeper. The company experienced a significant boost in revenue after the episode aired, demonstrating the power of strategic exposure and publicity.
The ongoing impact of the Shark Tank appearance on the company’s success is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities and leveraging platforms for business growth. Callinan’s experience provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to maximize their visibility and reach.
This offer provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to leverage the power of Pentan’s platform to streamline their operations and enhance their profitability. With its focus on solving financial operation problems, Pentan is poised to be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of e-commerce.
You know what time it is! It’s time for Thirsty Thursday! Thirsty Thursday is the award-winning piece of content from Hasseman Marketing where we take a mystery drink out of a piece of branded drinkware! Be careful…it’s not for everyone. This week we feature the Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth 24oz Bottle with Flex Straw Cap from PCNA. It’s a fun one. Get ready to giggle…and be jealous of this new piece of drinkware. Watch now!
Welcome to another exciting episode of Thirsty Thursday, where we explore the world of beverages, one sip at a time. In this episode, our hosts are faced with a mystery drink, concealed within a branded Hydro Flask Wide-mouth 24 oz bottle with a flex straw cap. This intriguing drinkware was generously donated by PCNA, adding an extra layer of suspense to our taste-testing adventure.
For those new to Thirsty Thursday, our series is all about the exploration and discovery of new flavors, with a healthy dose of fun and banter. Our hosts, a diverse group of beverage enthusiasts, are always eager to take on the challenge of identifying and reviewing mystery drinks. The Hydro Flask® Wide Mouth 24oz Bottle with Flex Straw Cap with its sleek design and practical flex straw cap, is the perfect vessel for today’s mystery drink. Retailing for just under $50, it’s a high-quality piece of drinkware that’s sure to keep our beverage at the perfect temperature.
Initial Reactions to the Mystery Drink
As the hosts uncapped the Hydro Flask, the anticipation was palpable. They revealed that the mystery drink had been marinating since the last recording, adding a touch of apprehension to their initial excitement. The Hydro Flask, with its high-quality build and stylish design, was met with unanimous approval. However, the mystery drink inside was a different story.
The revelation that the drink had been resting in the flask since the last recording led to a mix of excitement and apprehension. Would the flavors have intensified over time, or would they have mellowed out? The hosts were eager to find out. Their initial reactions were a mix of curiosity and apprehension, with the Hydro Flask’s high perceived value adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Tasting the Mystery Drink
Upon tasting, the hosts had mixed reactions. Some found the mystery drink bland, while others detected notes of cherry, raspberry, and possibly green tea. The drink had a slight burn, not too sweet, and more fruity than sugary, which led to a unanimous description of it as a “Kool-Aid with a burn”.
The hosts engaged in a lively discussion about the possible flavors detected in the drink. They compared the mystery drink to other known beverages, trying to pinpoint its unique flavor profile. Despite the mixed reactions, the hosts were all intrigued by the complexity of the mystery drink and its unexpected flavor combination.
Revealing the Mystery Drink
The moment of truth arrived, and the mystery drink was revealed to be an Absolute Pineapple Martini. This revelation surprised the hosts, as none of them had detected any pineapple flavor. The unexpected flavor profile of the drink sparked a lively discussion among the hosts, who were intrigued by the unexpected twist.
The hosts expressed their surprise at the revelation, with some even questioning their taste buds. The unexpected flavor profile of the Absolute Pineapple Martini led to a lively discussion about how flavors can be masked or enhanced by other ingredients. Despite the surprise, the hosts agreed that the mystery drink was a refreshing change from the usual beverages they encounter.
Final Verdict
Despite the unexpected reveal, the hosts gave the Absolute Pineapple Martini a thumbs up. They suggested that it would be refreshing on ice, making it a perfect drink for a hot summer day. The Hydro Flask also received high praise for its high perceived value and practical design, with the hosts recommending it to viewers as a stylish and durable drinkware option.
The hosts’ final verdict on the mystery drink was positive, with many expressing a desire to try it again in the future. They also shared their recommendations for how to best enjoy the Absolute Pineapple Martini, suggesting it would be perfect for a summer barbecue or a relaxing evening at home. The Hydro Flask was also a hit, with the hosts praising its high perceived value and recommending it to viewers as a worthy investment.
Conclusion
The hosts expressed their appreciation for PCNA’s donation of the Hydro Flask, which added an extra layer of excitement to the taste-testing experience. They encouraged viewers to check out more drinkware pieces on their shop, promising a wide range of high-quality options to suit all tastes and budgets.
In their final remarks, the hosts thanked PCNA for their generous donation and encouraged viewers to continue exploring new flavors and beverages. They signed off with a reminder to stay hydrated and keep an open mind when it comes to trying new drinks. After all, you never know when you might stumble upon your next favorite beverage.
