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.
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 Frank Husmann about becoming the authority in your niche. Watch now!
In this insightful video interview, Kirby talks to Frank Husmann, the founder of Maxiality. Frank shared his expertise on authority marketing, particularly for B2B companies. The conversation was a deep dive into the intricacies of becoming an authority in your niche, a feat that is not easily achieved but can be incredibly rewarding. The discussion touched on various aspects of authority marketing, from understanding what it entails to starting a successful campaign and avoiding common pitfalls.
Frank also highlighted the importance of demand generation in B2B marketing, explaining how it differs from lead generation and why it’s more effective in the modern B2B landscape. He also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey for potential customers. Finally, he offered some advice on authority marketing and shared where viewers can find more information about him and his work.
What is Authority Marketing?
Authority marketing is a strategic approach that involves showcasing your expertise in a particular niche to establish yourself as an authority. This process is not a one-time event but a continuous effort that requires consistency and dedication. By consistently demonstrating your knowledge and skills, you gradually build credibility and trust with your audience, positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.
Frank emphasized that the key to successful authority marketing lies in identifying the main topics you want to be known for and creating content around them. This content can take various forms, including podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. The goal is to consistently show your expertise over time, which will help establish your authority in your niche.
Starting an Authority Marketing Campaign
Starting an authority marketing campaign requires a clear understanding of your niche and the main topics you want to be known for. Once you’ve identified these topics, the next step is to create content around them. This content should be informative, engaging, and valuable to your audience. It should demonstrate your expertise and provide solutions to the problems your audience is facing.
Frank suggested using various content formats to reach a wider audience. These can include podcasts, YouTube videos, blog articles, and email newsletters. Consistency is key in authority marketing. By regularly producing high-quality content, you can gradually establish your authority in your niche and become the go-to expert for your audience.
Common Pitfalls in Authority Marketing
While authority marketing can be highly effective, there are common pitfalls that marketers should avoid. One of these is being too salesy. While it’s important to promote your products or services, your primary focus should be on addressing the questions and problems of your prospects. By providing valuable solutions, you can build trust and credibility with your audience.
Another common pitfall is focusing too much on personal stories at the expense of showcasing your expertise. While personal stories can help humanize your brand and build a connection with your audience, they should not overshadow your expertise. Instead, they should be tied to your expertise and used to reinforce your authority in your niche.
Demand Generation in B2B Marketing
Demand generation is a crucial aspect of B2B marketing. Unlike lead generation, which focuses on generating leads, demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services. This involves targeting the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services.
Frank suggested using various channels to showcase your expertise and create demand. These can include YouTube, LinkedIn, and articles. He also recommended using tactics like LinkedIn ads and LinkedIn Live to reach a wider audience and generate demand. By focusing on demand generation, you can position yourself as a top choice when your prospects are ready to make a purchase.
Lead Generation vs. Demand Generation
While lead generation and demand generation are both important aspects of B2B marketing, Frank argued that demand generation is more effective in the modern B2B landscape. Lead generation focuses on generating leads, while demand generation focuses on creating demand for your products or services and being on the shortlist of potential customers.
By focusing on demand generation, you can target the 97% of people who are not yet in the market for your products or services. This allows you to build awareness and credibility with a wider audience, increasing the chances of being considered when they are ready to make a purchase.
Creating a Pleasant Buying Journey
Creating a pleasant buying journey is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. This involves providing clear and transparent pricing information on your website and making it easy for prospects to get in touch and qualify themselves. By making the buying process as smooth and straightforward as possible, you can improve customer satisfaction and increase the chances of repeat business.
Frank also suggested automating processes and using forms or API calls to gather information about prospects. This can help streamline the buying process and provide valuable insights into your customer’s needs and preferences, allowing you to tailor your offerings accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the video interview with Frank Husmann provided valuable insights into authority marketing for B2B companies. From understanding what authority marketing is and how to start a successful campaign, to avoiding common pitfalls and understanding the importance of demand generation, the discussion covered a wide range of topics. Frank also shared some practical tips on creating a pleasant buying journey and offered advice on authority marketing. For those interested in learning more, Frank can be found at maxiality.com, where he offers a free video training on authority marketing.
