Every once in a while, you hear a quote that doesn’t just inspire—it sticks. It hits you at the right moment, delivers a spark of clarity, and becomes a principle you carry with you.
In this week’s Delivering Marketing Joy 1 on 1, I wanted to share a few of those moments with you—seven life lessons from some of the most powerful thought leaders I’ve studied. These lessons have helped me in business, in life, and in personal development. I hope they do the same for you.
Here are seven powerful lessons—and what they might mean for you:
1. Life Doesn’t Happen To You. It Happens For You.
— Tony Robbins
This simple shift in perspective is massive. When life feels overwhelming, unfair, or just plain hard, it’s easy to slip into victim mode. But what if it’s all happening for you?
Challenges become teachers. Setbacks become setups. That shift doesn’t make life easier—but it makes it more empowering.
Takeaway: Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” instead of “Why is this happening to me?”
2. Just Do One More.
— Ed Mylett
This is a mindset of champions. One more rep. One more call. One more step.
When you’re tired, unmotivated, or ready to quit—“one more” separates average from excellence. Over time, that one more compounds into something powerful.
Takeaway: When you want to stop, do just one more. You’ll be surprised how far it takes you.
3. Get to Minute 11.
— Jon Acuff
This one hits home for creators and entrepreneurs. The first 10 minutes of doing anything are usually uncomfortable. You’re distracted, your brain resists, and you feel stuck. But if you can push past that threshold—you get into flow.
Jon calls it “getting to minute 11.” It’s the sweet spot where the work starts to feel rewarding.
Takeaway: Stop waiting for the perfect mood. Just start. The magic happens on the other side of resistance.
4. When It Gets Easy…Go Hard.
— Alex Hormozi
Most people let up when things get easy. The deal’s signed, the project’s launched, the schedule lightens up… so we coast.
But if you go hard when things are easy, you gain momentum while everyone else is relaxing. That’s where real growth happens.
Takeaway: Don’t waste easy seasons. Use them to accelerate.
5. Stop Waiting for Motivation to Take Action.
— Mel Robbins
We think we need to feel like doing something in order to do it. But it’s the other way around—action creates motivation.
Waiting for the spark? You might be waiting forever. But if you start moving, your brain follows.
Takeaway: Don’t wait for motivation. Start—and let the motivation catch up.
6. Focus on Your Circle of Influence, Not Your Circle of Concern.
— Stephen Covey
There’s a lot to worry about in the world. Most of it… you can’t control. But if you focus your energy on the things you can influence—your habits, your attitude, your effort—you’ll be more effective and less stressed.
Takeaway: Filter your focus. Influence what you can, and let go of what you can’t.
7. When You Find Yourself With the Majority…Pause and Reflect.
— Mark Twain
Going with the crowd is easy. But some of the best decisions come from questioning the obvious path.
This isn’t about being a contrarian for the sake of it—it’s about being intentional. Following the crowd without thinking rarely leads to greatness.
Takeaway: Don’t just assume the crowd is right. Take a breath. Make sure the direction actually aligns with your values.
Final Thoughts
These seven lessons aren’t just motivational quotes—they’re guideposts. They’ve been reminders during hard seasons, mantras during long days, and strategies when I’ve needed clarity or courage.
In a world full of noise, these are the kind of thoughts worth listening to.
If one of these ideas resonates with you, write it down. Put it on a sticky note. Tape it to your mirror. And if it helps? Pass it on.
As always, thank you for watching, listening, and being part of this journey. You can catch more DMJ 1 on 1 episodes on the blog—and I’d love to hear what life lessons have stuck with you.
Until next time—keep learning, keep showing up, and keep delivering marketing joy.
As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
We made it! After 6 months of episodes filled with ideas, laughter, strategy, and yes, plenty of merch, we’ve wrapped up Season 1 of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast. This final episode of the season was all about reflection, creative inspiration, and preparing for what’s next.
Here’s a quick recap of the finale—and why you’ll want to catch it, whether it’s your first time tuning in or you’ve been along for the entire journey.
Lessons from Season 1
Kirby and Jade kicked things off by reflecting on what they’ve learned during the creation of this weekly podcast.
Kirby’s biggest takeaway? The importance of having fun and being authentic. When you’re building content consistently, it’s easy to overthink it. But the episodes that really resonated—and the ones that were the most enjoyable—were the ones that felt natural, unscripted, and just plain fun.
He also talked about the willingness to pivot. Even when you like an idea or plan, it’s okay to change it if something better emerges. Adaptability is a marketing superpower.
Jade shared a powerful reminder for any content creator: “Done is better than perfect.” If you wait until you feel fully inspired or have the perfect plan, you’ll never hit publish. Not every episode felt effortless, but doing the work—even when it wasn’t easy—made all the difference. That consistency added up. Want the rest of the lessons (and the conversation)? Watch the full episode!
Jade’s Creative Process
Jade also gave listeners a peek behind the curtain into a large project she’s been working on. When the pressure’s high, she doesn’t just rely on raw inspiration. Instead, she builds out mood boards, dives into Pinterest, explores colors and aesthetics, and gathers inputs from outside the typical path.
The big insight here? Don’t wait for inspiration—go chase it. Sometimes the act of collecting and curating visuals can re-ignite creativity in ways you don’t expect.
If you’re stuck on a campaign, project, or even a logo design—this part of the episode is a must-listen.
What to Expect at the Hasseman Marketing Customer Show
Jade and Kirby also spent time previewing one of Hasseman Marketing’s biggest events of the year: The Customer Appreciation Show (aka Branding Basecamp). Whether you’ve attended before or this is your first year, they shared helpful tips on how to come prepared and get the most out of it.
Some quick reminders:
Bring your curiosity: You’ll see LOTS of great branded products.
Take notes and take photos: It’s a great place to gather ideas for the next quarter (or year).
Come ready to connect: Whether it’s chatting with suppliers, the Hasseman team, or other attendees, this is a fantastic networking opportunity.
Product of the Week: Proline 12′ Tape Measure
Every week features a standout product—and this episode did not disappoint. The Proline 12′ Tape Measure from HPG is a practical and reliable branded item that gets used again and again. It’s the kind of merch that brings real utility to your clients…while keeping your brand top of mind.
Check it out here: Proline 12′ Tape Measure. Learn more about our featured products and even order for your organization!
Shout-Out of the Week: Good Boy Bakery
Finally, this week’s shout-out goes to Good Boy Bakery, a beloved local business that just received a grant and announced a big expansion. Based in Coshocton, they’ve been a favorite in the community—and now they’re growing!
We’re thrilled to see small businesses succeed, and this is a shining example of turning passion into impact. Great stuff!
Final Thoughts
Season 1 has been a fun, insightful ride—and if this final episode is any indication, Better Merch…Better Marketing is only getting better.
We’ve talked about everything from branded merch strategy and personal branding to content marketing and creative processes. And through it all, the heart of the podcast has remained the same: helping you build a better brand with better tools.
We’ll be taking a short break to gear up for Season 2. Until then, be sure to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed and subscribe so you’re ready when we launch the next chapter.
Thanks for tuning in, sharing, and supporting Better Merch…Better Marketing. Here’s to what’s next!
As always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade are back to cover a lot of ground — from building stronger morning routines to building better websites. As always, the conversation is filled with real-world marketing insight, a few laughs, and plenty of practical takeaways you can use right away.
Watch the full episode below and join us for the conversation.
Updating Morning Routines
The episode kicks off with some personal updates as both Jade and Kirby reflect on how their morning routines are shifting.
Jade shares that she’ll be moving to Georgia soon, which means she’ll officially be operating on Eastern Standard Time — the same as Kirby. The change may seem small, but it impacts how her days will start and how she wants to structure her workday more intentionally.
Kirby, on the other hand, talks about how he’s recently delegated a few of his morning tasks to his team. While that delegation helps free up time, it also creates space he wants to fill intentionally. Rather than waste that extra time scrolling or being reactive, he’s thinking about ways to invest that energy into personal development, creativity, or deeper planning work.
Both agree: your morning routine sets the tone for your day. And if you’re not adjusting it as your life and business change, you’re likely leaving opportunity on the table.
Improving Your Website: Your Digital Real Estate
From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most important assets every brand owns — their website. Or as Kirby calls it, your “digital real estate.”
Jade doesn’t hold back when she shares some of her website pet peeves. Things like broken links, outdated info, confusing navigation, or a lack of clear calls to action drive her crazy. In today’s world, your website is often your first impression and a bad experience can cost you business before you even know it.
Kirby adds one of the biggest mistakes he sees: websites that aren’t clear. Within seconds, a visitor should be able to easily understand what you do, who you serve, and how you can help them. Confusion kills conversions. If your visitor has to scroll or search to figure out what your business actually does, you’ve already lost them.
Beyond clarity, Kirby also discusses how a website should serve its audience. That means adding tools, resources, and content that actually help people solve problems, answer questions, or take the next step with your company.
A few simple ways to upgrade your website include:
Make it clear what you do within seconds of landing on your homepage
Ensure your contact info is easy to find
Add lead magnets or free resources
Create FAQ or knowledge base sections
Use video to introduce your brand and team
Keep your site updated regularly with fresh content
The theme here is simple: treat your website like a living, breathing asset, and it becomes one of your most valuable business tools.
Why Welcome Kits Matter
The third segment dives into a topic both Jade and Kirby love: welcome kits for new employees.
When someone joins your team, the onboarding experience is one of the first signals they get about your company culture. A great welcome kit helps them feel like part of the team right away — before they even step through the door on day one.
Kirby shares that the best companies start building culture and excitement even before an employee’s first official day. Sending a branded welcome kit to their home helps new hires feel valued and creates instant buy-in.
Welcome kits don’t have to be elaborate. A few well-selected branded items, a personal note from leadership, and useful tools for their new role go a long way. Plus, it helps build internal brand pride and creates consistency across the organization.
Product of the Week: Year-At-A-Glance Calendar
This week’s featured product is simple but powerful: a Year-At-A-Glance Calendar.
While it might not be the flashiest piece of branded merch, it delivers something marketers always want — staying visible all year long. When a customer hangs your calendar in their office or workspace, your logo is seen every single day. That’s long-term brand reinforcement you can’t get from a quick social post or one-time mailer.
Shout Out of the Week: The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor
This week’s shout-out goes to The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor in Newark, Ohio. The shop has built a great reputation for doing the simple things right. They serve up delicious ice cream in a warm, friendly atmosphere that keeps customers coming back. From classic flavors to the local charm of the store itself, The Downtown Ice Cream Parlor has created exactly what a great small business should be — consistent, inviting, and customer-focused.
Sometimes the best marketing is simply delivering a great product and experience, every single time.
Final Thoughts
This episode is packed with takeaways that apply whether you’re marketing a business, leading a team, or simply trying to build better habits.
A few quick reminders from the conversation:
Review and update your morning routine regularly
Make your website clear, simple, and truly helpful
Use welcome kits to create stronger culture and first impressions
Simple branded products like calendars can deliver year-round visibility
Great customer experience is still the most powerful form of marketing
Be sure to watch the full episode above for the full discussion, and stay tuned for the next edition of Better Merch…Better Marketing.
If you need help with branded merch, welcome kits, or creative ways to grow your brand, we’re always here to help.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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 that time of year—sunshine, vacations, and, for some, a slight dip in motivation. On this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider get honest about summer plans, productivity slumps, and the things currently grinding their gears in business.
But don’t worry, it’s not all venting. This episode is packed with laughs, practical tips, and a very cool (and useful) product of the week. Whether you’re counting down to vacation or trying to stay focused during the warmer months, this conversation has something for you.
Watch the full episode here:
Summer Plans: Time Off and Beach Dogs
We kicked off this episode by sharing what we’re looking forward to this summer.
Kirby admitted he’s planning to take most of July off—and while that sounds relaxing, it’s stressing him out a bit. Like many business owners, the idea of stepping away completely brings both excitement and anxiety. Will things fall apart? Will he actually unplug? Stay tuned!
Jade, on the other hand, is counting down the days until she can take her dog Maverick to the beach. Sometimes a little sand, sun, and a wagging tail are all the motivation you need to recharge.
The takeaway? Whether you’re planning a full month off or a weekend escape, making time for yourself is a crucial part of long-term success.
Business Pet Peeves: It’s Not Just You
Next up, we aired a couple of business pet peeves that have been popping up lately—and chances are, you’ve felt these too.
Kirby’s gripe? People not keeping their promises. In a world full of noise, trust and follow-through matter more than ever. When someone says they’ll deliver, call back, or send a proposal and then vanishes—it erodes confidence. If you want to stand out in business today, just doing what you say you’ll do puts you ahead.
Jade’s pet peeve? The dreaded customer service hand-off. You’ve been there—calling with a problem only to be bounced from one rep to another, none of whom can help. It’s not just frustrating; it’s a missed opportunity for brands to make a customer feel valued.
Both issues boil down to ownership. Whether it’s fulfilling a promise or solving a problem, great brands and people take responsibility—and that builds loyalty.
Summer Motivation: Keep It Moving (Even When It’s Hot)
How do you stay motivated when the sun is shining and distractions are everywhere?
Kirby’s strategy is simple but effective: work early. By getting up and moving in the morning—before emails pile up or the day gets away from you—he’s able to stay productive while still enjoying summer.
Jade is challenging herself to post on social media every single day in June. For her, it’s about building momentum and staying consistent. A daily post might not seem like much, but over time it creates engagement, awareness, and discipline.
Summer doesn’t have to mean slowing down—it can be a great time to double down on habits that fuel your long-term goals.
Product of the Week: The Trakard by Rupt
If you’re always misplacing things or want to give your brand a modern twist, this week’s product is for you.
The Trakard by Rupt is a smart Bluetooth tracker the size of a credit card. You can slide it into a wallet, bag, backpack, or even a moving box—which is exactly what Jade is doing as she preps for her next move.
Why we love it:
It’s sleek, modern, and actually useful
It connects to an app for easy location tracking
It’s a great branded item for tech-savvy audiences or people on the go
Branded merch doesn’t have to be boring—and this is a perfect example of a high-perceived-value item that your audience will thank you for. Shop now for details here.
Shout Out of the Week: Joel Jumper and Hartville Hardware
This week’s shout-out is both a farewell and a welcome.
Joel Jumper, the longtime owner of Coshocton Lumber, has sold the business and is heading into retirement. We want to thank Joel for his years of hard work and dedication to serving the Coshocton community.
At the same time, we’re thrilled to welcome Hartville Hardware as the new owner. Known for their incredible store experience and customer-first mindset, Hartville Hardware has an opportunity to expand their legacy into Coshocton—and we’re excited to see what they bring to the table.
Here’s to a smooth transition and continued service to our local builders, homeowners, and DIYers.
Final Thoughts
From beach dogs and business frustrations to smart tech and summer goals, this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing is all about balance.
Summer is a great time to slow down and refresh—but it’s also a chance to reconnect with your purpose, double down on habits, and invest in the tools (and people) that make your brand stronger.
So here’s to motivation, real talk, and merch that matters.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. 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.
In this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby tackle the intersection of branding, consumer behavior, and employee engagement—with a healthy dose of fun and a few sharp marketing lessons along the way.
This episode covers:
The rise of plastic bag bans—and the merch opportunity hiding in plain sight
Two very different coffee campaigns—and what they teach us about promises and promotion
A new Gallup study on remote workers, stress, and engagement
Plastic bags are now banned in 12 states (and counting), along with many major cities. While some see this as an inconvenience, Jade—who lives in Colorado where the ban has been in place—says it’s really not that big of a deal.
In fact, both Jade and Kirby see this as a branding opportunity. If your business provides your audience with a high-quality, reusable tote, you’re not just solving a problem—you’re delivering a useful piece of branded merch that gets seen over and over again.
As Kirby put it, this is a great example of “creating marketing that people say ‘thank you’ for.” Functional, relevant, and repeat-use merch is how brands stay top of mind without shouting for attention.
A Tale of Two Coffee Campaigns
This week also brought two contrasting stories in the world of coffee marketing:
7 Brew Coffee launched a clever Mother’s Day campaign: Buy two coffees, get a coffee coolie. It worked—customers felt appreciated, and the gift made sense for the moment. The key? Knowing your audience.
In contrast, Dunkin’ promoted a Nurses Week campaign… but not all locations participated, leading to disappointment, confusion, and frustration. Jade and Kirby agreed that it’s better not to promise anything than to offer a campaign that falls apart in execution.
Marketing lesson of the week: Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Whether you’re selling coffee or branded merch, clarity and consistency win trust.
Gallup Study: Remote Workers Are Engaged—But Also Stressed
A recent Gallup study found that people working from home report higher levels of engagement with their work, but also increased levels of anger, sadness, and loneliness. It’s a revealing—and important—data point.
Jade and Kirby discussed the balance between productivity and emotional wellness in remote settings. It’s not just about output; it’s about how people feel. Some solutions?
Create space for intentional connection (virtual or in person)
Encourage breaks and boundaries
Look for signs of burnout—not just performance metrics
This segment was a good reminder: Engaged doesn’t always mean okay. Leaders and teams need to pay attention to both.
Product of the Week: Pucker Up—It’s Lip Balm Time
This week’s Product of the Week is a pint-sized powerhouse—the Pout Pucker Mini Lip Moisturizer from HPG.
Affordable and addictive—people keep coming back for more
High use frequency—your logo is seen multiple times a day
New scents and flavors let your brand find its personality
Great for events, giveaways, wellness kits, and retail add-ons
This is a perfect example of small merch with a big impact. Your customer will literally carry your brand in their pocket.
Shoutout of the Week: The Coshocton Collaborative Is Now Open!
We’ve shouted out the Coshocton Collaborative before—but this time, it’s for something big: the ribbon has officially been cut, and the Collaborative is open for business.
Located in the heart of Coshocton, this new space is part coworking center, part innovation hub, and part small business incubator. It’s designed to serve entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and anyone looking for a collaborative community to build and grow.
Kirby and Jade shared their excitement for the investment in Coshocton County and the potential ripple effect this space could have across the region. From local economic development to entrepreneurial energy, this is a project worth celebrating.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was a mix of practical insights and inspiring stories, reminding us that great marketing isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about consistency, thoughtfulness, and relevance.
Here’s your quick recap:
Plastic bag bans = opportunity for functional branded merch
Great campaigns work because they deliver what they promise
Remote workers may be thriving—but also need support
Lip balm is small, affordable, and high-impact
Coshocton Collaborative is now open—and the future is bright
Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing—and if your team needs help finding the right merch to stay visible and valuable, we’d love to help. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.