In the latest episode of the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast, Jade and Kirby dive into a fun and insightful conversation centered around creativity, nostalgia, strategy—and, of course, better merch. Titled “McDonald’s Monopoly Marketing,” this episode is packed with takeaways for marketers, business leaders, and anyone looking to make the most of Q4.
Let’s break down the highlights of the show.
McDonald’s Monopoly Is Back—and It’s Brilliant Marketing
McDonald’s has brought back its iconic Monopoly game, and both Jade and Kirby are here for it. Why? Because it hits on two powerful marketing strategies at once: Nostalgia Marketing and Owned Media.
Nostalgia marketing is a term they’re hoping to coin, and for good reason. When you tap into a customer’s fond memories—especially from childhood or earlier in life—you tap into emotion. That emotion builds connection, trust, and attention. The Monopoly game has been a core memory for many McDonald’s fans, and bringing it back in the digital age just works.
But here’s where it gets really smart: this time, the game is tied to the McDonald’s app.
Instead of just peeling game pieces off fry boxes, customers now need to interact with the McDonald’s app, turning the campaign into a powerful owned media play. McDonald’s isn’t just driving visits—they’re building long-term customer relationships by getting people into their ecosystem. That means more push notifications, more loyalty, and more data.
Jade and Kirby both agree: this campaign is chef’s kiss marketing. It’s not just a throwback—it’s a strategic move that any business can learn from.
Takeaway: How can your business create moments of nostalgia for your customers—and tie those moments to platforms you own (like your email list or app)?
Q4 Goals: The Power of Starting Fresh (Every Quarter)
Next up, Kirby and Jade talk about the fresh energy that comes with the start of a new quarter. At Hasseman Marketing, goal setting isn’t just a once-a-year thing—it’s baked into the rhythm of the business. And Q4 is no different.
Kirby shares how they break down annual goals into quarterly checkpoints. It’s a method that keeps things practical, focused, and achievable. When you only focus on big, long-term goals, it’s easy to lose momentum. But quarterly goals keep the team aligned and energized.
Jade adds that she loves the “reset” vibe that comes with a new quarter. It gives her the chance to revisit what’s working (and what’s not), and bring fresh creativity to her projects.
Takeaway: If you’re not setting quarterly goals, you’re missing out on one of the simplest and most effective tools for keeping your marketing (and your mindset) on track.
LinkedIn on the Rise
Let’s talk about LinkedIn.
Jade noticed something—and she’s not alone. LinkedIn is growing. Not just in user count, but in content engagement and business relevance. While other platforms are battling algorithms and ad fatigue, LinkedIn is quietly becoming a go-to space for professional content, real conversations, and brand-building.
Kirby has been a longtime fan of LinkedIn and talked about how he uses it to connect with business leaders, share consistent content, and build credibility. The platform is less about viral dance trends and more about value-driven posts—and that’s exactly what makes it effective.
Whether you’re in sales, recruiting, leadership, or marketing, LinkedIn is worth a second look.
Takeaway: Now is a great time to double down on LinkedIn. Start by sharing what you know, celebrating your wins, and being authentically helpful.
Product of the Week: Gold Bond HydraPeak 32 oz Water Bottle
This week’s featured product comes from the team’s friends at Gold Bond—and it’s a winner.
The HydraPeak 32 oz Insulated Water Bottle with straw lid is a perfect blend of quality, function, and value. Whether you’re hydrating during your workday or keeping your brand in front of your customers, this bottle does the job.
High perceived value
Customizable with your brand
Built for everyday use
This is the kind of merch that doesn’t get tossed—it gets used.
Takeaway: Don’t just give stuff—give merch that earns a permanent spot in your customer’s daily life.
Shout Out: Groundbreaking at the AEP Site in Conesville
Finally, Kirby and Jade wrap up the episode with a BIG shout-out to the recent groundbreaking at the old AEP site in Conesville, Ohio.
This massive site has been under redevelopment since 2020, and now the first business is moving in—a major step forward for the community.
Huge kudos go out to the Port Authority, County Commissioners, City Officials, and the many organizations who have collaborated to make this happen. It’s proof that when people work together with vision and purpose, big things happen.
Takeaway: Community progress is something to celebrate—and it’s made possible by people who believe in building a better future.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a perfect snapshot of what Better Merch…Better Marketing is all about:
Learning from smart brands (like McDonald’s)
Staying intentional with your goals
Using the right platforms
Choosing the right merch
And celebrating progress—big or small
If you haven’t tuned in yet, this is a great episode to jump into.
Catch the full episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing wherever you listen to podcasts—and be sure to share it with a fellow marketer or business owner who needs a little spark.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
In July, I invested two months in Dan Martell’s Elite Coaching Program—and it was a great investment for my growth as a leader and entrepreneur. The program wasn’t cheap ($3,000), but it forced me to take a step back and remind myself of something important: I am the product. If I don’t invest in me, everything else eventually suffers.
Here are the four biggest lessons I took away from my time in the program.
Be Willing to Invest in Yourself
We say we want to grow. We say we want to lead better, sell better, market better. But often, we’ll invest in everything else—software, equipment, campaigns—before we invest in ourselves.
That’s a mistake. The truth is, you are the product. Your ideas, your leadership, your energy, your clarity—those are what drive your business and your team forward. If you don’t invest in sharpening those things, the rest will never reach its potential.
For me, the price tag of $3,000 was actually part of the lesson. It meant I had skin in the game. It made me show up differently. When you pay for coaching, training, or mentoring, you’re not just buying content—you’re buying commitment.
The Five Daily Non-Negotiables
Dan outlined a set of five daily habits that serve as a foundation for success. They’re simple, but powerful:
Workout – Move your body every day. Energy fuels everything else.
Read 10 pages of a self-development book – Feed your brain with fresh ideas and perspective.
Review your goals 2–3 times a day – Keep your eyes on the prize so distractions don’t pull you off course.
Post 3 Instagram stories – Share your journey, let people in, build your brand.
Make 5 reach-outs to prospects or customers – Growth is in the follow-up, not just the new ideas.
If you think about it, these five things cover your mind, body, brand, and business. Do them daily, and the compounding effect is incredible.
Make Your Goals Inevitable
This one was a breakthrough for me. Dan says: don’t just set goals—make them inevitable.
Here’s how:
Start with your big dream goal.
Break it down into what you need to achieve this year to move toward it.
Then break that down further into the daily actions that—if done consistently—make the big goal unavoidable.
For example, if your dream goal is a revenue number, break it into quarterly and monthly sales targets. Then, translate those into how many daily reach-outs or conversations you need. If you do those reach-outs every day for 1,000 days, hitting the big goal becomes inevitable.
I love this because it removes some of the mystery around success. It’s no longer about luck—it’s about math and consistency.
There’s Not Just One Way to Succeed
One of the things I’ve noticed in personal development is that every guru has their “one true way.” Some say you need to go all-in on a single focus. Others say you should diversify. Dan had his own take as well.
The truth? There isn’t just one way. Success leaves clues, but it doesn’t leave a map. The trick is to study the lessons, learn the patterns, and then carve your own trail.
That was freeing for me. I don’t need to copy someone else’s exact playbook. I can take what works for me and build my own system.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway? Growth is intentional. If you want to be better in business—or in life—you have to commit to daily habits, make your goals inevitable, and be willing to invest in yourself.
I loved my time in the Elite Coaching Program, and I’m grateful for the lessons I learned. If you’re considering an investment in yourself—whether it’s coaching, a program, or just more dedicated time to growth—do it.
At the end of the day, you are the product.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
Season 2 of Better Merch…Better Marketing is rolling along, and this week Kirby and Jade are back LIVE in the Hasseman Marketing office for a lively conversation about tech, retail, events, and of course, branded merch. From futuristic glasses to giant grocery bags, they covered a wide range of topics you won’t want to miss.
Meta AI Glasses: Cool Tool or Creepy Gadget?
The episode kicked off with a look at the Meta AI glasses—a product that has sparked plenty of buzz and more than a few questions.
Jade pointed out some creative ways these could be used at a trade show or live event, like identifying brands in real time or helping attendees navigate a show floor. Imagine walking into a booth and instantly pulling up a brand’s story or product catalog, all without pulling out your phone.
Kirby, meanwhile, focused on the content creation angle. For marketers, the ability to record, stream, and create hands-free opens up some incredible opportunities. But he also acknowledged the elephant in the room: privacy concerns. How will people feel about wearing or being recorded by glasses that are always on?
Both agreed it’s a fascinating piece of tech—but they want to hear from you. Would you wear Meta AI glasses? Would you use them in your business?
Aldi’s Giant Bag Campaign
From futuristic tech to the grocery aisle, Jade and Kirby then tackled the latest campaign from Aldi. The discount chain made waves with their oversized shopping bags designed to perfectly fit their carts. To add to the buzz, they gave away 1,000 of them.
The verdict? Jade and Kirby loved the concept. The bag fits seamlessly into Aldi’s shopper experience, it’s fun, and it’s a walking billboard for the brand. But the limitation—only 1,000 bags—left them scratching their heads. Why not make this a bigger program that more shoppers could access?
The lesson: if you create branded merch that perfectly fits your brand and resonates with your audience, don’t stop at just a taste. Scale it up and let the campaign run.
Lessons from the Customer Show
With Hasseman Marketing’s Branding Basecamp Customer Show just wrapped up, Kirby and Jade shared their takeaways.
The T-shirt station was a hit. Giving attendees a chance to print and customize their own shirt was not only fun but also created an interactive brand experience.
You can never over-communicate. From emails to reminders, making sure people know what’s happening and where to go is critical for success.
People remember the highlights. The conversations, the experiences, and the special touches are what stick—not the little things you might stress about behind the scenes.
It was a great event, and Jade and Kirby were thrilled with the feedback and energy.
Product of the Week: The 10 x 10 Tent
This week’s Product of the Week is something many attendees saw firsthand at the show: the 10 x 10 Deluxe Steel Frame Tent.Check it out here.
Tents like these are perfect for:
Outdoor events and festivals
Trade shows and community gatherings
Company picnics or recruiting fairs
Not only do they provide function and shelter, but they also create a big, bold canvas for your brand. Learn more and get yours here.
Shout-Out: Baltic State Bank
Finally, Jade and Kirby gave a shout-out to Baltic State Bank, which is opening a new branch in West Lafayette. It’s always encouraging to see investment and growth in the local community, and this expansion is a win for the area.
Wrapping Up
This episode had a little bit of everything: tech trends, retail campaigns, event lessons, and a standout product for outdoor marketing. If there’s a thread tying it all together, it’s this: when you combine creativity with strategy, branded merch and marketing campaigns can create real impact.
From AI glasses to giant shopping bags, the landscape of marketing continues to evolve—and Better Merch…Better Marketing is here to help you make sense of it all.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
This past July, I did something that felt both exciting and terrifying: I took myself out of the office for a full month.
Now, this doesn’t mean I didn’t work. Instead, the idea was to step away from the day-to-day operations of Hasseman Marketing to see where I was acting as a bottleneck, where I was holding on too tightly, and what could happen if I created more space. The idea wasn’t mine originally—I got it from Mike Michalowicz’s book Clockwork. But putting it into practice was eye-opening, and I learned more than I expected about leadership, my team, and myself.
What I Got Right
Looking back, there were some key things I did well in preparing for this “month away.”
1. I planned ahead. Normally, I’m the type to get an idea and want to jump in immediately. But this time, I took three full months to prepare. That planning period was critical because it allowed me to think through the details and anticipate challenges.
2. I made a list of the essentials. Before stepping back, I wrote down every single area of the business where I thought “I have to be involved.” Spoiler alert: the list was shorter than I thought it would be. And that clarity made it easier to hand off responsibilities.
3. I trained others. This wasn’t just about me disappearing and hoping things worked out. I spent intentional time equipping my team to handle the tasks I normally touch. Training was a huge piece of the puzzle.
4. I communicated clearly. I didn’t just tell my team once. I explained over and over again what I was doing and why. By the time July rolled around, the team knew the purpose of the experiment—and they were bought in.
What I Got Wrong
Of course, not everything went perfectly. In fact, some of my biggest lessons came from the mistakes.
1. I didn’t schedule enough work for myself. Without all the daily “minutiae” that normally fills my time, I got through some big projects faster than expected. Suddenly, I was left with more open time than I had planned for.
2. I wasn’t intentional with my calendar. Instead of using that extra time wisely, I let my calendar fill up with things that weren’t always strategic. Looking back, I wish I had guarded it more closely.
3. I forgot to schedule “thinking time.” As leaders, we all say we want more time to think. But when the opportunity came, I didn’t protect it. That was a miss.
4. I didn’t schedule fun. This one surprised me. With the extra space, I thought fun would just “happen.” It didn’t. And since I didn’t put it in the calendar, it never made it onto the priority list.
The Lessons I Learned
So, what’s the bottom line from this month away? Here are a few big takeaways that I’ll carry with me:
I don’t have to be involved in everything. The team can handle more than I sometimes give them credit for.
I really love what I do. Taking a step back reminded me just how much I enjoy the work and the people I get to work with.
I need to do this again. Maybe not for a full month every time, but putting intentional space on my calendar is something I want to repeat.
I missed the interaction. I’m an extrovert. As much as I enjoyed the big projects, I missed the day-to-day energy of working alongside people.
Build a business you don’t want to sell. Here’s the biggest one: if you ever want to sell your business, you need to build one you don’t want to sell. That means creating systems, empowering people, and building something sustainable without you in every detail.
Why This Matters
If you’re a founder, CEO, or even a manager, chances are you’re the bottleneck in more areas than you realize. Stepping out of the day-to-day, even for a short period of time, gives you a clearer view of what’s working, what’s not, and what truly requires your involvement.
For me, this experiment was worth it. I learned about myself, my team, and my business. And while I didn’t get everything right, the process gave me insights I never would have gained otherwise.
If you’ve ever thought about doing something like this, my advice is simple: plan ahead, communicate well, and then go for it. You’ll be surprised at what you (and your team) discover.
What about you? If you stepped away from the daily grind for a month, what would you learn about your team?
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
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.
