The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Too often, we hold ourselves back waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect plan, or the perfect conditions. But the truth is, the people who succeed in any area of life aren’t the ones who wait for perfection—they’re the ones who relentlessly pursue BETTER.
In this episode of DMJ 1 on 1, I break down 7 actionable tips to help you push past fear, take consistent action, and create meaningful progress. Watch the full episode here:
Now, let’s dive into the 7 tips that will help you relentlessly pursue BETTER.
If You Want to Finish, You Have to Start
One of the biggest obstacles to progress is over-preparation. We convince ourselves that we need more time, more research, more planning—when in reality, we just need to start.
Our brains tend to resist action because new things feel risky and uncertain. The trick? Hijack your brain. Give yourself permission to just start—without pressure. Because once you take that first step, you’ll often find it’s much easier to keep going.
If you’re stuck, take the smallest possible action forward. Momentum creates motivation.
It’s Not the Complexity… It’s the Consistency
Most of the time, we already know what to do. The challenge isn’t figuring out a complex strategy—it’s doing the simple things consistently.
Want to get in shape? Eat better and move more.
Want to grow your business? Show up for your customers and add value.
Want to improve your skills? Practice regularly.
It’s not about making huge changes overnight. It’s about small actions done consistently over time.
The real magic happens when you stop overcomplicating and start being consistent.
Other People’s Opinions Are None of Your Business
If you’re doing something big, different, or ambitious, people will have opinions. Some will be supportive. Others will be critical. But here’s the truth:
Their opinions don’t matter.
Most of the time, criticism comes from people who aren’t doing what you’re doing—and their negativity says more about them than about you.
Stay focused on your own journey. Take feedback from people you respect, but don’t let the fear of judgment stop you from pursuing your goals.
Lift the Heavy Stuff First
Most people avoid the hard stuff. We procrastinate on difficult tasks, choosing to do the easier, less important things first. But that just leaves us drained before we even get to what really matters.
The solution? Do the hard things first.
Have a tough conversation? Do it first thing in the morning.
Need to create something meaningful? Start with it before checking emails.
Facing a difficult workout? Knock it out early.
When you tackle the biggest challenge first, the rest of the day feels easier and more productive.
Perfection is a Fool’s Errand
Perfection does not exist. It’s an illusion, and more importantly, it’s a procrastination tool.
Waiting for things to be perfect before you take action is just another form of fear. The only way to get good at anything is to start by being bad at it.
The first time you create something, it won’t be great.
The first time you try a new skill, you’ll struggle.
The first version of your idea will need work.
And that’s okay. Because progress happens through action, not overthinking.
Be Patient with Results, But Impatient with Action
Most people give up because they expect instant success. The truth is, meaningful progress takes longer than you think.
But while you should be patient with results, you should be impatient with action.
If you want to improve, take more action, faster.
If you want to grow, put in more reps, more experiments, more effort.
If you want better results, stop waiting and start doing.
Results take time. But the faster you take action and learn, the sooner you’ll see progress.
Measure What Matters So You Can Learn
Taking action is important. But if you’re not measuring what matters, you’re missing a huge opportunity to improve.
What gets measured, gets improved.
If you’re trying to grow a business, track leads, revenue, and engagement.
If you’re trying to improve fitness, track workouts, nutrition, and progress.
If you’re trying to develop a skill, track practice time and key milestones.
Take action, measure the results, and adjust accordingly. That’s how real improvement happens over time.
Final Thoughts: The Pursuit of BETTER
The goal isn’t to be perfect. It’s to keep getting better.
By focusing on starting, staying consistent, ignoring critics, tackling hard things first, ditching perfectionism, taking fast action, and measuring progress, you can create real momentum in any area of life or business.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, where we dive into branding, business, and the world of promotional products—all while keeping it fun. This week, Jade and Kirby tackled some hot topics, including:
🎙️ Podcasts that inspire us 👟 Nike’s partnership with Skims 🆚 Trendy vs. timeless branded merch 📢 Why fancy office gear actually matters 🚀 A shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative
Watch the latest episode here now!
Now, let’s break down the highlights.
Podcasts We Love & Why You Should Be Listening 🎧
Podcasts have become one of the best ways to grow personally and professionally. They can motivate, educate, and inspire—whether you’re on your morning run, driving to work, or just need a little lift.
Jade’s Podcast Picks: 📢 Mel Robbins – Known for her high-energy motivation and practical advice on mindset and success. 📢 Ed Mylett – A mix of business, leadership, and personal development, featuring some of the top names in entrepreneurship.
Kirby’s Podcast Picks: 🎯 Alex Hormozi – The Game – Straight-up, no-nonsense business advice from a multi-millionaire entrepreneur. 🎯 Jon Acuff – All It Takes Is a Goal – A deep dive into setting and achieving goals in a way that actually works.
💡 Why this matters: If you’re in business, marketing, or sales, podcasts are an easy (and free) way to keep learning and stay motivated.
What are your favorite podcasts? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Nike x Skims: A Smart Play or Just Hype? 👟
Nike recently announced a partnership with Skims, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, as a way to better connect with female athletes and consumers.
💬 Jade and Kirby’s take:
Nike’s strategy: They’re trying to tap into a younger, fashion-forward female demographic.
Skims’ role: Skims brings a strong brand identity and a built-in audience that trusts the brand.
Does it make sense? At the end of the day, Jade and Kirby agreed that it could make sense for Nike in the short term as they look to re-make their image in this area.
Final thoughts: The collaboration is bold, but we’ll have to wait and see if it translates into sales and long-term brand impact.
Branded Merch: Trendy vs. Timeless – Which One Wins?
When it comes to branded merch, should you go for trendy items or stick to timeless classics? The answer is it depends—on your audience and your campaign goals.
✅ Trendy items – Great for brands that want to feel fresh, modern, and relevant. But trends fade fast. ✅ Timeless classics – These are reliable, always in demand, and have staying power. But they can sometimes feel predictable.
💡 The takeaway? It’s all about the audience. If your merch is for a younger, trend-sensitive crowd, go for something trendy. If you’re creating corporate gifts or long-term brand builders, invest in high-quality, classic items that will be used and appreciated for years.
What’s your approach—trendy, classic, or a mix of both?
Dad Was Wrong: Fancy Office Equipment Edition 🖥️
In this episode, Jade called out Kirby in the latest “Dad Was Wrong” segment.
The topic? Fancy office equipment.
Kirby originally teased Jade when she wanted premium office gear, questioning whether it was really necessary. But now? Jade stands by her decision—because having the right setup makes her happier and more productive.
The lesson? Sometimes, investing in quality work tools isn’t just about luxury—it’s about creating an environment where you do your best work.
Shoutout to the Coshocton Collaborative 🚀
This week’s shoutout goes to the Coshocton Collaborative, a new space for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and creators in Coshocton, Ohio.
🏢 What’s exciting? ✅ The sign just went up, and the project is getting close to completion! ✅ It’s going to be a game-changer for local businesses and anyone who needs a place to work, meet, or collaborate. ✅ We can’t wait to see how this space supports business growth in our community.
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This week’s episode covered a wide range of topics, from personal growth to global branding moves, marketing strategy, and workspace productivity.
Key takeaways: 🚀 Keep learning – Podcasts are a free way to stay sharp and motivated. 🔥 Brand collaborations can be powerful – But only if they make sense. 🆚 Trendy vs. Timeless? It depends on your audience. 💡 Your workspace matters – Investing in your environment can boost productivity. 🏢 Big things are happening in Coshocton! – The Coshocton Collaborative is set to be a huge asset to local entrepreneurs.
What’s your take on Nike x Skims, trendy vs. classic merch, or workspace investments? Drop a comment and let’s talk!
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing, or creative ideas for your brand, let’s chat! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! 🎙️ This week, we’re breaking down some of our favorite Super Bowl ads (and a few that left us confused), why branded apparel doesn’t have to be boring, the ONE piece of branded merch every company should have, and—believe it or not—an area where Dad was actually RIGHT.
And before we wrap up, we’re giving a shoutout to John Larsen from OneGoodDeedJourney.com for the amazing work he’s doing.
Watch the latest episode right here 👇
Now, let’s get into the highlights!
Super Bowl Ads: The Good, The Bad & The WTF 🏈
Super Bowl commercials are a big deal. Brands pour millions into creating spots that will make us laugh, cry, or remember them forever. This year, we had some ads we really liked—and some that made us say, What were they thinking?
✅ Our Favorites:
Bud Light’s Ad – Simple, fun, and easy to watch. They nailed the tone.
Uber Eats Conspiracy Ad – A clever and silly ad where they pitch the idea that Football was created to sell you food.
Mountain Dew’s Ad Featuring Seal – An unexpected but hilarious use of Seal (the singer, not the animal).
❌ The WTF Moment:
The Tubi Ad with the Cowboy Hat Head – We both agreed… this one was just weird. Maybe it worked for some people, but for us, it was more confusing than entertaining.
Now, we want to hear from YOU! What were your favorite (or least favorite) Super Bowl ads this year? Drop them in the comments! 👇
Branded Apparel Doesn’t Have to Be Boring 👕
We say it all the time, but it’s worth repeating—branded apparel shouldn’t feel like a uniform.
Too many companies stick to generic polos and boxy t-shirts that no one actually wants to wear. But when done right, branded apparel can be:
✔️ Trendy and stylish—people should actually want to wear it.
✔️ Comfortable and high-quality—if it feels good, they’ll wear it often.
✔️ Well-designed—think about placement, color, and creativity beyond just a logo.
If you’re ordering apparel for your business, ask yourself:
Would I wear this if it didn’t have my company’s name on it?
If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink your approach.
The ONE Piece of Branded Merch Every Company Needs
We had a little debate on this one…
🥇 Kirby’s Pick: The Classic and Cool T-Shirt
A well-designed, high-quality t-shirt is the most wearable branded merch out there.
People wear their favorite t-shirts all the time—so if you do it right, your brand becomes part of their wardrobe.
🥇 Jade’s Pick: Custom Calendars
It’s functional, useful, and sticks around all year long.
Calendars put your brand front and center every single day—which makes them a smart marketing investment.
🥇 Honorable Mention (Because Kirby Broke the Rules): Drinkware
Let’s be real—branded drinkware is one of the best promo items out there.
Whether it’s tumblers, water bottles, or coffee mugs, people use them daily.
A high-quality piece of drinkware keeps your brand in constant rotation.
So, what do YOU think? If you could only pick ONE piece of branded merch, what would it be? Let us know in the comments!
Dad Was Right?!
This is a rare moment, folks. Kirby was actually right about something.
Jade shared how, while her husband was deployed this past year, she actually enjoyed moving home and being around family. While she didn’t expect to love it as much as she did, it turned out to be a great experience.
So, in this one instance… Dad gets to say, “I told you so.” 😉
Shoutout to John Larsen & OneGoodDeedJourney.com!
Before we close out, we want to give a huge shoutout to John Larsen and the work he’s doing with OneGoodDeedJourney.com.
John is on a mission to spread kindness and encourage people to make a difference—one good deed at a time. His work is inspiring, and we love seeing the impact he’s making.
Check out OneGoodDeedJourney.com to learn more and see how you can get involved!
Final Thoughts: Better Merch, Better Marketing, Better Conversations
This episode had a little bit of everything—Super Bowl ads, better branded apparel, the best merch picks, a rare “Dad was right” moment, and celebrating good people doing great things. But at the core of it all, it comes down to one thing:
BETTER marketing leads to BETTER brand impact.
If you want to level up your branded merch, marketing, or company culture, let’s chat. We’d love to help you find the right strategy for your brand.
And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing! 🚀
At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about fun…and doing marketing BETTER. If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
If you’re looking for creative ways to grow your sales this year, branded merchandise should be a key part of your strategy. Too often, businesses treat promo products as afterthoughts—something you slap a logo on and hand out at events. But when used strategically, branded merch can help you increase engagement, drive conversions, and build long-term customer relationships.
In this post (and video), we’re sharing five powerful ways you can use branded merchandise to boost your sales in 2024.
Use Branded Merch to Improve Direct Mail
Direct mail still works—but with today’s digital noise, you need to make sure your piece gets opened. That’s where branded merch comes in.
By adding a small promotional product to your mailer, you make it “bumpy,” which naturally increases curiosity. People want to see what’s inside. And here’s the kicker:
💡 Studies show that adding branded merch to direct mail can increase open rates by up to 75%!
Yes, this will increase the cost per piece. But if your offer is strong, dramatically improving your open rates will lead to higher conversions and sales. If you’re already investing in direct mail, adding branded merch can significantly boost your ROI.
Use Branded Merch to Improve Show Rates
Getting people to show up for appointments, meetings, or events is a challenge—whether you’re a dentist, gym owner, or service provider. One smart way to increase attendance is to use branded merch as an incentive.
Here’s how it works: Offer people a choice of branded merch BEFORE they arrive.
For example, when scheduling a new appointment, you could ask:
🛍️ “Would you prefer the red tumbler or the blue tumbler when you come in?”
This small tactic taps into the power of commitment and consistency. When someone chooses, they feel more invested in showing up. And more people following through on appointments means more sales for your business.
Use Branded Merch to Incentivize Referrals
Referrals are one of the best ways to grow a business. When people recommend you, they bring in warmer leads who already trust you. But sometimes, customers need a nudge to make those introductions.
That’s where branded merch comes in.
When you create a referral program using high-quality branded products, you turn your customers into brand ambassadors. They wear, use, and talk about your merch—spreading the word about your business in an organic way.
📣 Pro Tip: The best referral gifts aren’t just “cheap swag.” Pick something people actually want to use—like premium drinkware, apparel, or tech accessories. This increases the likelihood that they’ll share it, talk about it, and send new business your way.
Use Branded Merch for Brand Marketing (Not Just Direct Marketing)
Most businesses focus on direct marketing—ads, sales funnels, and emails designed to drive immediate action. While these are important, brand marketing is what keeps you at the top of your mind in the long term.
And guess what? Branded merch is one of the best tools for brand marketing.
Why? Because it makes your brand omnipresent in your audience’s daily life.
Imagine your target customer drinking their coffee every morning out of your branded tumbler. Or pulling out your custom notebook at every meeting. That constant exposure builds brand familiarity and trust—so when they’re finally ready to buy, you’re the first name they think of.
✅ Direct marketing = asking for the sale immediately.
✅ Brand marketing = building long-term relationships that lead to future sales.
Great marketing needs both. Use branded merch strategically to be everywhere for your ideal customers.
Create a Quarterly Appreciation Program for Your Top Customers
It’s important to focus on getting new customers—but don’t forget to take care of the ones you already have.
Your top 20% of customers likely generate 80% of your revenue (hello, Pareto Principle). The best way to keep them loyal? Show them you appreciate them without always asking for money.
A Quarterly Appreciation Program is a simple way to do this. Every three months, send your top clients a thoughtful branded gift—something useful, high-quality, and unexpected.
Why does this work?
💡 Loyal customers spend more and refer others.
💡 A thank-you gift strengthens relationships and reduces churn.
💡 Most businesses don’t do this—so it makes you stand out!
Remember: People like to do business with those who appreciate them. A well-executed appreciation program can have a massive impact on repeat sales and referrals.
Start Using Branded Merch to Grow Your Sales This Year
Branded merch isn’t just about slapping your logo on a product and hoping for the best. When used strategically, it can:
✅ Get more people to open your direct mail
✅ Improve show-up rates for appointments & events
✅ Incentivize referrals and build a community
✅ Strengthen your brand marketing strategy
✅ Show appreciation to your best customers
If you’re ready to put these strategies to work in your business, we’d love to help! At Hasseman Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses use branded merchandise to drive real results.
🚀 Let’s create a plan for you. Contact us today, and let’s talk about how to use branded merch to grow your sales this year!
If you need help hitting the TARGET with your branded merch, reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
Welcome back to the Better Merch…Better Marketing podcast! We’re thrilled to bring you Episode 2, where Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman dive into exciting topics in marketing, business, and branded merchandise—all while adding their unique father-daughter dynamic to the mix. If you missed Episode 1, don’t worry; you can catch up anytime. But today, we’re diving into new discussions that we think you’ll love.
Check out the latest episode below:
What’s in Episode 2?
Here’s a rundown of what we covered in this week’s podcast:
1. The TikTok Drama: What Happened and What’s Next?
We kicked off this week’s episode by discussing the recent TikTok drama. From its sudden removal to the widespread reaction, Jade shared how she felt when the app disappeared briefly and what it meant for content creators and marketers alike. Kirby and Jade also speculated on what might come next for the platform and how businesses should approach TikTok moving forward. Spoiler alert: This conversation was packed with insights into adapting to change in the digital marketing landscape.
2. Lessons from the PPAI Expo
Last week, we attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, the premier event for promotional products and branded merchandise. We had the chance to explore new trends, connect with industry leaders, and come away with some important lessons in business. In this episode, we share our key takeaways that can help you in whatever business you are in!
3. Audience Question: How Can You Attract and Retain Clients?
This week’s listener question comes from someone who tuned in to Episode 1: How can you attract and retain clients? Kirby broke down his TARGET method for effective marketing, offering actionable steps to help businesses stand out and build lasting relationships.
To make it even better, Kirby is giving away his book, Hit The TARGET, for free! Head over to HitTheTargetBook.com to grab your free copy, which includes the ebook, audiobook, and online course.
4. When Dad Was Wrong
In this week’s fun and lighthearted segment, Jade turned the tables and shared an area where she thinks Kirby is wrong. This playful moment highlighted how different perspectives—even within a family—can lead to some lively discussions and even better ideas.
5. Shout Out to Local Stars: Main Street Station & Sorrell’s on the Square
We wrapped up the episode by celebrating two amazing Coshocton businesses, Main Street Station and Sorrell’s on the Square, both of which were recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants. These local spots are doing incredible things for our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to shine a spotlight on their achievements. If you haven’t visited them yet, make it a priority!
Key Takeaways from Episode 2
TikTok’s impact on marketing is undeniable, and adaptability is key as platforms evolve.
Live events like the PPAI Expo are invaluable for networking, learning, and staying ahead in your industry.
Attracting and retaining clients requires a clear strategy, like Kirby’s TARGET method, and a focus on delivering value.
It’s okay to challenge ideas and perspectives—that’s where growth (and sometimes laughter) happens.
Supporting local businesses is a vital part of building strong communities.
What’s Next?
We’re already planning Episode 3, and we’d love to hear from you! Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Send it our way, and we might feature it in an upcoming episode. Whether it’s about branded merchandise, marketing strategies, or building better business practices, we’re here to help.
Make sure to watch Episode 2 above, share your thoughts, and subscribe to stay updated on all future episodes. Together, we’re creating Better Merch…Better Marketing!
Have a question or comment? Drop it below or reach out directly—we’d love to hear from you!
If you need help creating Better Merch & Better Marketing reach out to us! We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
