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.
On this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade dig into a mix of marketing insights, branded merch talk, and a few surprising media takes—from The Wolf of Wall Street landing on Disney+ to one very noisy pen.
This episode includes:
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of TikTok Marketing
Trade Show Tips to help brands show up and stand out
1. TikTok Marketing: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
First up, we waded into the ever-controversial waters of TikTok marketing. Like most platforms, TikTok can be a powerful tool—or a cautionary tale—depending on how it’s used.
The Ugly: We kick off with a story of influencer marketing gone seriously wrong. It’s a reminder that when brands hand over messaging to creators without clear boundaries or understanding, the results can backfire—big time.
The Bad: Poppi, a better-for-you soda brand, sent out mini vending machines to influencers as part of a campaign. Some users criticized the campaign as wasteful or out-of-touch. Kirby called it “fake outrage,” arguing that the brand earned awareness and engagement—which is, after all, the goal.
The Good: Then there’s the success story of an author whose book sales exploded after a single, authentic TikTok video took off. No gimmicks. No huge spend. Just a compelling story shared with the right audience.
Key takeaway: TikTok can amplify your message, but strategy, authenticity, and understanding the platform culture are essential.
2. Trade Show Tips That Actually Work
Trade shows are back—and if you’re going to invest time and money to show up, you’d better make it count. Jade and Kirby shared real-world tips that can help your booth rise above the sea of sameness.
Have a Theme: Make it memorable. A cohesive, creative theme ties your merch, booth, and messaging together.
Train Your Team: A great booth setup means nothing if your team isn’t energized, aligned, and trained to engage.
Pre-Event Communication: Don’t just show up—give first. Reach out before the show to offer value, create interest, and invite attendees to stop by.
Whether it’s a regional expo or a national trade show, the brands that prepare before the event are the ones that win during it.
3. Disney+ Gets Gritty: A Brand Shift?
Yes, it’s true—The Wolf of Wall Street is now streaming on Disney+. So, what does this mean for brand identity?
Kirby and Jade talked about the change in Disney+ since it merged with Hulu. The main thought of course is, you can’t let Disney+ be your child’s babysitter. But Kirby’s overall take is on knowing your audience. If you don’t create content that is tailored for your perfect customer, then it might feel like the Wolf of Wall Street doing sales training on your child!
4. Product of the Week: The Crinkle Pen from HPG
This week’s featured merch item? The wonderfully tactile and slightly addictive Crinkle Pen from HPG.
Why we love it:
It’s fun to fidget with (without being distracting).
The grip is unique and memorable.
It’s a conversation starter—great for trade shows, events, and desk drops.
Bottom line: It’s not your average pen, and that’s the point.
5. Shoutout of the Week: Coshocton Regional Medical Center
We always love highlighting great work—and this week’s shoutout goes to Coshocton Regional Medical Center for receiving the Patient Safety Excellence Award.
Their commitment to care and excellence makes a real impact in our community, and this recognition is well-deserved. Hats off to the entire team.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was a fun mix of insights, hot takes, and useful tools. Whether you’re navigating TikTok, planning for your next trade show, or just hunting for the next great piece of merch, there’s something in here for you.
Until next time, keep showing up, keep growing, and keep creating Better Merch…and Better Marketing. 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.
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.
