Delivering Marketing Joy

Trying to reach everyone is a great way to reach nobody. This week on Better Merch...Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider break down why dialing in your perfect niche client is one of the most powerful moves you can make in your marketing right now, explore the quiet luxury trend that is reshaping branded merch, and get candid in a marketing confessions segment about the beliefs they used to hold that they now know were costing them. Plus the most luxurious Product of the Week yet — buttery soft pajamas with a one piece minimum — and a Joy Report shout out to Mandy Taylor from CSB for bringing a fresh perspective to a classic industry. Get FREE access to the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at https://Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Ferdinand Mehlinger joins the show to talk about how AI is changing the search game for local businesses, old school SEO not working, internet verification for small businesses, fixing declines in web traffic, and more!

Lately, more companies have started moving away from branded merchandise—and honestly, I think it’s a mistake. In this episode, I break down why banning or avoiding branded merch can actually weaken your marketing instead of improving it. Great merch isn’t just about putting a logo on an item. When it’s done well, it builds awareness, creates connection, reinforces messaging, and keeps your brand visible in ways digital marketing alone simply can’t. The problem isn’t branded merch itself. The problem is bad strategy, lazy execution, and treating merch like an afterthought instead of a meaningful part of the brand experience. If you care about marketing that creates real engagement and long-term brand impact, this conversation matters.

Cheap is not always affordable — and Spirit Airlines proves it. This week on Better Merch...Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider unpack why the true price of a marketing piece is determined at the point of usage, what every small business owner can learn from the collapse of Spirit Airlines and the dangers of racing to the bottom on price, and why your next great hire starts with treating recruitment like a marketing problem. Plus the Flat Lay Custom Notepad is this week's Product of the Week. Get FREE access to the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at https://Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Sean garner joins the show to discuss going from owning a gym to becoming a marketing expert, understanding sales funnels, building trust in business, maximizing marketing time, and more!

Big goals are exciting—but they can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have a clear way to pursue them. In this video, I break down the LEADS framework, a simple approach I use to stay focused, take action, and make consistent progress toward meaningful goals. This isn’t about hype or motivation in the moment. It’s about having a structure that helps you move forward when things get hard, stay disciplined when distractions show up, and keep momentum over time. I’ve found that chasing big goals isn’t about one big push—it’s about small, intentional actions that stack up. The LEADS framework is designed to help you do exactly that. If you’re serious about going after something bigger, this will give you a practical way to get started and keep going.

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, we cover a range of topics that can help you think differently about how you approach branded merchandise and marketing strategy. We start by talking about the shift from simply putting logos on products to focusing more on messaging and intentional design. From there, we dive into creative merch ideas that stand out and actually connect with your audience. We also explore ways to elevate events—especially golf outings—by creating memorable, engaging experiences instead of just handing out products. And finally, we discuss the importance of timing and how having the right project timeline can make all the difference in execution. If you’re looking for practical ideas and a fresh perspective on merch and marketing, there’s something here for you.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Colleen Joyce joins the show to talk about going from pop culture to legal tech, building a brand in a traditional industry, the importance of data in business growth, and more!

Opportunities don’t always come around often—and when they do, what you do next matters. In this video, I talk about why it’s so important to follow the process, especially when the stakes are high. It’s easy to get emotional, rush decisions, or try to shortcut steps when an opportunity shows up. But over time, I’ve learned that the people who make the most of those moments are the ones who stay disciplined, trust the process, and execute with intention. This isn’t about slowing down for the sake of it—it’s about making sure you don’t waste something valuable by skipping the fundamentals that got you there in the first place. If you’ve got something in front of you right now, this is your reminder to handle it the right way.

Brand activations, time management hacks, and the case for putting your real face on social media — this week's episode of Better Merch...Better Marketing covers a lot of ground. Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider break down what brand activations and immersions actually are, how to use them in your business, and share practical time management strategies that help you get more done. They also dig into why authenticity and a human presence on social media can be your biggest brand advantage. Plus the 32 oz HydraPeak Insulated Water Bottle is this week's Product of the Week and Kaylee Andrews of Coshocton Regional Medical Center gets a well-deserved shout out in the Joy Report. Get FREE access to the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at https://Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of delivering #marketingjoy Daniel Lewis AKA "Human Caffeine" joins the show to discuss the importance of having energy and being engaged, authenticity and high performance, and rebuilding energy and momentum. Watch now!

AI is changing the way marketing works—but getting started can feel overwhelming. In this video, I walk through a beginner’s guide to using AI in marketing, breaking down what it is, why it matters, and how you can start thinking about it in a practical way. This isn’t about complicated tools or technical jargon. It’s about understanding the role AI can play in helping you create content, improve efficiency, and make better marketing decisions. If you’re new to AI or just trying to figure out how it fits into your marketing strategy, this is a great place to start.

Kim Kardashian said if you are not on social media, you are failing. Kirby and Jade's reaction? Of course she's right — now here's what to do about it. This week on Better Merch...Better Marketing, they break down the physical and digital marketing trend you need to know, share tips for creating social media content that actually builds your brand, and unpack why Alex Hormozi's simple answer about always wearing his logo might be the most underrated marketing move out there. Plus, the Scribbler Go Notebook and Whiteboard is this week's Product of the Week. Get FREE access to the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at https://Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Christian Boucousis joins the show to discuss lessons he's learned from the cockpit of fighter jets, leadership insights under stress, frameworks for success, and more!

We all have a soundtrack playing in our heads—but not all of them are helping us. In this video, I talk about the idea of “broken soundtracks,” inspired by Jon Acuff, and how the stories we tell ourselves can either hold us back or push us forward. Over time, I’ve realized how easy it is to believe thoughts that aren’t true, helpful, or productive. The challenge isn’t just recognizing those patterns—it’s learning how to replace them with something better. That’s where real progress starts. This conversation is about becoming more aware of that internal dialogue, questioning the assumptions we’ve been carrying, and making intentional changes that lead to better outcomes. If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed yourself, or battled negative thinking, this is a powerful concept worth exploring.

Kirby has feelings about April Fool's Day — and brands that lean into it — and he's not keeping them to himself. This week on Better Merch...Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider debate the holiday brands love to misuse, spotlight Ask Echo Golf Bags and Tier Tier as brands doing marketing right, and dig into whether influencers covering up logos is a power move or just plain self-important. Get FREE access to the 5 Day Business Bootcamp at https://Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Liz Wimbush joins the show to discuss how sustainability can create a competitive advantage, job responsibilities of a director of sustainability and responsibility, sustainability in promotional products, and more!

Most people don’t have an idea problem—they have an action problem. In this video, I talk about what most people miss when it comes to getting results: taking action consistently and moving faster than you think you should. Over time, I’ve learned that speed is a real advantage. It builds momentum, creates opportunities, and helps you learn faster than waiting for the “perfect” plan ever will. The people who make progress aren’t the ones who know the most—they’re the ones who are willing to move, adjust, and keep going. This isn’t about being reckless. It’s about being intentional, decisive, and understanding that action is what turns ideas into results. If you’ve been stuck thinking, planning, or waiting… this is your reminder to start moving.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby cover a mix of marketing lessons and real-life moments. They break down a recent Cheez-It PR and merch miss and what brands can learn from it, share insights from planning their Q2 goals after reviewing Q1, and celebrate Jade’s exciting pregnancy announcement. It’s a conversation about wins, misses, and milestones—and what it all means for growing your brand and your business. Also, sign up for our new 5 Day Business Bootcamp at Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Joshua Gould joins the show to discuss how he managed to scale from $6 million to $100 million, understanding revenue, healthy growth VS illusory growth, and balancing structure with entrepreneurship. Listen now!

Running a 5K might seem simple on the surface—but there’s a lot it can teach us about how we set and pursue goals. In this video, I share what a 5K reveals about preparation, pacing, mindset, and what it really takes to follow through on something you commit to. The lessons go far beyond running—they apply to business, personal growth, and any goal you’re working toward. This isn’t about running faster. It’s about thinking differently about how you approach the process, how you handle discomfort, and how you stay consistent when things get tough. If you’re working toward a goal right now, there’s a lot you can take from this one.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby dive into a fun and thought-provoking conversation about why banning branded merch is simply bad marketing. They kick things off with McDonald’s selling scented candles inspired by their food and break down why unexpected merch like this actually works. Kirby also shares insights from his recent trip to South Carolina and Georgia, where he spent time speaking and connecting with Jade and John. The conversation then turns to a growing trend of organizations banning branded merchandise and why that approach misses the bigger picture. When done right, merch creates connection, builds culture, and keeps your brand top of mind. Before you go, make sure to grab your spot in our FREE 5 Day Business Bootcamp: https://bootcamp.hassemanmarketing.com/

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy repeat guest Danny Rosin joins the show to discuss the future of PPAI, which of PPAI's 3 pillars he's most excited for, personal priorities for his term on the board, and more!

Selling isn’t just about closing deals—it’s about understanding the process that leads to them. In this video, we break down three key phases of selling and how each stage plays a critical role in building relationships, creating value, and driving results. Whether you’re new to sales or looking to refine your approach, this conversation is designed to help you think more intentionally about how you connect with prospects and move opportunities forward. If you want to become more effective in sales, it starts with understanding the process.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby break down why YouTube has become the world’s largest media platform and what that means for your business. They also discuss Jade’s recognition on the PPAI Online 18 and the lessons marketers can take from it, plus a critical reminder to stop selling features and start selling outcomes. If you want to capture attention and drive real results, this episode gives you a practical framework to think differently about your marketing. Also...if you want to get Kirby's book TARGET For Talent, you can get that free here: https://hassemanmarketing.com/target-for-talent/

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Christine Blosdale joins the show to talk about feeling like an expert authority, why so many personal brands fail, how to prioritize your next 90 days, and more. listen now!

This time on DMJ 1 on 1, I break down five common mistakes organizations make with branded merch and digital marketing—and how to avoid them. Watch now!

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby cover a mix of marketing moments and brand behavior. Kirby shares lessons from his recent trip to Honduras with commonsku and SanMar, they break down the buzz around McDonald’s new Big Arch sandwich and the competitor videos mocking it, and they celebrate Delta’s new rule banning speakerphone audio on flights. It’s a fun conversation about brand moments, customer experience, and the little decisions that shape how people feel about your company.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Katie Fortunato joins the show to discuss how to use AI in talent acquisition, how job seekers can navigate social first hiring, challenges and advantages being a woman founder, and more. Listen now!

If you want to build a stronger business, start by building stronger trust. In this video, I break down the TRUST framework and why trust is one of the most powerful drivers of long-term business success. Too many organizations focus only on short-term wins—transactions, quick sales, and immediate results. But the businesses that last understand something deeper: when people trust you, everything gets easier. Relationships grow stronger, opportunities multiply, and your brand becomes something people want to engage with again and again. In this video, I walk through the TRUST framework and how it can help you think differently about the way you connect with customers, partners, and your community. This isn’t about gimmicks or quick marketing tricks. It’s about building credibility, showing up consistently, and creating real value over time. If you’re serious about growing your business in a sustainable way, learning how to build trust is one of the best places to start.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Britney Godsey discusses what drives modern day revenue, How AI can help leaders spend less time "in the weeds," how to start using AI, and more. Watch now!

In marketing, one interaction is almost never enough. There’s a principle often referred to as the Rule of 7 Touches—the idea that people typically need multiple interactions with your brand before they feel ready to take action. Too many businesses give up after one email, one post, or one conversation. But trust isn’t built in a single moment. It’s built through consistency, repetition, and value delivered over time. Each touchpoint—whether it’s a video, a social post, a conversation, or a piece of branded merch—adds another layer of familiarity and credibility. If your marketing feels like it’s not working yet, it may not be a creativity problem—it may be a consistency problem. Stay visible. Stay valuable. And keep showing up.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby talk about what feels like a major shift in culture and marketing: the return to real. They dive into how brands can leverage user generated content, why Gen Z is rediscovering devices like the iPod to disconnect from constant noise, the rise of homesteading as a cultural trend, and why street-style interviews are landing for brands right now. If authenticity is becoming the competitive advantage in 2026, this conversation will help you think differently about how to connect with your audience.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Roger Nairn joins the podcast to discuss why most branded podcasts flop and how to prevent it, differentiating podcasts from blogs, repurposing podcast content, and more!

We live in a world where everyone is asking, selling, pitching, and promoting. But what if the real path to long-term success isn’t about taking first — it’s about giving first? In this video, I break down what I mean by the Give First Economy and why I believe it’s one of the most powerful frameworks for building sustainable success in business and life. This isn’t about being naive or generous without boundaries. It’s about creating value, building trust, and leading with contribution in a way that compounds over time. I’ve seen firsthand how a give-first mindset changes relationships, accelerates opportunity, and creates momentum that traditional transactional thinking can’t replicate. If you want to build something that lasts — this perspective matters. Get the book here! https://www.amazon.com/Give-First-Economy-How-Succeed-ebook/dp/B083BXPXP9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28SYTFBT1B7TZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qeWRxvYIh-RadordCiQtlOf75hVHhO11scvv5CYiIbM.e5S54zJuf2iIWdrwOrevPkjtmoWPy2YCD8OU3u9s-hw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kirby+hasseman+give+first&qid=1771611521&sprefix=kirby+hasseman+give+first%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby tackle a surprising topic: when you should not do branded merch. They break down why merch without a clear objective, defined customer, distribution plan, or during a PR crisis can do more harm than good. They also discuss the recent Frida Baby controversy and the importance of brand awareness and tone, plus Jade shares lessons from building her Branding Bestie personal brand. Before you go, grab your free Hit The TARGET bundle at https://hitthetargetbook.com/ and make sure you subscribe to Better Merch…Better Marketing wherever you listen.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Nick Lateur joins the show to discuss his journey within the industry, the role of social media in branded merchandise, understanding AI in marketing, and sales leadership insights. Listen now!

Every interaction your customer has with your business is saying something — whether you intended it to or not. From your website to your email signature to the way your team answers the phone, each touchpoint is shaping perception. The problem? Most businesses think branding is just a logo. It’s not. In this video, I break down why every touchpoint tells a story — and how to make sure it’s telling the right one. If you're serious about building trust, growing authority, and creating real brand consistency, this is a conversation worth having.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby break down the Super Bowl commercials that hit, the ones that missed, and the marketing lessons small to mid-sized businesses can take away. They talk about the clever “Relax Your Tight Ends” ad promoting prostate testing, Kirby’s favorite Dunkin’ spot, brands trolling competitors, and why the Liquid I.V. singing toilet ad did not land for them, along with how businesses can create their own “Super Bowl moments” through events and content.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Sarah Whitaker joins the show to discuss the importance of branded merchandise, challenges in the branded merch space, strategic approaches to merchandising, and optimizing the merch experience. Watch now!

The longer I’m in business, the more I realize how important gratitude really is. It’s easy to focus on growth, goals, and what’s next—but over time, business has taught me that appreciation plays a much bigger role than most people think. In this video, I share lessons I’ve learned over the years about gratitude in business—how it shapes perspective, strengthens relationships, and keeps you grounded through both wins and setbacks. These aren’t theories or trends, just real takeaways that come from experience. If you’re building something, leading a team, or navigating the ups and downs of business, this conversation is a reminder of why being grateful isn’t just a mindset—it’s a competitive advantage.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman talk about why major brands are making bold moves in 2026. They break down Hershey’s decision to increase its marketing budget by 20 percent and lean further into influencer and digital marketing, and discuss why the rising cost of Super Bowl ads may still be a smart investment. They also introduce the idea of 2026 as the “Year of the Horse” and what that mindset means for brands ready to grow, take action, and build momentum.

In this week's episode of delivering #marketingjoy Jessica Fewless joins the show to discuss understanding the sales and marketing divide, the evolution of account-based marketing, identifying target customers effectively, and implementing account-based marketing strategies. Watch now!

Entrepreneurship gets talked about a lot—but the reality is very different than the highlight reel. In this video, I share 11 truths about entrepreneurship that I’ve learned through experience, mistakes, and persistence. These aren’t theories or motivational quotes. They’re real lessons about what it actually takes to build something, lead through uncertainty, and keep moving forward when things get uncomfortable. Some of these truths might challenge how you think about success, while others might confirm what you’ve already felt but couldn’t quite put into words. If you’re an entrepreneur—or thinking about becoming one—this is an honest look at what the journey really demands and why it’s still worth it.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman talk about the power of intentional morning routines and why letting social media hijack your day can hurt focus and productivity. They also explore how trade shows can still be a powerful marketing tool when done right and why creating curated merch kits helps brands build stronger connections with their audience. A practical conversation about habits, strategy, and smarter branded merchandise.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Kate Holgate joins the show to discuss navigating burnout in creative teams, the power of optimism, AI as a creative co-pilot, and more. Watch now!

This year, a handful of business books genuinely changed how I think about leadership, growth, and decision-making. In this video, I break down the ideas and themes from seven books that had the biggest impact on me in 2025—not the titles, but the thinking behind them. These weren’t just good reads. They challenged assumptions, reinforced what actually works, and helped shape how I’m approaching business heading into 2026. If you care about improving your thinking and making better decisions, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman share lessons from the PPAI Expo, often called the trade show of trade shows. They break down what clients can learn from the biggest event in branded merch, why activations were the dominant trend on the show floor, and how clearly defining your ideal customer leads to better merchandise and marketing decisions. The Product of the Week is the 24 Can Cooler Tote, a practical and versatile item for events, gifting, and promotions.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Javier Lozano joins the show to discuss how to unlock scalable growth, knowing when to evolve your go to market motion, predictable revenue, and more. Watch now!

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Bryan Clayton joins the show to discuss changes in service based business, the importance of authority and discipline, and lessons in branded merchandise. Watch now!