Delivering Marketing Joy Webshow

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider explore why investing in quality can make all the difference when it comes to branded merchandise and marketing. The conversation begins with a fun discussion around products that were truly worth the splurge. From premium drinkware and apparel to backpacks and speakers, Kirby and Jade share promotional products they've personally used that exceeded expectations—and why quality merchandise creates a lasting impression that cheap giveaways simply can't. They also provide an update on this year's Rock Your Merch Show, highlighting what's new, offering tips to help attendees get the most out of the event, and explaining why now is the perfect time to register. Finally, Kirby shares an honest perspective on something many business owners struggle with: taking time away from work. Together, they discuss why stepping away from the office often leads to better decisions, fresh perspective, and healthier business growth—and why sometimes the biggest obstacle to moving a business forward is the business owner themselves. The episode also features the Product of the Week: the EZ Breezy Neck Fan, a practical promotional product that's perfect for outdoor events, company outings, and warm-weather promotions. Whether you're looking for better promotional products, stronger branding, or smarter marketing ideas, this episode is packed with practical insights you can put to work right away.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy David Dean joins the show to discuss understanding organizational dynamics, AI as an organizational mirror, the role of AI in workplace behavior, future proofing in an AI-driven world. Listen now!

Life has a way of throwing us into seasons that feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and completely out of our control. Whether it's challenges in business, family, health, or simply the pace of everyday life, chaos is something we all experience. In this episode, I share practical strategies I've learned for not just surviving difficult seasons—but actually growing through them. We talk about maintaining perspective, staying grounded when everything feels uncertain, and why having the right people around you can make all the difference. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you don't have to navigate chaos alone. Connection, accountability, and a strong support system aren't signs of weakness—they're often the key to making it through difficult times stronger than before. If you're walking through a challenging season right now, I hope this conversation encourages you, gives you practical ideas, and reminds you that chaos doesn't have to define your future.

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby kick things off with a lighter conversation about what they've been watching this summer before diving into three topics that every business should be thinking about. First, they discuss why "good enough" branded merchandise isn't good enough anymore. Expectations have changed, and simply putting a logo on an average product isn't enough to create lasting impressions. They explore how using the Merch Pyramid can help you create more intentional, memorable branded merchandise that people actually want to keep and use. Next, they tackle what we believe is a common misconception in business: most companies don't have a marketing problem—they have a decision problem. they talk about why constantly changing your branding, messaging, or direction weakens your identity and why consistency across every customer touchpoint is one of the biggest competitive advantages a business can have. Finally, they feature this week's Product of the Week: the Medium American Made Iced Coffee Cooler, and share why products like this continue to create lasting brand impressions. Whether you're looking for better branded merchandise, stronger marketing strategy, or ideas to build a more memorable brand, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can put to work immediately.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Jon Benson joins the show to discuss the birth of the video sales letter, humanizing AI in marketing, targeting the right audience, aligning messaging with ideal customers, and leveraging AI as a business partner. Listen now!

Over the past several weeks, my fitness journey has changed in a big way—and one of the most unexpected tools helping me improve has been AI. In this video, I share how I started using AI as my personal fitness trainer and accountability coach, and why it has become such a valuable part of my routine. We talk about workouts, nutrition, progress tracking, consistency, and the importance of having a system that keeps you moving forward. But this conversation goes beyond fitness. I also explore how AI can help with accountability, mindset, goal-setting, and personal growth in other areas of life and business. When used intentionally, AI can become more than just a tool—it can become a powerful support system. If you've been curious about using AI to improve your health, productivity, or daily habits, this video will give you a practical look at what that can actually look like.

Is Good Nut a genius brand name or a branding disaster? That is just one of the things Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider get into on this week's episode of Better Merch...Better Marketing. They also break down what Instagram's return to office announcement signals for businesses everywhere and make the case for why newsletters are not just alive in 2026 — they are one of the most powerful marketing tools you have. Plus the Splish is this week's Product of the Week.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Jared Harman joins the show to discuss embracing failure in business, the importance of brand consistency, understanding your audience, and the value of relationships in marketing. Listen now!

For years, we've been told that creativity comes from thinking outside the box. But what if that advice is incomplete—or even wrong? In this video, I explore the idea of thinking inside the box, heavily influenced by the work of David Epstein and his book on the subject. The core idea is simple but powerful: constraints, limitations, and structure don't always reduce creativity—they often fuel it. We talk about why boundaries can lead to better problem-solving, stronger innovation, and more focused execution in business and life. Instead of waiting for unlimited resources or perfect conditions, sometimes the best ideas come from learning how to maximize what's already in front of you. If you've ever felt limited by constraints, this conversation may completely change how you think about them. What feels like a box might actually be the thing that helps you create something better.

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby cover three topics that every business should be thinking about right now. First, they do a mid-year check-in and talk about why halftime is the perfect time to pause, evaluate, and adjust. Whether it's merch projects, sales goals, or team performance, now is the time to make sure your second half is stronger than your first. Then Jade shares some surprisingly insightful (and funny) lessons from her pregnancy journey so far—and connects them back to marketing and business. This conversation is personal, honest, and packed with practical takeaways you might not expect. Finally, they discuss the power of first impressions through packaging. The unboxing experience is one of the most overlooked marketing tools businesses have, and they break down why packaging can dramatically impact brand perception, customer experience, and loyalty. They also feature this week's Product of the Week: the Odyssey Soft Cover Spiral Journal. If you want better ideas around branded merchandise, customer experience, packaging, and smarter marketing strategy, this episode is for you.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Lior Eldan joins the show to discuss the shift to AI in customer discovery, harnessing AI for marketing success, practical steps for business owners in an AI world, and more! Listen now!

Hiring has changed. The organizations that consistently attract and retain great people aren't simply posting jobs and hoping for the best—they're intentionally building a brand that people want to be part of. In this video, I talk about the ideas behind my book, TARGET For Talent, and why I believe one of the biggest mistakes companies make is treating hiring as an HR problem instead of a marketing opportunity. The principles in TARGET For Talent are designed to help organizations think differently about recruitment, employee engagement, company culture, and retention. By applying proven marketing concepts to the hiring process, businesses can stand out, attract better candidates, and create an employee experience that encourages people to stay. Whether you're a business owner, leader, HR professional, or recruiter, this conversation will challenge the way you think about talent acquisition and provide a framework for building a stronger team. If you're struggling to find and keep great people, this message is for you.

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, Jade and I break down three fascinating brand stories and the marketing lessons behind them. First, we talk about Carvana Playground and their commission-free customer experience. What happens when you remove friction from the buying process, and what can small businesses learn from that? Next, we dive into the ACOTAR Monopoly launch, where branded merch is being used to build anticipation for a product before it even hits the market. This opens up a great conversation about superfans, community, and using merch as a strategic marketing tool—not just swag. Finally, we discuss Levi's at the World Cup and how the brand had to get creative when they couldn't use their own logo in their own stadium. It's a powerful lesson in brand equity, sponsorship strategy, and thriving under constraints. We also spotlight this week's featured product and announce this week's giveaway: our FREE 5-Day Business Bootcamp. Register here: Bootcamp.HassemanMarketing.com If you want better ideas around branded merch, marketing strategy, customer experience, and creative business growth, this episode is for you.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Leslie Galbreath joins the show to discuss the importance of marketing outcomes, strategic channel selection, listening to customers for differentiation, and marketing's role in organizational success. Listen now!

Your mindset shapes the way you approach challenges, failure, growth, and opportunity. In this episode, I break down the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset, and why this concept can completely change the way you approach business, leadership, personal development, and success. We'll talk about how mindset affects learning, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, and the ability to improve over time. People with a fixed mindset tend to avoid discomfort and fear failure, while people with a growth mindset understand that progress comes through effort, learning, and persistence. If you want to become more adaptable, improve your habits, develop mental toughness, and create long-term growth in your life or business, understanding this mindset shift is incredibly important.

In this episode of Better Merch… Better Marketing, we cover creative ideas, seasonal planning, and trends we believe will shape the upcoming fall and winter merch season. We start with a conversation around Random Acts of Marketing and why unexpected moments of connection can create a powerful impact for brands. From there, we discuss an important insider tip: if you want your holiday marketing and branded merch projects to succeed, the time to start planning is now. We also share predictions on the merch trends, styles, and ideas we believe will be big this fall and winter, along with a featured product spotlight on the B160A Riteline Click Pen. If you're looking for creative marketing ideas, better branded merchandise strategies, and ways to stay ahead of seasonal trends, this episode is packed with useful insight

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Jeff Coleman joins the show to discuss Google ads then and now, the right answer when campaigns are underperforming, how to tell when your ads are underperforming, and more!

A lot of people say they want success—but there's a massive difference between being interested in a goal and being truly committed to it. In this video, I break down the mindset differences between interest and commitment, why commitment matters so much in business and personal growth, and how disciplined action separates people who talk about goals from people who actually achieve them. We'll talk about consistency, accountability, motivation, productivity, personal development, and the habits that help successful people keep moving forward even when things get difficult. If you're serious about achieving your goals, building better habits, improving your mindset, and creating long-term success, this conversation will challenge the way you think about commitment.

In this week's episode of Better Merch... Better Marketing Jade and Kirby discuss the importance of education and brand collaboration, The debate over whether AI or working from home is costing people jobs, Pizza Hut's nostalgia campaign, and a fresh new product of the week. Watch now!

In this week's episode of delivering #marketingjoy Tom Rector joins the show to discuss challenges with acquiring a new business, importance of size and technology in acquisitions, cultural integration and system challenges, and more!

Most people don't need more hours in the day—they need a better approach to how they use them. In this video, I break down practical ideas and mindset shifts that can help you get more done without constantly feeling overwhelmed. This isn't about hustle culture, perfection, or trying to stay busy every second of the day. It's about focusing on what actually moves the needle, creating momentum, and building better habits over time. I've learned that productivity is less about doing more and more about doing the right things consistently. Small improvements in focus, decision-making, and execution can create massive results over time. If you're feeling stretched thin, distracted, or stuck spinning your wheels, this conversation will help you think differently about productivity and progress.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Stan Berteloot joins the show to discuss going from journalism to marketing, AI's role in modern marketing strategies, practical steps for businesses to embrace AI, and more!

The best marketing usually doesn't feel like marketing at all. It feels helpful, authentic, valuable, and human. In this episode, I talk about why the most effective brands focus less on constant promotion and more on creating real connection. Whether it's through content, customer experience, appreciation, or consistent communication, the businesses that stand out are often the ones that make people feel something—not just buy something. This conversation is about building trust, creating value, and understanding that great marketing is often the result of meaningful relationships and intentional interactions over time. If your marketing feels forced, noisy, or transactional, this might help you think about it differently.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby talk about sustainability and purpose-driven marketing, Spotify's recent logo change and why users reacted so strongly, and a few trending merch products they just cannot get behind. They also spotlight the FusionBeat Multifunction Earbuds as the Product of the Week and give a shoutout to Jessica Bowers from Community Bank on her promotion to Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Justin Inman joins the show to discuss the evolution of digital marketing, AI as the new discovery layer, understanding share of prompt, and more!

It's easy to sound intelligent by pointing out problems, predicting failure, or assuming the worst. But over time, I've noticed something important: the people who consistently create opportunities, build momentum, and achieve meaningful results tend to approach life differently. In this video, I talk about the tension between pessimism, realism, and optimism—and why I believe optimism is far more powerful than most people give it credit for. This isn't about ignoring reality or pretending challenges don't exist. It's about understanding that mindset shapes action, and action shapes outcomes. We also explore the daily practice of optimism, how realism fits into the conversation, and why the way you think influences far more than just your attitude. It impacts your decisions, your energy, your leadership, and ultimately your results. If you've ever wondered whether optimism is naive—or actually a competitive advantage—this conversation is for you.

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/