Delivering Marketing Joy Webshow

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!

Goals are easy to talk about—but execution is where most people fall short. In this video, let's break down three habits successful people consistently practice before, during, and after they set goals.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby dig into a bold sensory marketing move from Subway — a scratch-and-sniff billboard designed to stop attention and create real connection. From there, Jade introduces her new Merch Pyramid, a simple framework for evaluating branded merchandise based on Utility, Aesthetic, and Connection — and why the top of the pyramid is where real impact happens. We wrap things up by getting practical, talking through the branded merch we're packing for our upcoming trip to PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and how those items fit into the Merch Pyramid. If you're looking for smarter merch ideas, creative marketing inspiration, and real-world takeaways, this one's for you.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marektingjoy Bill Petrie returns to discuss "the solopreneur circus", common mistakes in brand messaging and how to fix them, how to select the proper tools, and advice he'd give to his younger self. Listen now!

The business landscape is changing fast, and what worked yesterday won't always work tomorrow. In this video, I share 7 business truths to keep in mind as you head into 2026—insights shaped by real-world experience, shifting technology, and evolving customer expectations. Whether you're a business owner, leader, or marketer, this conversation is designed to help you think more clearly about what's ahead and how to stay adaptable in a changing environment. Watch, reflect, and consider how these truths apply to your business moving forward!

The first Better Merch…Better Marketing episode of 2026 is here. Kirby and Jade share business lessons from quick-serve restaurants, break down the top five categories of branded merchandise people actually keep, and discuss their goals for the year ahead. They also spotlight the Moon Jams Bundle as the Product of the Week and highlight Marlite for giving back during the holiday season. A great episode to kick off the new year with practical marketing insights.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Kevin Surace joins the show to discuss the power of invention in marketing, embracing AI, the joy success principle, and transforming complaints into opportunity. Watch now!

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Carrolee Moore joins the show to discuss the currency of visibility, 3 non-negotiables for visibility strategies, visibility powerpoints, and more. Listen now!

In the final episode of Better Merch...Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade reflect on the year that was and look ahead to 2026. They share a few areas they want to focus on in the coming year, revisit the Dad Was Right/Dad Was Wrong segment including Jade's realization that cold calling was not as bad as expected, and wrap up with their biggest takeaways from 2025. A thoughtful and candid conversation to close out the year.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Drew Holmgreen joins the show to discuss the next PPAI Expo, how to prepare for it, how the preparations are going, takeaways from his first year as president, and more. Watch now!

In this episode of Better Merch...Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade debate their favorite Christmas movies, recap Kirby's visit to Bluffton for chamber events and sales training, and discuss Australia's proposed social media ban for kids. They also spotlight the BELLA+CANVAS Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie as the Product of the Week and give a shout out to the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for welcoming 150 new members this year. Tune in for marketing insights, community updates, and a little holiday fun.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Anthony Karls joins the show to discuss profit engines, optimizing digital strategies, identifying and fixing website leaks, and more. Watch now!

Want to elevate your brand? In this episode, I break down 4 simple but powerful tips that any business can use to stand out, build trust, and connect more deeply with customers. These practical ideas will help you create a brand people actually remember.

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade compare two Black Friday promotions and explain why Lowe's delivered real value while TARGET missed the mark. They dig into the growing use of QR codes and why most businesses still are not using them effectively, emphasizing that calls to action should appear just as often on merch as they do in advertising. Jade also shares why now is the right time to begin planning for 2026, using seasonal strategy and regional insights to guide year-round marketing decisions. The Product of the Week is the Sonosphere, a wireless speaker and award with a one piece minimum, and the shout out goes to Peoples Bank and the Peoples Bank Foundation for their significant holiday giving and community volunteer efforts.

Catch this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy as Len Ward joins the show to talk about transitioning from Wall Street to marketing and AI, shifting from "search and retrieve" to "solve my problem", what separates those who adapt to AI, and much more. Watch now!

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Kevin Downey joins the show to discuss B2B lead generation, finding the right sales reps, email marketing strategies for B2B, and more! Watch now.

Branded merch isn't about slapping a logo on a product—it's a strategic tool that solves real business problems. In this video, we break down how the right merch can help you improve: • Awareness: Get your brand seen in the right places • Trust: Build credibility through consistent presence • Loyalty: Create positive touchpoints your audience remembers • Engagement: Spark interaction and keep your message top-of-mind • Communication: Deliver clear, repeatable messaging without the noise • Conversion: Move people from interest to action more effectively If you want your brand to show up stronger, stick longer, and drive real results, this is where branded merch makes the difference.

Join Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider for a new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing. This week they dive into the rise of microdramas in content and how brands can use storytelling in simple, fun ways. They also talk about why now is the best time to start planning your goals for 2026, instead of waiting until January. Jade shares insights on LinkedIn Navigator and how business owners can use LinkedIn to grow sales and visibility.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Dave Mastovich joins the show to discuss how to make marketing move the needle, the 6 right fit target markets that matter, using the 80-20 principle to guide marketing decisions, and more! Watch now.

In this episode of the Better Merch...Better Marketing podcast, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider talk about Youtube TV and Disney negotiating (and how that affects Kirby and marketers), the New York City Marathon controversy of letting influencers go ahead of the pros, and how AI might be affecting your buyers' behaviors (and what we need to do about it). As always, we feature an amazing product of the week and a shout-out to warm your heart. Listen now!

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Jason Henneberry joins the show to discuss the most common struggle when engaging clients, building marketing that doesn't feel like marketing, turning a personal brand into a repeatable marketing engine, and much more. Watch now!

In this video, I talk about 5 lessons that I've learned from Alex Hormozi that you can use in any area of your business. Watch now!

In this week's episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider dive into creating repeatable content, making PR packaging meaningful, and learning from a purpose-driven brand from across the globe. They also feature a practical and elevated merch item and end with a shout-out rooted in community and service.

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Charlie Grinnell joins the show to talk about marketing like a media company, treating AI like a frienemy, and why the best marketers are "stalkers." Watch now!

In this episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman talk about Kodak's nostalgia marketing campaign, investing in yourself through growth and learning, and their biggest travel pet peeves. They also feature the OxFord Backpack from AceHigh and give a shout out to the Coshocton County Commissioners for their new community ice rink.

In this week's Episode of Delivering #MarketingJoy Jason Nokes joins the show for his FOURTH time! In this episode, Kirby and Jason discuss the shift on how distributors are approaching marketing, having a system of consistency, the "I CAN" framework, and the future of the promo industry. Listen now!

In this episode of DMJ 1 on1, I talk about 3 ways you can combine digital and physical marketing to drive better marketing results. Watch now!

This week, Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman talk about Canva's bold renewal email strategy, Jade's creative approach to finding new clients on social media, and a tech “glitch” that's driving Kirby crazy. Plus, the Product of the Week — the 24-Can Glacier Peak XL Cooler Bag — and a shout out to the Friends of the Park Half Marathon in Coshocton County. #BetterMerchBetterMarketing #HassemanMarketing #BrandedMerch

In this week's episode of Delivering #marketingjoy Kirby Hasseman sits down with repeat rockstar Danny Rosin to discuss leading through uncertainty, the importance of B corp certification, the value of mentorship, and strategic opportunities for the promo industry. Watch now!

Jade Crider and Kirby Hasseman are back after a short break to talk NFL streaming chaos, the challenge of unplugging, and Gen Z's new obsession with “Locking In.” They share lessons on focus, balance, and finding your audience—plus highlight the smart, tech-savvy NFC Scribe Pen and give a shoutout to PromoCares for their Water 4 Good campaign. Quick insights, real talk, and a reminder to stay intentional in your work and life. #BetterMerchBetterMarketing #MarketingJoy #BrandedMerch

In this week's episode of Delivering #MarketingJoy Kirby Hasseman sits down with Scott Brandley to discuss reputation management, understanding online reviews, the importance of verified reviews, and transforming a brand's reputation. Watch now!

In this week's episode of Delivering #MarketingJoy Kirby Hasseman sits down with Taylor Borst to discuss kitting, curated collections, creating memorable events, and mastering the zero inbox method. Watch now!

In this episode, Jade and Kirby dive into McDonald's genius Monopoly campaign and why it's a masterclass in nostalgia marketing and owned media. They also talk about setting Q4 goals, the continued rise of LinkedIn as a business platform, and feature the HydraPeak 32 oz Water Bottle from Gold Bond as the product of the week. Plus, they give a big shout out to the groundbreaking at the old AEP site in Conesville, a major win for Coshocton County. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or merch lover—this episode is packed with practical insights and good vibes.

In this week's episode of Delivering #MarketingJoy Kirby Hasseman sits down with Pete Sena to discuss emotional marketing and creative innovation, designing delight at scale, Harnessing AI for brainstorming, and the impact of thoughtful branded merch. Watch now!