Part Three: Merch Is A Must

I've known Amanda Hofman for awhile and she is always out in front. A born evangelist for whatever she is working on, Amanda is the definition of embodied. Whether it's merch or her previous networking start-up, she really gets it, studies it, and throws herself in. Go To Market gave us a way to put our questions and curiosity about merchandising and podcasting into action. We're grateful she and her swag squad (business partner Jessie Glass and social media guru Savannah LeBlanc ) held our hand the whole way.

Plus their stuff makes us look cooler than we are. Buy your Creature Preacher merch HERE.

1. Give us a brief overview of your career thus far.

I started my career in Entrepreneurship in 2009 with the creation of my first company, an in-person networking group for women in their 20s and 30s in NYC called Urban Girl Squad. I worked day and night on that company for 5 years and sold it just before my second child was born.? After taking several years to be home with my young kids, I returned to Entrepreneurship in 2019 when I started this company, Go To Market.

2. What made you decide to start Go To Market??

When I learned about print-on-demand technology for branded merchandise, a lightbulb went off– I knew so many entrepreneurs from my time working on Urban Girl Squad who needed branded merchandise but were turned off by all the stumbling blocks with bulk printing.? Print-on-demand technology is simple and easy to access, and yet so few companies know about it. I also noticed that so many companies were simply adding their logo to tees, hats, and tote bags and that it was a wasted opportunity.? Companies could easily be offering items that their team and fans will actually love and keep in the long run.? I saw a clear opportunity to help companies do merchandise better – both strategically and sustainably.?

3. Why did you get involved in this experiment??

I have wanted to work with Jess of RP for many years. I’m a huge fan of her work and her dedication to her industry.? When she approached me with this delightful topic, I was happy to join in. It doesn’t hurt that my business partner and I are both obsessed with our rescue pups.

4. Why do you think merch belongs in podcasting?

Podcasting is such a personal and private experience for the listener, yet can have an enormous influence on our lives.? I listen to podcasts daily and am absolutely a better person for it.? Branded merchandise is a way to take the private and invisible experience of podcasts and make it tangible.? It’s a gift to have a way to touch and own a piece of our favorite listening time, and use it as a way to connect with other people.

5. What have you learned in the course of working with different clients on generating merch ideas?

Many business owners aren’t sure if their team and fans would actually want merch, or if they are “too small” for branded merch.? The bottom line is that if you have customers, you have people who love your brand.? When people love a brand they often want to own it and represent it.? There’s only upside to having merch: it builds your community, develops loyalty, helps hone your messaging, and adds joy to your business.

You don’t need to wait for permission to have beautiful branded merchandise!

6. Best merch idea you’ve seen?

I can’t pick just one “best” but I’ve seen a lot of merch done well.? I recently learned about a restaurant that put bad customer reviews on their tote bags.? Personally, I’m a huge fan of Peloton merch – it’s beautiful, comfortable, affordable, and best of all helps me feel like I’m part of the real Peloton team.? It does everything that good merch is supposed to do!

7. Worst merch experience/idea?

Walk into any trade show and see the absolute junk that companies are spending money to hand out.? Pens, light up keychains, stress balls, random note pads – it’s all garbage and it doesn’t develop a relationship between the owner and the brand.? Merch should be nurturing a connection, and junky items don’t do that (even if the pen is useful).

8. If you could buy one piece of Creature Preacher merch, what would it be?

“My Dog is in Charge” mug, because it is 100% true (and I love the design).

9. One piece of advice for people thinking about starting their own merch empires?

Go beyond your logo!? Think about what people connect to with your brand and start there.

If you’re curious about having your own branded merchandise shop, reach out to GoToMarket on their site or on LinkedIn .? They love talking about branded merchandise ideas!

This is the third installment in the Most Radically Transparent Podcast Ever Launch series.

Part One: Lauren Passell of Tink Media on Marketing

Part Two: Kate Zeitler of Zeitler Design on Visual Branding

Listen to CREATURE PREACHER wherever you get your podcasts!