Expand Your Comfort Zone

Photo: Creative Connect

Many people make resolutions at the start of a new year, but I've never really been too keen on doing that. Maybe it's because it feels cliché, or maybe it's because January doesn't feel like a very inspiring time to make changes (the real "new year" always starts in September during back-to-school time if you ask me), but I've never really made or stuck to any resolutions in the past.

I did, however, make a little agreement with myself to continue to do more things that fall outside of my comfort zone. The biggest thing was starting PSN Creative last year, but since then I've also been actively attempting to push myself to do things that are a little scary or that I've been too insecure to try in the past. 

For example, I've started taking a weekly dance class with a friend. I had been wanting to find some physical activity that wasn't going to the gym for quite some time, and finally made the decision to take a class. Was I worried about looking stupid? Yes. Did I worry that I wouldn't be able to keep up or learn the moves? Of course. Was I  pre-embarrassed to tell people that I was taking a dance class? Most definitely. But, I'm doing it anyway because I decided that worrying about what other people would think of it pales in comparison to the happiness and fulfillment doing it would bring me. Two classes in and I'm so happy I started.

Photos: Sam DeMartin Photography

Towards the end of 2017 I was asked to be a "model" for a creative networking event called Locations that brings photographers, designers, stylists, and other creatives together to collaborate and cross-pollinate each other's work. Although I have a love for selfies, I in no way consider myself to be a model and was flattered at the thought of someone wanting me to show up in that way. So, despite having deep insecurities about doing it, I decided to put myself out there and go for it.  Do I have a career in modeling? Certainly not, but I had fun and got to connect with other creative and talented people in my city that I likely would never have had the chance to interact with otherwise.

OK, so what's the point in all of this other than to self-congratulate for doing things that seem pretty easy to do? The point is to remind myself—and anyone reading this—that when you have an idea for something new, different, creative, risky, or outside of the norm you've got to squash the negative comments or "but what if..?" feelings that will inevitably creep up and try to talk you out of doing the thing you were excited about.

Will someone think it's absurd for a 35-year-old man to take a hip hop dance class? Probably. Will someone see the photos of me from Locations and think I'm a totally disgusting troll human or a raging narcissist? I wouldn't be surprised in the least. But if I/we only do things because we know we'll be successful at them, or because other people have deemed them acceptable, we are denying ourselves the chance to experience new things or possibly discover a love or talent for something that makes us happy.

- Pat

Video Feature: Michele Ogden of Whimsy Confections

Get to know the exuberant Michele Ogden, chocolatier and owner of Whimsy Confections, who makes eye-catching and colorful bonbons in downtown Buffalo.

A dog lover, Michele shares some of her favorite local pet supply shops—like Daisy's Doghouse, Buffalo Barkery, and Fetch! Dog Treats—and explains why the historic Colored Musicians Club is a must for entertaining out-of-town guests. Take a look:

And if you missed it, be sure to watch our previous video with Amanda Ferreira of Rust Belt Threads.

If you'd like to nominate someone to appear in the series (including yourself, don't be shy!) shoot me an email and let's talk. We're always looking to showcase interesting members of the community and their work.

Video Feature: Amanda Ferreira of Rust Belt Threads

In the first video from a new original series by PSN Creative we meet Amanda Ferreira, owner of Rust Belt Threads and co-owner of the Queen City Market.

In the clip, Amanda gives an inside look at her unique online vintage shop, and explains why she believes Buffalo has more to offer than "a terrible football team and chicken wings."

Plus, find out why she calls out Hotel Henry as a new gem in the Queen City's crown. Take a look: 

If you'd like to nominate someone to appear in the series (including yourself, don't be shy!) shoot me an email and let's talk!

- Pat

"Take PrEP" Campaign for Evergreen Health

PSN Creative recently produced a series of commercials for Evergreen Health to highlight PrEP, the daily pill for HIV prevention. The goal of the spots was to reach new audiences via digital outlets and social apps, and lead them to a dedicated site to learn more about PrEP or make an appointment to see a healthcare provider at Evergreen.

Each ad in the series features a person going through a relatable  routine—like waking up and starting the day, or settling in at the office—and demonstrates how taking PrEP can be a simple part of everyday life. The creative for each ad was purposefully crafted to target the client's desired audiences.

Learn more about the campaign here, or take a look at more of PSN Creative's previous projects by visiting our work page.

Playlist: My Pretend Coffee Shop

Buffalo has some fantastic coffee shops—like Public Espresso, Tipico, and Remedy House just to name a few—and I often find myself setting up shop in those locations to get some work done. It's a great change a scenery and perfect for some people watching to break up the day. Sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about what it would be like to run my own coffee shop. But since I don't know anything about coffee other than I am a goblin if I don't drink it, I tend to focus on the music I'd play in the background.

So, I've put together a playlist titled "My Pretend Coffee Shop" that I think encapsulates what I'd play at my own non-existent cafe. It's a two-and-a-half-hour mix of ambient, folk, R&B, and pop music that's chill but has enough energy to keep you moving through the day. Take a listen!

To see more of my favorite playlists—or stay up-to-date when I make a new one—follow me on Spotify!

- Pat

Billy & Pat Vlog: Hiking to the Eternal Flame

On a gorgeous and unseasonably warm December Sunday Billy & Pat broke out their gear to take a hike to the Eternal Flame at Chestnut Ridge Park. The Eternal Flame is a natural gas vent tucked inside a waterfall that is (almost) always lit, providing a spectacular payoff to the end of the hike.

We were joined on the trip by our friends and fellow content creators Lindsay, Becki and Chris, who also documented the day in their own way. Take a look at the afternoon in the most recent video from Billy & Pat Vlog.

And here are two gifs from the video...

It was such a treat to spend the afternoon with other creatives who were filming, too. Being a content creator out in the wild can often be intimidating, daunting, and even a bit embarrassing as you spend time getting the perfect shot or trying to talk to the camera in public. Knowing that the entire group was there to not only enjoy the day but capture the experience through our own points of view was wonderful. If you're feeling nervous about starting a vlog or creating content outside of your usual surroundings it's definitely helpful and encouraging to find a friend (or three!) to create with.

Check out Becki & Chris's and Lindsay's videos to see the differences among our methods of storytelling. And congrats to Lindsay on her very first vlog!

Would your business or service benefit from some influencer promotion, video or social media marketing? Shoot me an email and let's make a plan!

I Have a Huge Following... Now What?

Most brands and businesses devote money, time, and resources to growing their online following. There are often teams of people whose sole purpose is to create content and monitor social media accounts to increase fans, followers, and engagement. The goal, of course, is to turn that following into paying customers.

But what do you do when you amass a large following and you're not a business, or you're an individual who has inadvertently become his or her own brand? How can someone use their following to create opportunities for future income or employment?

I recently reconnected with a good friend from college. We were both broadcast communications majors who have since left the news business; she now runs communications and community relations at a Pennsylvania high school and I work on content strategy and production support for other businesses, plus have a YouTube channel on the side. She reached out to me after learning a promising student at her school had a huge following on social media and was making some decent money promoting other brands through his accounts. As he gets closer to graduation the school staff is eager to help him identify opportunities that align with his skills, and connect him with others who have had a similar path. We set up a Google Hangout so we could talk and share our thoughts on his unique situation.

After learning more about his trajectory and interests, my advice was to not only continue learning about traditional marketing and advertising—he clearly has a knack for it—but to really dig into the business and analytics side of social media marketing. My observation was that it appears the creative work comes naturally to him, so being able to speak about numbers and ROI (the stuff the finance folks and decision makers care about) could be a huge advantage for him and set him apart from others in his situation. Because he is often approached by national and international brands already, I encouraged him to reach out to local businesses and organizations in his hometown to talk to them about partnerships.

You don't have to live in New York City or Los Angeles to participate in influencer marketing and promotions. This goes for both local influencers and local businesses. Influencers and content creators are always looking for things to talk about, and businesses want authentic, personal promotion, so why not partner up?

The takeaway is to keep educating yourself—whether formally or on your own—about things that not only interest you but may be tangential or the seemingly opposite side of the coin of your interests. Think about the people or departments that you'll need to work with to be successful and learn more about their world. It will not only help you build better relationships, but help you put together a more effective strategy for working together because you'll understand their needs and objectives.

If you think you or your business could benefit from brand or content strategy consulting don't hesitate to get in touch!

- Pat

Billy & Pat Vlog: Exploring Buffalo's Beautiful New Bakery & Restaurant

In partnership with Visit Buffalo Niagara, Billy and Pat recently spent a wonderful day eating and drinking (and eating and drinking and eating) their way through Rowhouse Bakery & Restaurant.

Rowhouse is a beautiful new, multi-level space on Delaware avenue that offers grab-and-go items, bakery selections, coffee, and sit down table service, plus has a beautiful pizza bar, lounge and cocktail bar. Take a look inside Rowhouse by watching the video...

Would your business or service benefit from some influencer promotion or social media marketing? Shoot me an email and let's make a plan!