Top 5 Creative Ways to Make a Great First Impression

Top 5 Creative Ways to Make a Great First Impression

For many, meeting new people can be a source of great anxiety. We can be so concerned about being liked and accepted into a new group that we freeze up, acting awkward and shy.

Here at MossyBrain, we believe creativity can be the solution to this problem. We’ve put together some creative ways to be sure you make a great and memorable first impression with that new person or group…

Wear Something Outrageous

When I say “outrageous”, please understand- I’m not saying “risque.” That is probably not the kind of impression you’re trying to make. No, I’m talking about something decidedly out of the ordinary- this can be done either obviously or subtly. It might be something brightly colored; it might be something that says something about you- sports memorabilia or wild socks; it might be a fashion statement like suspenders or a top hat. Be original and confident- it will definitely be a conversation starter…

Continuously Repeat Their Full Name

This is all about making a person feel seen- in a cute and funny way. After someone introduces themselves to you, repeat their full name back to them while looking them in the face and smiling. Then nod at them in approval. If all goes well, they should nod back at you, as if to say “Yes, that is my name!” Once they do this, liberally weave their full name into everything you say to this person for the rest of your time together. They may find it funny, they may find it strange, but they will definitely remember you for it. Do your best to read the person- you’re trying to make a lasting good impression, not make the person think you’re certifiably insane.

Break the Ice with a Game

Participation is the name of the game here. Immediately upon meeting someone new, invite them to play a crazy game with you. For example: conspire to make a loud animal noise anytime someone in the room says a certain word or phrase. When you play a game that only the two of you (or it could be a group of several people) are playing, it creates a positive bonding experience. They will most likely have fun and leave the encounter with a favorable impression of you.

Everyone Loves An Inside Joke

Inside jokes are the fast track to intimacy. The easiest way to get an inside joke going is to share something interesting or surprising about yourself. Later when that subject comes up with a different group of people, the inside jokers can share a knowing glance or comment that will only have significance between your small group. A memorable and humorous moment shared. #greatfirstimpression

Kill With Kindness

No one can forget someone who is thoughtful and kind. Go out of your way to show kindness when meeting people for the first time. Hold open a door, pull out a chair, get them a refill, hang up their coat, attentively listen to them and ask thoughtful questions. Get creative with your kindness, but DON’T BE CREEPY. Genuine kindness goes a long way, and in a world where so many people are self-focused, anyone who puts others first is sure to stand out.

Let us know what you think of this list, and also share some ways that you’ve made a great first impression in the past!

Ben Beresh is a designer, filmmaker and co-founder of MossyBrain. Originally from Niagara Falls, ON, he now happily calls Broken Arrow OK home, along with his wife Jessica, four kids and dog Charlie. Ben likes to have a good time, all the time (Enneagram 7), as well as eating all types of sandwiches.

Connect with him on Facebook or ben@mossybrain.com.

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Top 5 People You Need In Your Life

Top 5 People You Need In Your Life

Healthy relationships are vital to productive creativity. Creativity thrives in community, not in a vacuum. Here are the Top Five People You Need In Your Life…

An Old Friend

An old friend sees you not only for who you are, but who you used to be and the journey that brought you to this point. Old friends are a precious commodity- they’ve been with you through good and bad, yet they stuck around. Cherish them and make time for them. (Fun fact- this video for Ben Rector’s song “Old Friends” was shot right in our own backyard- Tulsa OK.)

A New Friend

There is a vitality and excitement that comes from a budding friendship. A new friend brings a fresh perspective to your life. As you embrace new adventures, always be on the lookout for new friends and relationships. Your openness will be rewarded greatly. As my father always embodies- a stranger is just a friend you haven’t met!

A Mentor

Everyone needs an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Someone who has been where you want to go. We need someone who is coaching us and cheering us on from the sidelines. Mentors take on many forms, and you definitely feel their absence from your life. If you don’t already have one, seek one out ASAP.

A Mentee

It is important to pay it forward in life. As you find and benefit from a mentor in your life, strongly consider becoming a mentor to someone who might benefit from being in relationship with you. In sharing with and teaching your mentee, new insights will become clear to you. And perhaps one day, this mentee will become one of those cherished old friends…

Bob Ross

Mr. Bob Ross perfectly embodied the MossyBrain ethos. He created fearlessly and with a quiet passion. He was a patient teacher, inspiring all who watch him to attempt something beautiful. There are no secrets with Bob Ross- he created magic right before our eyes with his painting. Thanks to the massive archive of video he left behind, we can all spend time with Bob Ross whenever we need to hear his soothing voice.

Let us know who has played or is playing an important roll in your life in the comments or email us at creation@mossybrain.com

Ben Beresh is a designer, filmmaker and co-founder of MossyBrain. Originally from Niagara Falls, ON, he now happily calls Broken Arrow OK home, along with his wife Jessica, four kids and dog Charlie. Ben likes to have a good time, all the time (Enneagram 7), as well as eating all types of sandwiches.

Connect with him on Facebook or ben@mossybrain.com.

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Ep. 12 – Put Yourself Out There

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Top 5 Creative Activities Worth Your Time

Top 5 Creative Activities Worth Your Time

Everyone needs a fun way to unwind. Turn your downtime into creativity time by trying a new activity. To get you started, here are our Top 5 Creative Activities Worth Your Time.

Reading

It may seem like a dull or boring choice, but it doesn’t have to be. This is your time- you get to choose what book you read. Reading a good book is the gateway to your imagination- the perfect way to get your creative juices flowing. Books are also transformative- they challenge our current notions with new ideas and concepts, forcing us to re-evaluate what we thought we knew to be true. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, printed, digital or audiobook, you can’t go wrong with a good book. Here are some MossyBrain recommended titles for your reading pleasure…

Writing

Writing is a chance to verbalize and articulate our inner thoughts. When we write, we are crafting our own narrative with our distinct point of view. Our voice is unique to us, so our writing is like a fingerprint or snowflake- 100% original. Take time to develop your writing style whether for personal posterity (journal, memoir), or as something to share (blog, poetry, short fiction, novel). Writing is a golden opportunity to birth something creative and original.

Drawing

Drawing can be a fast way to communicate an idea. It can also be a satisfying and pleasurable activity. People who are hesitant to draw usually feel insecure about their drawing ability. That’s why there is no better reason for you to begin drawing something today. When you pick up a pen or pencil, you have the complete freedom to draw anything you can imagine, in any way you want. It may take time for your drawings to resemble anything recognizable, but that’s okay! Abstract art! Grab some paper and start drawing something. When you do, snap a pic and send it to creation@mossybrain.com

Play a Musical Instrument

Music is a vital human expression.Being a musician myself since I was very young, I feel that playing music is the gift that keeps on giving. If you don’t already play an instrument, head over to your local music shop or pawn shop and grab something on the cheap. Watch lesson and tutorial videos on YouTube. You deserve to learn the skill of musicality. It will make your life better in so many ways- I promise!

Cooking or Baking

Everyone eats, right? Let cooking or baking be a creative adventure. Learn a recipe for something you really love to eat. Once you have it down, begin to experiment. Try new combinations of ingredients and cooking methods. Google recipe variants and research the science behind delicious food. You will eat better and impress anyone who tastes your dishes. Win-win.

Keep us posted as you begin these creative activities and send stories and photos from your adventures to creation@mossybrain.com. Create away!

Ben Beresh is a designer, filmmaker and co-founder of MossyBrain. Originally from Niagara Falls, ON, he now happily calls Broken Arrow OK home, along with his wife Jessica, four kids and dog Charlie. Ben likes to have a good time, all the time (Enneagram 7), as well as eating all types of sandwiches.

Connect with him on Facebook or ben@mossybrain.com.

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Ep. 12 – Put Yourself Out There

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Jess & Ben share their thoughts on the creative triumph that is Hamilton, and an invigorating experience at a Maker Fair. New words are invented in this episode's FlowJam. Then pros and cons of putting yourself and your creativity out into the world are discussed...

read more
Top 5 Best Ways to Scare a Loved One

Top 5 Best Ways to Scare a Loved One

‘Tis the season for tricks and treats.  This post will focus on the tricks.  As everyone knows, it is a true delight to really scare someone you love.  You know they are completely safe, but the look of absolute terror (right before they realize the prank and swear an oath of revenge) is priceless. Here are the Top Five Best Ways to Scare a Loved One:

Wake Up Freak Out

There is a very visceral reaction when being awoken from a state of deep slumber.  The terror and confusion of the victim is very real.  So is the evil laughter of the perpetrator.  What is the most creative way you can jolt your loved one awake?

Hiding in the Dark

I don’t care how old or how tough you are- there is something about the dark that can put folks on edge.  If you have the chance to hide in the dark and wait for that magic moment to freak someone out, you have to take it.

Creepy Face in Window

So you’re just minding your own business, doing the dishes or reading a book, when you raise your gaze to see a strange face looking back at you through the window. This is guaranteed to get a big reaction from the victim, especially at night. Bonus points if the outside creeper ties into a well-known fear of the victim. A truly timeless prank.

Computer Scream Gag

When I first discovered this prank many moons ago, it seemed to give meaning and purpose to technology in a way that transcended all previous known uses and functionality.  For the unfamiliar with this scheme, you pull up a video that you ask the victim watch closely, paying attention to all the small details as if there will be a quiz or something.  The video is placid and calm, until BAM!!! A loud noise and a disturbing image plays and scares the daylights out of the mark. Please video the reaction if you are attempting this prank- every true artist will want to admire their handiwork.

PLEASE NOTE- Don’t do this prank to young kids.  That’s just mean.

Surprise Jump Out

This is the best of the best- simple, fast, effective. Hide around a corner or in a dark room and just wait for your victim to come to you. A loud noise or scream from you will increase the reaction significantly. Please use responsibly- do not attempt with individuals with a heart condition. These are your loved ones we’re talking about!

There you have it! Have a safe and fun Halloween season.

Please share your greatest success stories with us of how you scared the bejesus out of someone you love! Send an email to creation@mossybrain.com or comment below. Thanks!

Ben Beresh is a designer, filmmaker and co-founder of MossyBrain. Originally from Niagara Falls, ON, he now happily calls Broken Arrow OK home, along with his wife Jessica, four kids and dog Charlie. Ben likes to have a good time, all the time (Enneagram 7), as well as eating all types of sandwiches.

Connect with him on Facebook or ben@mossybrain.com.

You might also like…

Ep. 12 – Put Yourself Out There

Ep. 12 – Put Yourself Out There

Jess & Ben share their thoughts on the creative triumph that is Hamilton, and an invigorating experience at a Maker Fair. New words are invented in this episode's FlowJam. Then pros and cons of putting yourself and your creativity out into the world are discussed...

read more

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