November 10, 2021

In a Matter of Five Minutes

Heres how a mere five minutes can change your life.

Scenario:

Tell people what’s most important about you and your brand on live television.
Do this in 5 minutes.
Remember to smile.
Talk engagingly with the host, demonstrating a dish and glancing into the cameras so folks can see your face.

Seems relatively simple, right? Ha!

On the set of New Day Cleveland

October 28th appearance on New Day Cleveland

David Moss, co-host of New Day Cleveland told me, the first time I appeared on the show, to forget everything. Just talk to him. He was right. We had a conversation that just happened to occur on live television. Best advice ever.

Pat Bennett and David Moss on New Day Cleveland

This was from my first appearance on the show with co-host David Moss.

Anything and everything can change in a moments notice on live tv. You punt and the cameras keep rolling. Pros know how to do this because they have experience; novices, like yours truly, not so much, however, I'm learning. And I must admit, it’s fun.

Walking through the back of the studio that first time was exciting (I had butterflies in my stomach). I didn't know what to expect. The area was buzzing with producers and guests awaiting their segment times.

On that first visit I saw my good friend Aaron Calafato, creator of 7 Minute Stories www.7minutestoriespod.com. This immediately made me feel less anxious; his brilliant smile was a gift that morning. Funny thing, Aaron wasn’t at all surprised to see me here doing this. With friends like this, how could I lose?

Pat Bennett and Aaron Calafato on the set of New Day Cleveland

I brought a cart overloaded with edible props and my granola. There was just the Tropical flavor at that time, however, it was popular and people loved it. Some folks told me I couldn't launch a brand with just one product. I did and haven't looked back.

Getting miked for New Day Cleveland

New Day Cleveland Setting Up

Prepping on the set of New Day Cleveland.

I carefully arranged my display on the set kitchen counter, got miked and waited for the producer to say 4-3-2-1 we're LIVE! Looking back, it was the longest five minutes of my life and it was over in a flash. Tear down the display, unhook the mike, and move out of the studio fast so the next guest can set up. Whew!

Pat Bennett of Pat's Granola and Natalie Herbick of New Day Cleveland

Co-host Natalie Herbick has been such a big fan of Pat's. She was glad to see me again in the live studio shared her excitement about the Pat's Granola handcrafted bowl she owns. Proud of that bowl which is made by Ohio artisan, Jim Fetzer out in Columbus. It's been a wonderful collaboration of two Ohio small businesses. Both Natalie and David are huge proponents of small businesses in Northeast Ohio and their show reflects this passion.

Being a local business has been good for my business. Working with small businesses in communities around Northeast Ohio has been extraordinary. I get to partner with real people and the collaborations and relationships I've gained have been a blessing. Through these businesses and word of mouth referrals, I've gotten noticed by larger entities and am now being invited to participate on podcasts, being featured in magazines and newsletters, and other collaborations. These are a gateway to a much bigger platform to shout out why local businesses matter and to introduce other small businesses to a larger audience. Most importantly, I'm able to see my community in a whole new way...through the lens of people and businesses. This has allowed me to also give back and contribute (through donations and my time) in meaningful ways.

P.S. If you look closely you'll see I'm wearing a strand of pearls. These were given to me by my Mom on my 16th birthday. I've had them restrung a couple of times and treasure them. I don't go to an important event without wearing them. My niece Aspen commented "that was a classy touch Aunt Pat" when she noticed them on that first segment.

Pat Bennett is the founder and President of Pat's Granola, a Cleveland based food and lifestyle company. Pat's Granola is sold online at www.patsgranola.com and is also available at selected Northeast Ohio businesses including: