Thursday 14 January 2010

John Locke's social media guide

Lost's John Locke is a hunter, a survivalist and a leader of men.

He's also a social media mastermind.

To celebrate the final season of Lost (airing next month), Manchester SEO presents the John Locke guide to a successful Twitter campaign. Let his Seagal-esque wisdom put you on the road to social media enlightenment.

"I'm working."

Locke has a way with words. Here, he imparts some Renaissance wisdom about the virtues of planning.


Locke's Lesson: Plan out a social media campaign before wading into the waters. Know what you want to achieve and map out a strategy.

"Don't tell me what I can't do!"

An unfortunate incident with gravity and a fifth-storey window has left Locke paralysed. His lifetime dream of trekking through the Australian outback is shattered as a tour guide tells John he can't survive the trip in a wheel chair. John disagrees.


Locke's lesson: Don't feel like a social media campaign needs to adhere to the paths and rules chosen by others. Often, the best campaigns are those which venture into the jungle and explore new territory. Social media shouldn't follow the leader.

"His name is @Locke."

There's a problem in the camp. The final scraps of food from the plane have been eaten and the survivors are bickering over dinner. Or lack of. John Locke joins the debate and offers a solution. Don't try this at home, kids.


Locke's Lesson: Good social media campaigns interact with other users. They offer solutions, stepping in to solve problems and concerns.

"I've done everything you wanted me to do."

Poor John. Our bald-headed hero has spent weeks trying to open up a suspicious hatch in the ground. He's hit it with a spade, chucked a piece of scrap metal at it and as a last resort, sheds salty tears over the entrance. Still, John eventually gets his wish and later, (much later) the hatch opens.


Locke's Lesson: Perseverance is the key to a successful social media campaign. It requires effort, patience and time. Don't get frustrated if you don't see instant results.

"I was wrong"

We all mess up from time to time. Even John Locke. Still, he has the integrity to apologise. Here, he causes an electromagnetic explosion which threatens to end the world.


Locke's Lesson: Don't be afraid to say sorry. If a customer has been treated badly or feels aggrieved by your actions, a brief apology can quickly fix their troubled heart. Pepsi and Habitat have both walked away from potential PR disasters with a quick 'my bad'.

1 comment:

  1. Brilliant! I love comparisons like this that bring theories back to reality with a bump. I did start watching Lost but gave up halfway through series 2, think I will have to get the boxed sets and catch up.

    Gives me an idea for a future deBugged blog post.... http://www.rentokil.com/blog

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