LOST and the value of a backstory
16 Comments
I was a big fan of Lost but have to admit I got just a little tired of the show near the end. Probably that 10-episode marathon before the finale had something to do with that…
But a few weeks have passed since then, and I think we can draw an important lesson in storytelling for those of us acting as brand ambassadors.
Use flashbacks!
The writers of Lost used flashbacks brilliantly to share backstories on the lives of each cast member. This led to emotional involvement. Especially in the first few seasons where the storyline was convoluted. (I never really did get that whole DHARMA Initiative thing)
We started to understand why the characters made the decisions they did. We started to care about them.
This tactic works for anyone trying to achieve emotional involvement. And as we all know, decisions are made first on emotion.
“It’s hard not to like someone once your know their story.” – Mister Rogers
You need a backstory
What worked in Lost can work for you and your organization. Once people know your backstory, they’ll start to care.
Creating your backstory
- What were the defining moments in your life? Most traumatic? Most inspiring?
- What inspired your current vision?
- What is most important to you…and why?
- How did you begin doing what you’re doing now?
- What are some challenges you’ve faced so far in your journey?
- What motivates you?
Today’s action: Spend a few moments drafting your own “backstory” – and then share that with the world.
[Image copyright ABC; Inspired by Rohit Bhargava]
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Love this, J!
Amen, Josiah! Our “backstory” is like our “elevator pitch” with an emotional twist. And as you intimate, the backstory may be for connection to our personal brand, or our hotel brand. But rational decisions without emotional connection can fall flat. Great thoughts!
(And I’m so glad it’s not just me on the DHARMA Initiative thing…).
I love the idea Josiah !
Creating a memorable backstory is all part of what I call Personal Branding.
What we do need to beware of is that there shouldn’t be too many flashbacks – too many flashbacks was exactly why I stopped watching Lost in the first place…
Cheers
Mihir
It’s funny you mention “too many flashbacks” – because I *hated* this about LOST when I first started watching. I guess it’s important to balance setting the stage with the main show: your primary story or offering.
Talking about backstories, here is Google’s very own…
http://mashable.com/2010/06/19/10-google-facts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+Mashable+(Mashable)
Did you know Google even rents out Goats ???
Cheers
Mihir
Josiah,
I was thinking of writing my back story when I realised that I had already done it quite a while back.
Although it does not tick all your boxes, here it is nevertheless
http://mitaroygoahotel.com/2010/04/11/those-noisy-pestering-little-devils/
Tell me what you think…
Cheers
Mihir
That’s a perfect backstory! Thanks for sharing, Mihir.
Josiah,
I am glad you agree with me on the flashbacks!
Its probably the same in a blog…not too many personal stories but once in a while, I think we all welcome it as a change…
Cheers
Mihir
Josiah,
There is something wrong with your comment reply option.
Why can I reply only to some comments and not to others ?
For e.g., the last comment, I wanted to reply to your flashback comment but could not do so directly…
You might want to check it out…
Cheers
Mihir
Interesting…so you just cannot reply to my comments directly?
Nope, not directly.
I cannot reply to your last comment directly either…
Cheers
Mihir
J & K
My full backstory, as promised…
http://mitaroygoahotel.com/2010/07/15/why-i-became-a-hotelier/
Also, notice the prominent placing on the website menu !!!
Cheers
Mihir
P.S. Josiah, I know Katie’s backstory already. Maybe it’s time to share yours…
I second that “P.S”, J!
What? This isn’t good enough?
http://www.hotelmarketingstrategies.com/about/
P.S. Just checked your story, Mihir – very good! Maybe mine should be a little more personal….and a little bit more like a story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HWECQa23Cs
Lost in 3 minutes on sticky notes. Enjoy. =)