Watership Social
I took a trip down memory lane recently and watched Watership down, the original film came out a year after I was born (1978 to be precise).
It’s based on a children's book but it's pretty violent and covers topics like suicide, prejudice, and genocide. Not exactly kid friendly I know, this stuff was nightmare fuel when your 5 years old.
A small synopsis follows!
Rabbit folklore tells of prince rabbit El-ahrairah and Frith, the sun and creator of the world. As punishment for failing to control the rabbit population, Frith curses El-ahrairah with many enemies who he must outwit in order to survive.
In the Sandleford warren, runt rabbit Fiver has a vivid premonition of the destruction of the rabbits' habitat. He and his loyal brother Hazel warn the Chief Rabbit, who dismisses them. Convinced of the truth of Fiver's premonition, Hazel organises a group of dissatisfied rabbits who resolve to leave the warren. They are joined by Hazel's friend Bigwig, a deserter from the Owsla, the warren's military elite. The group escape the Owsla through the woods but still face constant danger from their enemies, both animal and human.
The film and book has a whole host of unique characters all with their own very human like traits.
Hazel
The young leader of the rabbits, and Fiver's brother. As the rabbits flee their home warren, Hazel guides them through all of their difficulties. He thinks quickly and imaginatively, frequently putting himself at risk in order to protect the other rabbits.
Fiver
Hazel's brother. Fiver is small and awkward, but he sees things that no other rabbits see. His sixth sense saves the rabbits many times, and they learn to always seek his opinion.
Bigwig
The strongest of the refugees and a courageous and daring fighter. Bigwig's knowledge and power saves the group many times.
General Woundwort
The head of the Efrafa warren and the only rabbit bigger and stronger than Bigwig. Militant and vengeful.
Captain Campion
Woundwort's best captain. Campion is a great tracker and a courageous rabbit who leads the Efrafans back to their warren in the end.
Captain Holly
The captain of the Owsla back at the home warren. Holly is a good tracker and a strong fighter.
Blackberry
The smartest of the rabbits. Blackberry figures out things that most of the other rabbits cannot even understand.
Dandelion
The fastest of the rabbits, who often runs ahead to scout. Dandelion's speed comes in handy often.
Kehaar
The bird whom Hazel tells the rabbits to help. Kehaar becomes a good friend of Bigwig's. He is strong and knowledgeable and helps the rabbits numerous times, explaining to them about things they had never seen before.
Run Rabbit Run 🐇
Great but what does a bunch of rabbits have to do with my business, my brand and my people?
A fair amount actually!
Each employee has their own unique story, gifts and talents.
Just like the rabbits in the story.
They appeal to a much larger cross section of people than your brand EVER will. Pulling them into their and YOUR story.
From LinkedIn itself - "That’s right, the tide is turning in the war on brand. Slowly but surely, B2B marketers are beginning to realize that we have over-invested in lead generation tactics. Better arguments are starting to circulate throughout the industry that will help brand builders fight back against the inflated claims of performance marketers. There is a case for greater brand investment, and over the next 10 years that case will only grow stronger."
So making sure they are mobilised and telling a collective story that weaves into your brand can only be good for your bottom line.
Talent attraction
Through the story a competing rabbit warren led by the fearsome General Woundwart is infiltrated by the rabbits and rabbits are convinced to defect over with them.
Now imagine doing this with content across your team, attracting the right people. Who see your culture the way you want it to be seen.
The grass literally IS greener on the other side now.
"Even when employees leave the business, they still don’t want to leave the brand. Strong brands attract better and cheaper talent, and they have an easier time retaining that talent over the long run"
If you give your people the tools, leverage their talent and create accountability you can literally leave your competition behind. As you grow stronger your enemies become weaker. Unable to keep up with the pace you set on social!
"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you, digger, listener, runner, prince with the swift warning. Be cunning and full of tricks and your people shall never be destroyed"
Think more deeply about the long term ramifications of becoming social and embracing social selling.
Whilst your competitors are still fighting over the same old plots of land (cold calling, email and advertising) you've gone digitally organic.
Claiming your space in vast open fields that are yours to call home.
See you next week for more and remember to stay alert 🐰
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