There's something strange going on in London. A flock of slightly creepy but very lovely 'Buddies' are going around randomly 'brightening up peoples day.' The buddies are said to be workers from First Direct showing the extent of customer service offered by the bank.
The buddies who appear from a black A-team style van have been seen to piggy-back a man to work during a tube strike, give a couple some flowers and a serenade, help a women change her clothes and throw an extra special birthday celebration complete with trumpets and stacks of gifts for one lucky person.
It is not clear how or why these random acts of kindness are happening but it sure would be nice to get a helping hand from a good Samaritan.
No doubt, in helping people First Direct are also helping themselves. It's a clever little publicity stunt. The difference with this campaign though is that it is not being publicised by the bank. There's no website or press release, or 'official video'. The company seem to have simply relied on social networking and YouYube clips from people who happened to capture the 'buddy events' to spread the word. It's basically good old 'word of mouth' but virtual.
What would you want from a First Direct 'buddy'?
I wouldn't mind being taken on a little gadget spending spree. I could do with a new iPod, Maybe they could charge my phone when the battery dies.
Check out one of the YouTube clips below to see them in action:
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