Lessons Learned from Trending Animals 2026
Jimothy found his way into the zeitgeist in no small way (despite his short spine). Before him, we had Moo Deng, Neil the Seal, Pesto the penguin...the list goes on! Some of you may even remember the good ol' days of Grumpy Cat. Perhaps there is more than just cuteness to gain from these trending creatures. What makes each of these animals so popular? What about their personalities can help us be more successful? Let's take a look.
Pesto the Penguin
Start Big: Like Pesto, sometimes it can be beneficial to come crashing out of the egg and treat your business as if you've already made it. Starting small can be safe, but with big risks come big rewards. That means you need to be present on social media, start those wild campaigns, and spread the word.
Make your brand visible: Pesto towers over the other penguins. So should you! You know what makes you unique - show it off. The digital world is just waiting to see you.
Take up space: Don't be afraid to insert yourself into the community of businesses around you. Attend events, comment on posts, act as if you belong...because you do!
Neil the Seal
Protect your time and energy: Neil the seal knows what he wants and he goes for it. His time and effort is spent towards his goals and he lets no traffic cone or car get in the way. You may feel the need to spread yourself over many avenues, but stick with what you need or you will find your time and energy running thin.
Set boundaries: Sometimes other businesses, friends, family, and even strangers will see your business and think they can have a slice - time, product, work. Neil knows that his time and space are HIS. Be a Neil and set proper boundaries.
Know when to rest: Have you been working yourself to the bone to reach the other side of the road? Follow Neil and take that mid-street nap. You won't accomplish your goals without knowing when to refuel.
Harbourfront Beaver
Audiences can be found in unexpected places: Everyone was suprised to see the beaver at Harbour Front along Queens Quay. Try different avenues you might not have originally thought of, and you'll definitely stand out! Perhaps a unique social media platform? Or a booth at an event a little different then you'd normally attend?
Be adaptable: The beaver stayed calm when the landscape changed and went about it's way finding a new path. If you make a choice that doesn't pan out, try something new. Marketing for a business sometimes requires multiple attempts before finding the most successful approach.
Use accessible resources: There are so many tools within your reach. If you're a small business in Toronto, for instance, Better Way Alliance has your back. Look into grants and other tools that can help support you.
King Monkey
Know your market position and worth: Understand the selling points you have and what differentiates your business from others. When you know your worth, you'll be better able to sell yourself and what you offer.
Lead by example: While the other monkeys backed away from the crown, King Monkey took it gracefully. This is both advice internally and externally. Internally, your team is only as good as their manager. Show them a successful leader and they will likewise succeed. Externally, a well oiled machine will earn the trust of the market.
Own your expertise: You know what you're doing, selling, providing...time to show that confidence in the digital landscape! Own it and show it. Accept the crown.
Moo Deng
Fight for what you truly value: Moo deng is not afraid to take a bite when necessary. You'll find that if you fight for the causes you truly value, you will attract like-minded people who are also interested in your product or services.
Make your voice distinct: Blending in with the crowd is not beneficial to a business. Set yourself apart by establishing a unique tone and voice for your digital presence. Use those values you've established to help distinguish who you are.
Emotions = Authenticity: This little firecracker is not afraid to show off her emotions. Feelings will be part of your story to share online, and that vulnerability can help build your community. (Of course, within reason.)
Jimothy
Your quirks can be your greatest selling points: Just like Jimothy's short spine, sometimes part of your business you percieve as a "flaw" may simply be a unique selling point. Try to view it from an outside angle and see how you can use it to your benefit.
Connection is based on relatability: We all feel a little bit like Jimothy. Navigating the world is a little more difficult than we'd like to admit, but we perservere. Your audience will likewise connect more with you knowing that you struggle the way they do.
Compassion is more available than you think: The world would die (figuratively) for Jimothy. If they would provide that compassion to him, know that compassion is available for you and your business as well.
Haaland
Remain goal focused: This creature we call Haaland will stop at nothing to make a goal. Follow suite and use your undeniable strength and power to viking your way towards those goals you've set.
Learn to laugh at yourself: Yes, work must be taken seriously...to a point. Small mistakes and parts of your business that you can not change can (and should) be taken lightly.
Reach out to your community: Haaland, like a genie, comes running to the comments whenever he is called. If you can involve yourself in your digital community in any capacity, you will find yourself attracting more customers.
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