“Kasongo”: Characteristics Businesses Can Embrace for Growth
It’s a new year, and we’re back to work! The excitement of reuniting with colleagues brings smiles and warm hugs. The first weeks may feel relaxed as we eagerly share our holiday experiences, often without taking turns. This moment allows us to build momentum for the busy days ahead.
The year 2024 was marked by numerous amusing moments, particularly on social media. We embraced the fun and wrapped up the year on a positive note. One of the most shared and discussed stories was about a warthog affectionately named Kasongo by netizens. As we welcome the new year, we all hope to embody the spirit of Kasongo.
"Kasongo" has emerged as a new term for a warthog, a name popularised by social media users as humorous videos featuring warthogs gained traction on TikTok. These videos were often paired with a song called Kasongo, created by the now defunct Kenyan soukous band Orchestra Super Mazembe.
In this blog, we’ll elevate the fun and explore the traits and lessons from Kasongo that you can adopt to thrive in your industry.
Be Trendy: Kasongo has transformed into a brand, all due to his distinct character and uniqueness. His presence is so widespread that anyone with a TikTok account has likely heard of him or seen him. What steps are you taking to expand your own brand’s reach? Connecting with your target audience depends on your industry. You might explore options like t-shirt printing, vehicle wraps, or various types of banners—such as pull-up banners, shark-fin banners, and wall banners. The key is to position your brand in a way that sparks conversation and gets people talking.
Flexibility: Have you noticed how quickly Kasongo retreats to his territory when things don’t go as planned? His return symbolises his flexibility. Similarly, in business, it’s important to remain flexible and aligned with your values. If a strategy isn’t effective, don’t try to force it to work. Always be prepared to step back and revise your approach when necessary. Just like Kasongo, take the time to build momentum and explore new approaches. If a promotional campaign using silkscreen printing isn’t yielding expected results, consider alternatives like DTF printing, embroidery, UV printing, or engraving on hard-surfaced promotional items. Be flexible enough to try various methods, but choose the one that best suits your project’s needs.
Shift Paradigms: Discussions about jungle life have often favoured carnivores, particularly cheetahs and lions, who are portrayed by the media as unbeatable hunters due to their speed and strength. However, Kasongo’s emergence has changed the narrative. Social media is filled with videos showcasing Kasongo's tenacity and resilience as he takes on the fiercest jungle rulers and emerges victorious in several chases. What can you learn from Kasongo? With confidence, you have nothing to fear from competition—you can challenge even the so-called giants in your industry and capture a significant share of the market.
Be Resourceful: Kasongo has multiple burrows that create a network of tunnels with various inlets and outlets, allowing him to outmanoeuvre his opponents, much like competitors in business. He also embraces adventure, confidently challenging dangerous predators, knowing when to rely on his speed and when to retreat. This showcases his resourcefulness. As you mark your calendar for upcoming exhibitions or activations, it’s essential to be resourceful to enhance your brand’s visibility. While you may not need burrows, you will benefit from effective promotional items such as banners, custom apparel, drinkware, Instagram frames, custom booths, and other giveaway items. This is the best way to stand out and make an impact at promotional events.
Team Support: Have you noticed how Kasongo patiently trains piglets? He teaches them how to find food, run, and retreat into their burrows when danger approaches. In the same way, businesses should invest in their staff across various operational areas. This includes upskilling and training employees to perform their roles effectively. It also involves preparing them to represent the brand as ambassadors. By providing them with branded items, you empower them to promote the brand wherever they go. Just as Kasongo trains piglets for success, you can empower your staff in the same manner. Each team member is aligned with your organisation's vision, which leads to success.
In conclusion, while Kasongo may not be the quickest or the brightest creature in the jungle, there are valuable lessons for businesses to draw from his character. By embracing team support, resourcefulness, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge norms, businesses can promote growth and leave a lasting impact on their audiences.
For assistance with your promotional and brand visibility initiatives, feel free to reach out to us. Whether it's apparel printing or customising promotional items—right down to custom packaging—we deliver exceptional results. So why wait? You can become the Kasongo of your industry in no time!