Running a Digital Business Like a Flying Squirrel

Flying squirrels are amazing at doing what they do best - soaring through the trees, making the most of their surroundings, and thriving in a unique way. If one of these forest acrobats ran a business online, they’d bring the same energy to the digital world: resourceful, adaptable, and always ahead of the game. Let’s break this down into what a flying squirrel's digital business might look like - step by step, glide by glide.

Gliding Through Obstacles (Patagium Style)

Flying squirrels don’t fly, but their gliding is just as effective. They leap with confidence, using their patagium (that stretchy skin between their legs) to control their direction and land precisely where they want. In a business context, this translates into finding ways to adapt and stay airborne no matter what challenges pop up.

Stretch Your Reach Like a Patagium:

Just like the membrane gives squirrels their edge, your digital business thrives when you expand beyond a single platform or method.

• Sell in multiple places: Running an online store? Don’t just stick to your own website. Use platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or even niche marketplaces. For instance, if you sell handmade jewelry, Etsy reaches craft lovers while Shopify helps you build a branded store.
• Social media versatility: Don’t rely on one app. Instagram works great for beautiful product shots, but TikTok is perfect for short, engaging clips. Flying squirrels don’t jump to one tree over and over—they explore the forest!

Plan the Glide:

Flying squirrels assess the gap between trees before they leap. The same mindset applies when making big decisions for your business.

• Launch strategy: Planning a product release? Tease the product through email newsletters, give sneak peeks on Instagram Stories, and offer pre-order options on your website. Build anticipation step by step.
• Addressing risks: If a campaign flops, pivot smoothly. For instance, a candle maker whose fall scents don’t sell could rebrand them as winter-themed with a quick packaging update instead of starting from scratch.

Stay Airborne:

Touching the ground is a last resort for flying squirrels, and a digital business should operate with the same mindset—go fully online when possible.

• Paperless operations: Use platforms like DocuSign for contracts or cloud-based invoicing like FreshBooks to handle payments without dealing with physical copies.
• Remote collaboration: Tools like Slack or Notion let you manage a team from anywhere, just like squirrels rely on their environment without needing to touch down.

Owning the Night (Nocturnal Hustle)

Flying squirrels are night owls—literally. They dominate when others are asleep, taking full advantage of the quiet hours. If you’re running a digital business, being flexible and optimizing for off-peak times gives you an edge.

Cater to the Late-Night Crowd:

In the digital world, people shop, browse, and scroll at all hours, especially after work or school.

• Schedule posts: Apps like Buffer or Hootsuite let you automate posts for when your target customers are active, even if that’s 2 AM. For example, a skincare brand might post tips for winding down at night, timed perfectly for late-night scrollers.
• Automated support: Use chatbots like ChatGPT-based assistants on your site to answer FAQs in real-time, so you’re always “awake” to help customers.

Low-Key but Consistent Presence:

Flying squirrels don’t make a lot of noise, but they’re always working. A quiet, consistent presence online builds trust over time.

• Subtle ad campaigns: Instead of bombarding people with aggressive marketing, try ads that feel casual. A small clothing brand could run Instagram ads that show someone effortlessly styling their outfit, rather than shouting “BUY NOW!”
• Slide into trends: Participate in viral challenges but stay true to your brand. A coffee shop might post their spin on trending dances with a latte in hand.

Behind-the-Scenes Hustle:

Flying squirrels prepare during quiet times, and so should your business.

• Batch-create content: Plan and schedule a week’s worth of Instagram Reels or TikTok all at once during slow periods.
• Website updates: If traffic is low at night, use that time to tweak your site’s layout, optimize product pages, or test new features without disrupting the customer experience.

Squirrel Snacks (Feeding Your Business)

Flying squirrels have a varied diet—nuts, fruits, insects, even small birds. They don’t rely on just one source of food, and your digital business shouldn’t either. Diversity keeps things fresh and helps you thrive even when one area slows down.

Offer a Range of Products:

Like a squirrel collecting both seeds and protein, your business needs variety.

• Physical and digital products: For instance, a fitness brand could sell resistance bands alongside digital workout guides.
• One-off and subscription options: A coffee roaster could sell single bags of beans or offer a monthly subscription for freshly roasted blends.

Scatter the Goods:

Squirrels stash food all over the forest. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

• Multiple income streams: A graphic designer could freelance on Fiverr, sell design templates on Gumroad, and run a print-on-demand Etsy shop with their art.
• Collaborate strategically: Team up with others to expand your reach. For example, a skincare brand might partner with a wellness influencer for a self-care bundle.

Experiment with What Works:

Like squirrels trying new snacks, don’t be afraid to test out different business models or offerings.

• Seasonal twists: A candle brand could launch limited-edition holiday scents or summer outdoor candles with bug-repellent properties.
• Product combos: Bundle products in creative ways to boost sales, like offering a “starter kit” for new customers.

Chirps and Whistles (Communication)

Flying squirrels are social creatures. They chirp, squeak, and whistle to communicate with their group. When running a digital business, staying connected is just as important.

Make Your Voice Heard:

Every business has its personality, and sticking to it helps you stand out.

• Consistent tone: A quirky business selling novelty socks might use playful captions like, “We’re toe-tally in love with this new design!”
• Skip the corporate-speak: Be approachable. If you run a small bakery, talk to people like you’d chat with a neighbor.

Mark Your Territory with Branding:

People need to know it’s you.

• Visual consistency: Stick to a color palette, font, and logo that people instantly recognize. A brand like Glossier built its reputation on clean, pastel aesthetics.
• Interactive content: Use Instagram polls or Q&As to get people talking directly with you. For instance, a pet supply store could ask followers, “What’s your dog’s favorite toy?”

Bring People Together:

Even if you’re not a squirrel in a group nest, creating a sense of belonging can help your business thrive.

• Email newsletters: Don’t just spam sales. Share behind-the-scenes updates, relatable stories, or customer shoutouts.
• Engage regularly: Host casual live sessions, like a coffee shop inviting customers to “brew and chat” mornings on Instagram Live.

Keeping the Forest Thriving

Flying squirrels aren’t just gliders—they play a role in keeping forests alive by spreading seeds and contributing to the ecosystem. For a digital business, this means staying adaptable and contributing to the broader space you work in.

Seed Sharing:

Your knowledge or skills can benefit others.

• Content sharing: A tech brand could create YouTube tutorials or blog posts to help others use their products.
• Workshops or webinars: For instance, an artist could host online sessions teaching beginners how to draw or paint.

Be a Positive Force:

Show that your business cares about something bigger.

• Eco-friendly practices: If you sell products, use biodegradable packaging. A small sustainable clothing brand could emphasize that every order plants a tree.
• Support others: Highlight creators or small businesses that align with your values. If you sell organic teas, recommend other small wellness brands to your followers.

Stay Curious Like the Scientists Studying Squirrels:

Experimentation keeps your business fresh.

• Try new platforms: If you’re only on Instagram, dabble with Pinterest or Threads to see what clicks.
• Innovate with tech: A home decor brand could experiment with AR tools that let customers “place” furniture in their rooms before buying.

Gliding to Success

If a flying squirrel ran a digital business, it’d thrive by being resourceful, daring, and flexible. From leaping between platforms to stashing ideas everywhere and keeping connected, their approach would be clever and sustainable. By staying open to new ideas and soaring over obstacles, your business could take on that same gliding energy—swift, smooth, and unstoppable.