The Katchimushi Strategy: How Dragonflies Can Help You Succeed Online

Have you ever heard of the Katchimushi strategy? Probably not, because it’s something I put together for the purpose of this article!

The Katchimushi strategy is a unique approach to success that involves exploring different paths until you find the one that feels right. This strategy is named after the pre-Meiji era Japanese word for dragonfly, which was seen as auspicious by the samurai.

Dragonflies were not only seen as a symbol of good luck, but also as bringers of divine victory. When the Mongols tried to invade Japan during the late 1200’s, it was reported the many dragonflies started to appear around the island. A huge typhoon destroyed many of the ships that the Mongols tried to attack with, and the dragonflies were thus considered symbols of divine intervention. This is actually how and why the word kamikaze came to be.

Dragonflies fly in zig-zag patterns, which may seem erratic, but is actually quite effective for hunting. Using this pattern, they are able to cover more ground with less effort, and are able to catch their prey with ease.

So how can you implement the Katchimushi strategy in your own social media or growth efforts? Especially if you're starting out with a new idea or goal? Zig-zagging, testing, imperfecting, and gathering data sets you up for the success that will eventually follow.

How does this look in reality?

If you’ve never paid attention to the way dragonflies fly, just take a look at their flight pattern to the right.

Notice how they move from one spot to another, never completely linear.

Now apply this to social media. This could be like you having an aim to find your target audience (prey). You’d move between social media platforms, with different content types, and different approaches.

However, once you find a group (”prey”) that resonates, you double-down on it. While some might advise you to research everything upfront, this is a more direct, “learn to by doing” approach.

It may not be for everyone, but if you’re someone who resonates more with this style, you can make it intentional. So to others, it may look “random,” but it’s highly intentional (and effective).

Roots of the Dragonfly

On Facebook, there’s a user by the name of Iosua, who shares fascinating linguistic facts from ancient history. He shares a bit about other origins of the word dragonfly, which connects in with Polynesian, Akkadian, and even Mesopotamian words and strategies.

For Polynesians, Iosua says, “This sounds like a great explanation for how human migrations across the Pacific must have occurred—planned explorations using a logical, economical strategy to maximize returns on investments of labor.” All by utilizing “zig-zag” movements, just like the dragonfly.

When others zig, you zag

So don't waste time trying to research everything under the sun before taking action. Instead, do what dragonflies do and fly around (intentionally) until you find your true audience.

By following this approach, you'll be able to explore different paths and find the one that feels right for you. Just like the dragonfly, you'll be able to cover more ground with less effort, and catch your prey with ease.

So why not try the Katchimushi strategy today? You might just find that it's the key to your success.

PS. Scott Duffield on Twitter/X shared a great response to this. See below: