Cowgirl Wisdom: Business Tips from Trailblazing Women
Hey there, y’all! Whether you’re hustling in the saddle, behind a desk, or on the showroom floor, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to running a successful business. But one thing’s for sure: us cowgirls know how to pull up our boots and get the job done.
Today, I’m sharing a roundup of sage advice straight from inspiring women who’ve blazed their own trails. They’ve got the dust on their boots and stories to tell, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into these gems of wisdom!
1. Schedule Your Downtime (Even If You’re Bad at It)
“Make sure to schedule your downtime! (I’m terrible at this, but trying to get better.)”
— Amanda Smith Cross, Rider’s Emporium
Cowgirl, burnout is real. Amanda reminds us to rope in some time for ourselves. Balance makes you sharper, stronger, and ready to ride harder. And if you need a tool to manage the chaos, she swears by the Mile IQ app for tracking her mileage—efficiency for the win!
2. Done Is Better Than Perfect
“I struggle with overthinking even the simplest tasks. I’ve learned that not every aspect is going to be perfect, but you’ve gotta start and get it done.”
— Heather McAbee, 8 Bar M Ranch LLC
Heather’s wisdom is a game-changer. Overthinking can stall progress, but perfection isn’t the goal—action is. Break it down, step by step, and take the first one. The rest will follow.
3. Just Do It (Failures and All)
“JUST DO IT. Seriously. Fail, fail, fail—and learn from the failures. I struggle to follow this mantra, but I’m astounded at how things move when I do.”
— Susan Provost, Susan Provost Art
Susan reminds us that every stumble is a stepping stone. Failure is part of the process, not the end of the trail. Dust yourself off, adjust your hat, and keep going.
4. Create Real Customer Experiences
“Recognize ‘regulars’ and build a relationship with them. Match your speed to that of the customer. Knowing how to read their cues made a huge difference in balancing holiday traffic.”
— Danika Kester, Little Blue Roan Books
Danika’s experience in brick-and-mortar retail is a lesson in customer-first business. Whether you’re in a store or online, exceptional service builds loyalty. Pay attention to your customers’ needs, and they’ll keep coming back.
5. Baby Steps Can Lead to Big Things
“My advice: baby steps can lead to bigger steps, so never give up. I have to remind myself of it ALL the time!”
— Chelby Jacobs Thomas, Mad Cow Vinyls
Building a business is like breaking in a new pair of boots—it takes time. Chelby’s right: even the smallest steps keep you moving forward. So saddle up and stay consistent, cowgirl.
6. Collaboration Over Competition
“Collaboration over competition! My business has worked with over 60 local small businesses, and this has put my business on the fast track.”
— Katelyn Klos, Wildflowers and Barley
Teamwork makes the dream work. Partnering with others not only grows your network but also builds a sense of community. When local businesses lift each other up, everyone wins.
7. Learn from Criticism (But Don’t Dwell)
“If the mistake was mine, I’d do everything to make it right. But sometimes, you can’t please everyone, and you have to move on.”
— April Jones Edwards, Cactus Tails
April’s wisdom is a reminder that mistakes happen. Learn from them, but don’t let one unhappy customer derail your journey. Put on your big girl boots and keep riding forward.
8. Videos, Videos, Videos
“Videos get the most engagement. Tag your location to get more locals!”
— MaryBeth Geyer-Bradley
MaryBeth’s tip is simple but powerful: videos are a game-changer for social media. Whether you’re showing off your products or sharing a slice of ranch life, videos bring authenticity that photos just can’t match.
9. Make Real Connections
“Amazing opportunities have opened up just by reaching out.”
— Jennifer Garcia, Reared Up Coffee
Jennifer’s advice is simple yet powerful: don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Whether it’s a friendly hello or a message of encouragement, genuine connections can open doors you never expected.
10. Fuel Yourself to Fuel Your Business
“The most inspiring book I’ve read is ‘The Slight Edge’ by Jeff Olson. It’s motivational for any niche. Pro tip: it’s on Audible!”
— Maggie Schlegel, Maggie Writes Copy
As Maggie reminds us, personal growth fuels professional success. So keep learning, keep reading, and keep inspiring yourself—it’ll show in your business.
These tips are proof that no matter the terrain, we cowgirls have what it takes to build something great. So, let’s ride into the sunset with a little more confidence and a whole lot of grit.
