Why You Should ‘Ask the Cows’
When you’re tackling a new challenge or trying to achieve a big goal, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of advice out there. But not all advice is created equal. Whether you’re embarking on an ambitious endeavor—like walking across America—or simply trying to improve your business, there’s one rule about finding mentors I learned during my journey that has stuck with me: look for the cows.
Now, you may be wondering, what do cows have to do with finding mentors? Let me explain.
How the “Look for the Cows” Metaphor Came to Be
Before my 2024 walk across America, I spent a lot of time preparing. I Googled everything I could about how to walk across the country. I found articles, forums, and even a WikiHow that gave me basic advice like, “wear good shoes” or “build your cardio.” While these tips were helpful, they didn’t provide me with the depth or specifics I needed.
It wasn’t until I reached out to people who had actually completed the walk—Mark Dudek, Andrew Kivett, and Kenny Mintz—that I received real, actionable advice. These individuals had walked the walk, literally, and were able to give me specific recommendations about gear, routes, and the challenges I’d face. Finding mentors that had actually done the thing I want to do propelled me forward exponentially.
Then, during my walk through Oklahoma, I passed a billboard that read, “If you want to know about the field, ask the cows.” That billboard sparked an epiphany for me. It symbolized what I had been learning: when you need help or expertise, seek out the people who are truly in the field, the ones who are living it day in and day out. They’re the ones who can offer valuable insights because they’ve been where you want to go.
Finding mentors that had actually made the trek was what I needed, not “The Farmers” or “The Passerby’s” I’d been dealing with.
Three Types of People You’ll Encounter When Finding Mentors
- The Cows (The Experts with Experience):
These are the people who have actually done the thing you’re trying to do. Whether it’s walking across America, starting a business, or mastering a new skill, they have firsthand experience. They’ve encountered the challenges, made mistakes, learned from them, and ultimately succeeded. When you need help, these are the people you should turn to for advice. - The Farmers (Specialists in Specific Areas):
The farmers are the experts in specific areas related to your goal. For example, when I was preparing for my walk, I consulted with specialists at REI for advice on the best shoes and backpacks. These people may not have walked across the country themselves, but they have extensive knowledge about gear and equipment that would support my journey. Farmers are valuable for their technical or niche expertise. - The Passersby (General Advisors or Armchair Experts):
These are the people you’ll encounter on forums or social media platforms, offering advice with little to no experience. They mean well, but their insights are often based on assumptions or general knowledge. While their advice can sometimes be helpful, it’s important to take it with a grain of salt, as it may not be relevant or applicable to your specific situation.
Applying the “Look for the Cows” Strategy to Find Mentors in Your Life
Whether you’re starting a business, launching a nonprofit, or tackling a personal goal, ask yourself: are you seeking advice from the right sources? Here’s how you can apply the “look for the cows” strategy:
- Identify the experts in your field:
Who has already achieved the goal you’re aiming for? Reach out to them, learn from their experiences, and absorb their advice. - Consult specialists for specific areas:
If you need expertise in areas like marketing, finance, or product development, find the right specialists who can guide you in those areas. These are your farmers. - Filter advice carefully:
Be cautious about taking advice from passersby—those who haven’t been in your shoes but still offer opinions. Their insights may be well-meaning but lack the experience needed for real impact.
Strengthen Your Herd
In Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad, he discusses building a team of financial experts—people who are the best in their fields, like accountants, real estate agents, and attorneys. The same applies to any area of your life. Surround yourself with a herd of experts, the cows who know the field inside and out, and specialists who can fine-tune your efforts.
So, who are the cows in your field? Are you seeking advice from the right people? If not, it’s time to change your approach and surround yourself with those who can truly guide you toward success.
Join the Never Peak Community
Want to surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs and experts who can help you reach your goals? Join my Never Peak: The First Steps community on Skool. We dive into actionable strategies, provide weekly accountability calls, and share lessons from my walk across America that apply to both life and business. Join us here.
Let me know your thoughts on this metaphor and how it applies to your journey. Until next time, remember: never settle, never quit, and never peak.