A Cookie Selling Secret

Open for business! It’s hard to resist those smiles. :)

Selling cookies is the quintessential Girl Scout experience. I have worked for Girl Scouts for nearly five years and this is my first year helping girls sell. I must say – I have been missing out!

I had the opportunity to sell at a Cookie Booth this week with troop 84240. There is really no way to be truly ready for a Cookie Booth your first time around. How to set-up, what to bring, where to hang the signs, who pulls the orders and who takes the money? But, let me tell you, adults just have to sit back and double-check the change being counted back – because the girls will take care of it in their own perfect way.

I know that selling cookies is more than making money. It’s about the girls building the 5 essential skills; goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. I have learned about them over the years – but this was my first year seeing it in action. My expectations were shattered, because really the girls in Girl Scouting have done a great job of keeping the organization’s secret. The secret that I had never even heard whispered – until I realized it this week. I almost dare not share – but I can’t help it! Selling cookies is really fun! A blast even!

And honestly – in my opinion, there should be one more skill building aspect to selling cookies. The 6th skill: trying to contain pure delight, pride and excitement in front of customers when they decide to buy 8 boxes, instead of 4… especially when you’re 7 years old! The moment those customers walked away – the turn around, fist clench “yessssss…” was the perfect ending to the transaction. Made me smile every time.

Break time!

By the end of the night, the girls were tired – and told me that they now understand why their parents are so tired when they come home from work. Which is a lesson well-learned when you are young. Working is hard – being successful and attaining goals can take a lot out of you. The troop should be very proud, they attained their goal of selling 200 boxes. Big money for those of little stature!

So, to each of you girls and young women out there this month selling cookies – I applaud your efforts – and feel honored to now have joined the elite ranks of Girl Scouting in our quintessential practice. :0)

Yours in Girl Scouting,
Erin