Girl Scouts Taste Business Success from One Smart Cookie. Learn What They Know!

We just got through the sweetest part of the year, Girl Scout Cookie Season.?It is as admired as Halloween because it too delivers our yummy treats to us and only comes one time a year.??

The Girl Scouts website touts their cookie program as, “the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world…” and selling cookies is the first exposure to the world of business for many young girls.?The typical door-to-door pitch is given by each girl scout saying: “This year, five boxes cost only $20; can I help you pick out your five boxes?” By framing her words so clients would have to choose to opt-out instead of opting-in to her goals, she subtly encourages them to agree.?I know I always have a hard time saying no, as do many others.?

Over a century later, the Girls Scouts are the largest girl-led enterprise in the world, selling cookies for over 100 years. It is estimated that over 200 million boxes of cookies are sold every year, worth about $800 million dollars.?Girl Scout cookies outsell Oreos by a wide margin. They also outsell Milano and Chips Ahoy combined.??

While the cookie sales sound impressive on their own, they’re not the only benefit of scouting. Studies show that former Girl Scouts have higher achievements across the board, including increased income and greater self-esteem.?

With a record like that, the Girl Scouts must know something about blending traditional and modern paths to success. Take a look at what Thin Mints and Samoas can teach you about reaching your own goals.

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Traditional Paths to Success:

1. ?Focus on giving. Supporting worthy causes is part of what makes Girl Scout cookies so popular. The money goes back into the local community or to other charities that the girls select. Whether you’re selling shortbread or life insurance, helping others to reach their dreams will help you to fulfill your own.
2. Be authentic. The pictures on the cookie boxes are all real Girl Scouts, and the girls are encouraged to wear their uniforms going door to door or staffing their booths. Being genuine with yourself and others will make you more likable and trustworthy too.
3. Build skills. The Girl Scouts have invented their own 5-part formula for success. It includes goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. While you may choose different wording, it’s important to develop the abilities and behaviors that enable you to deal with life’s challenges.
4. Look out for your family. The first Girl Scout cookies were baked by mothers and daughters in their own kitchens, and parents still bring cookies to the office to sell to coworkers. Family support helps you to stay strong and resilient.
5. Make friends. Selling cookies takes teamwork. You’ll discover more opportunities and make more progress if you network vigorously and consistently. Focus on what you can do for others and follow up when you make a commitment.
6. Leverage your strengths. Would you believe that Thin Mints account for 25% of Girl Scout cookies sales? While it’s important to be open to new ideas, your biggest achievements will come from knowing how to use your unique talents.
7. Live healthy. Speaking of new ideas, Girl Scout cookies now come in vegan and gluten-free options. To accomplish anything in life, you need to take care of your mind and body.
8. Appreciate nature. S’more cookies are one sign of how scouting brings cookies and camping together. Outdoor activities are another mainstay of a happy and productive life.
9. Gain confidence. The greatest benefit of scouting and selling cookies may be the increased confidence that Girl Scouts report. Believing in yourself makes you a success in any field.

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Modern Paths to Success:

1. ?Go digital. Caramel deLites and Do-si-Dos took a giant step into the 21st Century with the launching of the Digital Cookies platform in 2014. Embracing new technology enables you to work smarter and stay relevant.
2. Use social media. The internet makes it a lot easier to find out when your favorite cookies go on sale. Build your community by staying in touch and sharing your views on Facebook, LinkedIn, or other channels.
3. Seek balance. On the other hand, Girl Scout cookies are still officially on sale for only about 6 to 8 weeks a year even in a 24/7 society, so girls can participate in other worthwhile projects. It’s a good reminder to stick to your own values and priorities.

Many female entrepreneurs and business owners are Girl Scout alumni according to data from the Girl Scout Research Institute. In the 2018 midterms, it is also noted that the majority of females elected to Congress were Girl Scouts once.

Final Thoughts:

Girl Scout cookies are a delicious way to treat yourself and invest in your community. Let these young cookie entrepreneurs inspire you to take action and live the life you want.?Learn from their business lessons and become one smart cookie.

For more informational articles like these be sure to visit my blogs linked below.

SMB-BOSS – Operational Support – Tribal Knowledge

SMB-SEO – Digital Services – Do You Even Blog?