When a local radio station mentioned that they were giving away $1000 worth of Girl Scout Cookies, it prompted some discussion in the office. It’s a fun way to promote a great organization, but I’m not sure the Girl Scouts need any help. The fact they the’re selling a delicious product doesn’t hurt (I’m fan of the Peanut Butter Patties, myself), but more importantly, these business-minded young ladies are truly clever.
When my daughter, Emily, was a Girl Scout, she was a keen little salesperson. We went door-to-door and sold to the neighborhood. She has apparently inherited the family’s business genes, because she did well! It’s hard to feel prouder than when your offspring closes a deal with a handshake.
My wife (who sold Girl Scout cookies for just $1.50 per box back in her day) was the “Cookie Mom” for Emily’s troop. This meant that all of the Girl Scout cookies came to our house for distribution. It was a hectic, stressful time because…well, these girls can sell! For a few days, our entire house was overrun with boxes of cookies.
But, undoubtedly, the award for Cleverest Girl Scout has to go to Charlotte McCourt. Blessedly, Amy is not the Cookie Mom for her troop! Charlotte’s father works on the Dirty Jobs podcast, hosted by Mike Rowe. Sean had casually mentioned to his daughter that he had a friend from high school who was now quite wealthy. A few hours later, Sean found an email in his Sent folder – not one he’d written, but one from Charlotte. Mike Rowe reads the entire letter in this video, trying not to laugh.
Charlotte begins by telling the recipient of the letter she’s been informed he has an interest in purchasing cookies. She warns him, however, to stay away from the Toffee-tastics, as they are a “bleak, flavorless, gluten-free wasteland.” The letter just gets better from there…
I believe it was Zig Zigler who said, “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” Charlotte’s gumption, along with her truthful cookie rating system and her appeal for donating boxes to our troops, paid off in spades. Her letter went viral, and her cookie sales are now nearing ten thousand boxes. More importantly, as the Girl Scout program intended, she’s learned a few important strategies for success in life.
Fuel for Thought,
~Bob
