Success Tips You Can Learn From The Girl Scouts
The Girls Scouts have been selling cookies for over 100 years, and they have created the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. Heeey, Girl Power! In fact, more than 200 million boxes of cookies are sold each year, I know I contribute to these sales. How bout you? That's a lot of coins coming in.
Sure this is impressive, but there is more to the girl scouts than just cookies. Think about what it takes to have the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world and sales that are astronomical year after year.
Looking at what the Girl Scouts are able to accomplish, they must know something about the paths to success and being successful. Who knew thin mints (my fave) could teach you something about reaching your goals? There are several paths to success so let’s take a look at a few from the Girl Scout point of view.
Paths to Success:
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Be giving. Have you ever heard that when you help others you help yourself? Girl Scout cookie sales do more than just provide a sweet treat. The money from cookie sales goes back into the local community or to other charities that the girls select. Support for worthy causes is what you are contributing to every time you purchase a box of cookies. It doesn't matter if you're selling cookies or life insurance, helping others to reach their dreams will help you to fulfill your own.
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Show Authenticity. You have to be authentic. Actually being authentic is easier than trying to be something you're not. 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.
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Skill building. It's important to know what you're doing and how you are going to do it. 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. It’s important to develop the abilities and behaviors that enable you to deal with life’s challenges and help you grow.
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Build relationships. Your network can determine your net worth. The Girl Scouts have realized that 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. Networking is not about what others can do for you but what you can do for others. You want to add value to others.
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Play to your strengths. Would you believe that Thin Mints are the best selling Girl Scout cookies? Other cookies have had name changes but thin mints remain strong. What you are good at is crucial to excelling. Know what you are good at and then become great at it. While it’s important to be open to new ideas, your biggest achievements will come from knowing how to use your unique talents.
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Be 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. Your health is your wealth. How are you going to crush your goals if you are always tired and out of energy? Take care of yourself.
- Be confident. Confidence does not show up overnight, it builds gradually after consistently doing something. 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.
- Seek balance. In today's world, everyone is on hustle mode. So it seems anyways. 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. Do not let the hustle and bustle keep you from self-care and relaxation.
Girl Scout cookies are a delicious way to treat yourself and invest in your community. Have you ordered yours already? As a former girl scout, I say, let these Go-getting, Innovating, Risk-taking, Leaders inspire you to take action and live the life you want. Your goals are waiting.