What a Girl Scout taught me about Hustle

The season is upon us again.

It's time to make requests and deliver goodies.

Not Christmas, Easter or any other holiday, but Girl Scout cookie time!

It's a wonderful time of year when we let go of restrictions and indulge a little more than we should.

Since 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low came up with the idea with her cousin from Savanna, Georgia, Girl Scouts of America has been working to empower and inspire young girls.

As with any organization, economics began to play a major role in its efficiency. So in 1917, Girl Scouts found it necessary to use unique fundraising methods.

What started as a one-kitchen operation to supplement business costs, has grown into a multi-million dollar expansion and the bulk of all funding for Girl Scouts. With an experience like that, I think we can learn a few things about growing our businesses and ourselves. Every year someone “gets” me for a few boxes of these cookies. Just when I think I've escaped their clutches, time and time again, it ends the same way.

Two boxes of mint mints and a box of Do-Si-Does. What can I say; I'm a sucker for a good cause. But if you pay attention to the obvious durability of the Girl Scout cookie hustle, it's still a mainstay for a successful business.

How beneficial would it be for your family, your business, or even your personal life to experience nearly 97 years of success? We're talking about navigating World Wars, Great Depressions, and constant ups and downs in the economy.

All while raising funds to provide positive reinforcement for millions of girls who would become world leaders. Girl Scouts have been doing it longer than most and are more successful at it. So I gleaned a few things that I think we can all apply:

• Meet your customers where they are: It's hard to find an unoccupied store entrance in my area at this time of year. They are everywhere! These "cookie ninjas" pop up near your car just as you exit the market. The exact time they know you will have change in your pocket or purse. The lesson here is to make it easier for your customers to access your products. Leverage another similar service, or better yet, connect with someone who could benefit from a diverse partnership.
• Fearless marketing is successful marketing: Armed with nothing but their kindness and their smiles, Girl Scouts from across America approach us fearlessly. Why? Because they understand that very few people can resist their brand. It is not a coincidence. Thanks to years of developing a culture of fearless sales, these girls will walk to anyone. And most of the time, they walk away with a sale. I wonder what could be accomplished through you today if you adopted a fearless mindset to share your vision? While waiting in line at the store or restaurant, take the time to boldly share what excites you.
• Good customer service is what creates loyal customers: Some of us have been addicted to these annual treats for a long time. Like demons, we eagerly await the announcement from our fellow Girl Scout cookie time. The reason we are so committed is that they have taken the hassle out of buying cookies. Think about it. They bring us the catalog, we choose our cookies, pay later and they even deliver. What a story! The moral is that if you take great care of the people who support your vision, they will be connected for a very long time.

Chances are, your business is not cookie-savvy. You can be in retail, running a small business, or a stay-at-home parent.

Whatever you do, you are a leader, and more importantly, you touch lives. The more successful you are, the more people you can reach. Take these principles from one of America's success stories. The Girl Scouts have been a beacon of guidance and a source of development.

With proper application, we can expect such longevity.

See you at the TOP!
Early Jackson