I happened to be home for two full days, so I swung by local grocery store to purchase some fresh food so I could cook dinner (salmon & quinoa pilaf for those foodies out there). On my way in, I was greeted by a Brownie and a Girl Scout, each asking that lovely spring question: “Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?”
I’ve been doing fairly well saying “no” to sweets recently, but a Girl Scout cookie is pretty hard to refuse. I believe in support the Girl Scout programs and I also do enjoy a sleeve of Thin Mints (let’s be honest, no one eats just one). I told them I’d hit them up on my way out.
As I shopped (trying to buy healthy food to offset the cookie awesomeness I would also bring home with me), I thought about the beauty of the Girl Scout Cookie. It’s limited in its availability like a Disney DVD or the Starbucks Holiday drinks. Purchasing it supports a good cause like TOMS Shoes or the (RED) product line. It simply tastes good.
When I was in college it took me everything not to buy a package of Girl Scout Cookies a day. I was good for the most part except when the youngest little kids came on campus and simple said, “cookie?” I know I’m going to have problems if my cousins’ kids ever try to hit me up for sales because I have trouble turning down their cuteness.
On Monday, I thought I’d try a slightly different approach. I knew I was going to get a box of Thin Mints (can anyone really resist those?), but I thought I’d be open to the possibility.
“Which cookies is the best?”
“These ones,” the girl replied. “They have little caramel chips in them & taste really good.” Her mom was actually surprised by her recommendation. “Dulce de Leche?”
“Yep, those are the ones.”
I paid my $8 for the two boxes and headed home.
At home as I ate my frozen sleeve of Thin Mints, I thought about those elements and how we could potentially apply them to our organizations.
Every package of cookies describes what Girl Scouts promotes. Do people that support our organizations know what we stand for and who we serve?
The Girl Scouts are consistent in their sales time frame and limited scope. Do we have any annual events, projects, promotions in our organizations? Do we utilize limited editions to increase involvement and the feeling of obtaining of something with value?
The Girl Scouts are personally involved in the sales. When asked, they share what they like even if it isn’t necessarily the mainstream favorite. Are we personally invested in our organization’s programs, events, products, and promotions? Do we remain authentic in our promotion of these things?
Just some food for thought or rather a “cookie to consider.”