Our cookies are on a mission: to help girls learn five skills that are essential to leadership, to success, and to life.

Skill #1—Goal Setting
Skill #2—Decision Making
Skill #3—Money Management
Skill #4—People Skills
Skill #5—Business Ethics

When girls have mastered people skills, they’ll be saying:
“I get a lifetime supply of confidence in every box.”
“I’ve met so many new people at our cookie booth. And I’ve gotten really good at chatting with them about how we are doing more than just selling Girl Scout Cookies. We’re earning money to achieve our cookie-season goals and do great things.”

Girls learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as learning how to work as a team with other girls. This matters because it helps them do better in school (on group projects, on sports teams, and on the playground) and, later, at work.

Go-getter troops are preparing for cookie season now by role playing a variety of cookie selling scenarios. Girls should practice being both the seller and the customer. Spend some time brainstorming the types of questions customers might ask, and be prepared with the correct answers. Practice manners like “please” and “thank you.” Know how to articulate individual and troop goals to describe how each customer’s purchase will support Girl Scouts. Don’t forget to prepare for unhappy customers and awkward conversations, too.

Pro tip: Experienced cookie business leaders should practice the no-pressure up-sell. It’s a fine line between offering just one more box (or rounding it up to a full case!) and coming across as a pushy salesperson. Practice confidently and politely making the ask.

Because your Girl Scout learns how to talk and listen to all kinds of people while selling cookies…

• She can ask a teacher for help or navigate the school cafeteria more easily.
• She can work well with others on school projects or as part of a sports team.

How do you want your Girl Scout to influence others?