I was talking with an old friend the other day and he started complaining about how much he paid for a box of Girl Scout cookies and the fact that they are only available for a short time each year. I started thinking about this, and if you do the same, you will realize that Girl Scouts don't sell cookies. They are actually giving you a thank you for helping keep their organization going. The Girl Scouts are a non-profit organization run by volunteer parents and a relatively small staff in each state and at the national levels. The donations keep their doors open. Since the cookie gift is only available once a year, they have managed to create a pent up demand for the amazing cookies. Sure, I will donate $3 so I can get your thank you gift!
So, what can other groups learn from this? Understanding! Know what it is you are selling or asking for. I am currently working with a local school, The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. They have adopted the Girl Scout cookie mentality. I have helped them find an item of value that they can resell at a profit that accomplishes two things. First, the 'profit' goes to the girl who sold the item to help start her college fund. Second, the item has the school logo on it so the purchaser has the opportunity to tell others about the school when the item is used or warn. They did stainless water bottles and moisture wicking golf style hats this year in the school colors. They will likely choose something different next year. Once the items are delivered, the school has hundreds of mobile billboards for the school getting the word out.
The Ann Richards school is actually a public school here in Austin open to only girls in grades 6-10 and eventually up to grade 12 as time goes on. Their goal is to help girls from disadvantaged neighborhoods graduate high school and go on to college. They use a math, science and technology curriculum as well as teach leadership skills. They do reserve a number of slots for girls from non-disadvantaged neighborhoods also. The school is something I personally believe in and support from a philanthropic standpoint. Check them out at : annrichardsschool.org.
If
you would like to find out more about how your organization can benefit
from a similar program, give me a call at 512.892.1300.
(repost from my blog at EmbroidMeAustinSW.blogspot.com on 5/6/11)
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