The wait is over! Cookie Sale 2004 is here!
Set a goal, then make it happen

by Betty Hunt

Picture a day at the beach. There you are at water’s edge. You look around and you note that your family is relaxing on the blanket nearby, the lifeguard is on duty and no one is in the water near your point of entry. So you take off at full speed, run into the water, spin around with your arms wide open, and flop down. What happened? You had a plan, you executed the plan, and you achieved a big splash! Well that’s what goal setting will do for you during the Cookie Sale.

What is your goal for this year’s Cookie Sale? Do you want to improve your sales technique? Do you want to know your product better? Does your troop/group have a community service project in mind or maybe a trip? Does your troop/group need supplies? What about reregistering the troop/group for next year? Proceeds from the Cookie Sale can help turn dreams into reality.

Last year, Council recognized girls that had an initial order of 200 packages of cookies or more with the way cool Smart Cookies Rule Pin. This year, a splashy new Smart Cookies Rule Pin will go to girls that set the goal of 200 packages and reach it for the initial sale. And each girl who reaches this goal will also receive a free ticket to the Houston Aeros hockey game on March 28!

If your troop has not already begun the goal setting process, it is not too late.

First –Discuss what the troop/group would like to accomplish. Examples of goals could be:

• Increase the number of troop/group members participating in the sale.
• Increase the number of girls awarded the Smart Cookies Rule Pin.
• Donate a camp kitchen supply box to your little sister troop.
• Take a trip to San Antonio to tour the missions.
• Achieve Super Troop status.

Second–Identify individual girl goals. If you sold last year, review your records. Identify areas that you’d like to improve. Don’t forget to share them with your family and friends. Write your goal on an index card and place it where you will see it each day. Individual goals could include:

• Sell 30 more packages during initial order.
• Learn the nutritional information for the new cookie.
• Participate in two more shops this year.
• Increase my total sale by 10 percent.

Once you’ve identified your goals, write them down! Use the colorful goal poster from ABC for your troop/group goals and consider creating mini posters for individual girl goals. A simple bead bracelet identifying the target number of packages to be sold can be made during a troop meeting. Number and letter beads can be found at most craft shops, and the girls will have their goal visible for constant motivation. Consider having information about your troop goals displayed at your cookie shop. When you have a goal and you can articulate it to the public, people will support you. Plan on making a difference, being noticed, standing up, and standing out. Be the best cookie salesperson that you can be.