It’s that time of year again — the time when little girls all over the country find their inner shrewd salesperson as they hit the streets to hock their wares.

For most people, any mention of Girl Scout cookies conjures up images of delicious treats with names like Samoas and Tagalongs. For me, Girl Scout cookie season always brings up memories of childhood anxiety and failure. Why? Because I was pretty much the worst cookie salesgirl in the history of Do-Si-Dos.

Sure, I was capable of ringing doorbells and politely asking door openers if they were interested in purchasing a box of cookies. But I had no finesse. No pizzazz. No I-won’t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude. Consequently, I came in last place for cookie sales out of everyone in my entire Brownie troop.

As a result, I have grown up to be a total sucker for kids who sell superfluous products door-to-door. I buy popcorn. I buy bookmarks. I buy candy. And you better believe that I buy Girl Scout cookies.

I’ve always thought of the annual cookie sales-drive as a means of fundraising and teaching young girls the value of hard work. But apparently, the cookie program was recently revamped to put more emphasis on financial literacy and the business principles behind selling cookies. According to a girlscouts.org blog article, troop members learn about customer relations, research and development, marketing, business plans and sales analysis — all by selling boxes of Thin Mints!

Selling cookies seemed complicated and difficult back when I was a Girl Scout; I can’t imagine what it must be like in today’s complex business market. Luckily, these days I find myself on the customer end of the sales transaction. And even though eating cookies won’t earn me any badges, I find it infinitely more enjoyable.

Brooke is a 2010 graduate of The University of Montana, where she ran track and cross country for the Grizzlies. She is currently working as a writer and editor in Missoula.

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