How to Buy Girl Scout Cookies

'Tis the season to buy Girl Scout Cookies, thus, we have many opportunities to build up young girls. Here's my short list on how to do it:

1. If you are asked to buy Girl Scout Cookies, say yes.

2. If you are not interested in the cookies, be honest with your sales rep (aka Girl Scout), but still be interested in her sales pitch. If you see a sales table at a grocery store or other public place but have not cash (seriously me, all the time), still, you can engage the sales reps (aka Girl Scouts) with questions about her product.

3. Ask your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) which cookie is most popular this year, and why. Listen, without interrupting.

4. Ask your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) how the pricing works for her product. Listen, without interrupting.

5. Ask your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) if she has a recommendation for which type of cookie you should purchase, and why. Listen, without interrupting.

6. Ask your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) about her inventory. Does she have it on hand, or say in the trunk of her mother's car? Or will she be placing an order? Listen, without interrupting.

7. Ask your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) what activities she has participated in while in Girl Scouts. Listen, without interrupting.

8. Do not patronize your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) by saying how cute she is, etc., (even though she will likely be completely adorable) or by speaking to her parents instead of her. Speak directly to her, customer to sales rep, about her product. (Her parents may answer your questions for her, as we parents often do for our children, but give it a whirl anyway, and keep relating to your sales rep.)

9. Think of another sales-related question to ask. Listen, without interrupting.

10. Buy as many boxes of cookies from as many sales reps (aka Girl Scouts) as you possibly can.

11. Conclude your business exchange in a way that conveys dignity and respect. Like you actually would if you were, say, buying a car or a house. Treat it like a business deal. Which it is. Because someday your sales rep (aka Girl Scout) will be selling a car, house, or a really good idea that will improve the world for us all, and you are helping her to prepare. You are telling her to speak up, be heard, let her light shine, share her awesomeness.

12. Nom, nom, nom. Eat without interrupting.

As for me an my household, we'll take five of everything. Come and sell to us!

Yours truly.