28 Sep Have You Had Your Business Sense Since You Were a Kid?

At a local event, on a hot summer day, I discovered this entrepreneur and her “pop-up” lemonade stand. Aside from being pleasantly amazed at the very professional and elaborate booth, it made me think about what it takes to be successful in business.

As I approached the lemonade stand, I made a point of paying close attention to the “shopkeeper”. She was friendly and approachable and a good conversationalist. She was business-like and enthusiastic about selling lemonade.  With a confident smile, she didn’t seem to be afraid of anything. We had a pleasant exchange about her business and then she asked me if I would like to buy a glass. I gave her $1.00 for the lemonade and another $1.00 for a tip. She smiled and said, “thank you”.

Sipping on my ice-cold lemonade, feeling good about my experience, I noticed her operation had the key elements of a successful business.

• Passionate owner
• Strong visuals
• Right product, right price at the right time and place
• Good communication skills
• Ask for the sale
• Thank the customer

On my way home, I pass by another lemonade stand. Two boys under the age of 6 are waving their arms at me, standing in front of a jug of lemonade and a stack of 8 oz. cups on a cardboard box, that simply reads “LEMONADE”, crudely written in black marker.  I pull over and ask, “how much?”. “Two bucks!” the older boy shouts enthusiastically, as his mom looks down and shakes her head with a smile. I buy a glass, but leave no tip. I couldn’t check all the boxes, like I could for the girls’ business. The experience was certainly different, but the boys still got the sale.

What type of lemonade stand did you run as a kid?

1. The friendly, well-presented, professional approach the girl operated, or;
2. The low overhead, “run n’ gun and get the sale” business the boys operated

For these kids, the reward is simple. It is the thrill of confidently selling a product that affords them the freedom to be able to purchase the products they want, when they want, giving them the ability to be a customer to somebody else, or in kid-speak, “I can buy stuff!”.

If you, or the people in your organization could use some refreshing, send an email to rumble@SmilingRhino.ca. We can’t bring back your childhood, but we can make you sell like a kid again and RUMBLE when you walk!