Branding ... in a new light.

These days, most of my branding conversation is in the realm of marketing. Today, however, branding means REALLY branding. Horses, dry ice, and branding irons! (Seriously - I could now brand a horse. Dry ice and alcohol, 30 seconds immersed, and brand the horse just like you would with a hot branding iron.)

So it has me thinking about an analogy ...

Girl Scouts as a brand. What kind of mark are we leaving? I am thinking about the extremes it takes to brand a horse ... and today I know it can be done hot or cold. But somewhere in the middle just won't work. Are we doing what it takes to be passionate? Are the hours we invest in Girl Scouting leaving their mark?

Some leaders are passionate about camping and the courage, confidence, and character developed by camping activities. Other leaders are passionate about the same results by a different path ... maybe advocacy, travel, art, business or straight up leadership. Hot or cold - either works. It's the lukewarm one that won't leave an impression.

Personally, I want to leave a mark. I want my iront to be HOT when I strike ... or COLD! Either way, it's a decisive position and a committed action. I want what I do to play a part in making a positive difference in girls' lives - one they can point to for the rest of their lives and say, "See? That's Girl Scouts!"

Empowerment

Today I heard a story that makes me proud to know our Girl Scout staff. While talking about work-related things, a coworker related a story about a girl who came to her crying after a ceremony. The young girl's role was the opening portion and she had lost her place. She paused for a moment, found her place and continued. But she felt terrible. She was sure she had ruined the ceremony and tears were streaming down her face.

At a point where so many adults could mildly brush off something they viewed as unimportant, or worse reinforce the girl's perception, this person took the time to empower the young girl. "Sure, there was that one part where you lost your place ... but you found it again and did it so smooth, no one else even noticed! You did GREAT! I've never seen someone do that so smoothly. I'd ask you to do it again in a heartbeat." The little girl's tears were quickly gone as she realized she really had done a good job! A smile came and before long she was beaming and proud.

I would venture to guess that this moment is one that lives on in this girl's mind and impacts her to this day. And now that I have a glimpse into that moment, it impacts me as well.

Empowerment. It's priceless. And it's an opportunity that is present every day. Girl Scouts thrive on opportunities like these. It's why so many of us do what we do! I'm proud to know these Girl Scouts, and proud to be one, too.

Photo: "Take Our Daughters To The Polls"