I may not know everything, but one thing I know for sure is that you should always, always, always, stop at a lemonade stand – even if you are not thirsty.
Why? Because these young entrepreneurs are the life-blood of our community, our future leaders, and a gold mine of inspiration.
According to Stats Canada most recent numbers there are 1,116,423 small businesses in Canada and they comprise 98 per cent of all employer businesses in our country and they account for 42 per cent of our country’s private sector GDP.
Whether you are a small business owner or not, here are a few lemonade lessons we can use in both work and home life:
1) Be patient: Young Raven sat while many, many people passed by, but he didn’t give up. Not everyone bought, but he persevered. In life things don’t necessarily come when you want them to – but they do come at the right time. Be patient and be ready.
2) Have focus: Not everyone will want what we have to offer, but some will and that’s who we need to focus on. Lot`s of kids on the block may have thought of starting a lemonade stand – but just one kid did it. Put on that smile, give your attention to and focus on what (and who) is important to you.
3) Have a wing man: Raven’s Mom was at the ready to refill the drinks as needed. No one succeeds alone, develop your dream team who’s at your side and ready to help.
4) Embrace choices: Lemonade, ice tea, cold water? Everyone appreciates having options, whether it’s the kids choosing when to have a bath or your spouse choosing which chore to do – no one likes to be told.
5) Do the right thing: Raven recycled. Even if it was just a small amount, even if it didn’t make him any extra cash – he did it because it was the right thing to do. We need to do the right thing, even if no one is looking.
At the end of the day, whether you take the tips to heart or not – I still think you should always, always, always, stop at a lemonade stand – even if you are not thirsty.
Cheers!
Steph
