Today was the first day of business for our children and their flower nursery. They spent four hours at the local Farmer’s Market pitching their goods to folks stopping in for fresh fruit and vegetables. It was a tough crowd for the most part, but they were both happy with the $15 that they each walked away with (after putting aside a portion for the business and a portion for taxes).
Each of the boys (ages 11 and 9) took turns asking people walking past if they were interested in the flowers. The boys would then explain the products and the prices. The oldest is more comfortable with strangers and fell easily into a regular spiel that he would present, but even the younger son eventually built up the nerve to ask total strangers if they wanted to buy some of their flowers.
The day was even more empowering for them because mom had the sense to print up some business cards for each of them. The eagerly handed those out to anyone that would take them and sometimes to people who didn’t really want to take them. Hopefully the enthusiasm will pour over into the upcoming week when they will have to get out in the dirt and dig more flowers and pot more plants.
All and all the day was a success. The boys learned something about business, advertising and hard work. Mom and dad learned that it is okay to sit back and let the kids struggle a little. And the oldest son reminded us (as we were dividing up the profits) that we should give 10% off the top of all our profits and not just what we each were going to get paid.
I will have to say that even if the business goes no farther today’s results made it worth the effort.