That's Right......I'm Talkin' to YOU

Well....tomorrow and Wednesday are big days for me, I'll be hosting both sales region kick-off events leading up to the first day of the popcorn sale on Thursday, September 9th. If you are fortunate enough to attend either of these events, thank you! Not in a casual "thank you" for passing the salt......I really mean THANKS! Your attendance and subsequent unit kick-offs throughout our Council are proof positive of why we will be successful with this years sale. Now to the "I'm talkin' to you" part. There's a handful of units out there that just don't think popcorn fits into their Scouting program. Well......the next time I go to the scout shop to pick up my advancements.......I'll think of you. The next time my unit goes camping at Camp Bud Schiele......I'll think of you. When my Cubscouts sign-up for Daycamp next year......I'll think of you. And the next time I call the scout office and can't get through.....I'll think of you. I'll think of you because.....Without popcorn funds I will have to pay for my advancements. Without popcorn funds camping fees will go up. Without popcorn funds Daycamp fees will skyrocket. And without popcorn funds.....there just might be a few less people to answer the phone at our scout office.....

Popcorn Kick-Off Rally

Everyone should plan on attending the upcoming kick-off programs. The Southern sales region will be on Sept. 7th at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Shelby. The Northern Sales region will be on the following night Sept. 8th in Hickory.
The program will be a little different this year with every unit in attendance receiving the infamous "Popcorn Sale in a Box". This box will be loaded with valuable tools and information critical to having a successful unit kick-off. And don't forget the Marshmallow Shooter inside every box that can be used as an incentive for your units first goal. Remember, every boy selling $600 or more will receive one of these fun shooters.
As always, if you need information, tips, or product help just drop me a line here at the blog or scroll down to the left and download some of my Kernel Notes.

Show and Deliver Meeting

Great program last night in Lincolnton regarding the show and deliver training. Great ideas presented by Donna T. from Mooresville regarding her units success in using this sales method. More to come once I put her ideas in the form of Kernel Notes. The main points are:
- Have a plan, set a goal before you order.
- Stay organized, have good tracking sheets, have a receipt ready with parents to sign for any product handed out or returned.
- promote blitz events, store-front sales, or church table set ups.
- Keep the sale focused, don't let too much time go by without accountability.
- Make it fun.

District Kernel Kick-Off

A big Thank You to all who turned out last night for the District Kernel Training event. It was "take cover" when the marshmallow shooters started in.
A lot of information was passed down but the theme was consistent -

- This is a 100% participation council supported sale
- Plan and budget for your "year in scouting"
- Have a BIG unit kick-off event
- Make this sale have legs - keep the intensity going all the way till the end

I will continue to place important information on the blog. If there are documents you need I can put them online quickly, just let me know. Go to the left side bar and scroll down to links for tips and techniques under "Kernel Notes"