When I entered the restaurant where we agreed to meet, she looked up, smiled and waved hello. Wow – what had college done to this young girl? She had transformed into a very mature and polished woman.

We sipped our coffee, and Lauren got right down to business. She wanted to come back this summer to work with me. I was most impressed with her approach, and more impressed with her desire to have another go at it.

It’s very casual here, but we do get a lot of work done in any given day or week. It’s never the same as we bounce from project to project depending on the client requests.

Lauren has an amazing ability to jump from one thing to another. She’s offered to take work home when she can’t come to the office. She’s amazing!

This is not a letter of recommendation for Lauren – she’s earned one at the end of summer, but it’s more my personal endorsement to employers out there to give young people an opportunity to shadow you and learn about business. It may take some time to train or teach the inner workings of your business. Sure, she’s here to learn, but the input Lauren has given me, the organizational skills she brings to the office and her great smile and outlook on life makes those days when she’s here better for me, too.

I like to be open-minded, and as those long hot steamy summer days get closer, I decided to check out the ice cream aisle in my grocery store to explore the latest flavors. You never know, I may cross to the “other side” and go nutty with maple walnut or butter pecan.

As I glided along the sparkling freezer doors, I spied a man several feet away, and he looked up at me. He then walked toward me holding two cartons of ice cream. One hand held a very attractive container and read “Madagascar Vanilla Bean” and the other “Vanilla” which appeared to be the generic store brand. Ah, I thought, a vanilla comrade – hurray!

I noted to him that he chose my personal favorite, but he broke down and admitted he was in over his head. He said he was shopping for his wife and had been hopelessly studying the assortment of vanilla ice creams. He lamented they all appear the same – except for price and the carton. Would I know the difference?

Of course, I do – it’s marketing, I replied. My new comrade walked away shaking his head in defeat. He probably bought both for his wife. I think he was a chocolate guy, anyway.

I complimented Jason on his training in suggestive selling as he persisted that I purchase this high profit donut. He barely grinned but told me he didn’t have any training. He was simply told by his manager that he was supposed to “force this stuff” on customers.

I found our exchange somewhat engaging, and he was a nice kid, so I pressed on and asked about his name tag. He looked down, and I pointed out “marketing associate”. ” Don’t you think “sales associate” is more appropriate?” to which Jason replied “oh, yeah maybe, but ma’am, did you want the donut?”

I paid for the coffee and fuel. As I turned away, another customer walked up to Jason, and as I opened the door, I heard him ask the customer if he wanted a donut. I hope the management of the convenience store gives Jason a “marketing commission” for marketing all of those over-priced donuts.