There's a program for middle schools called Treps that teaches kids about business and product development. The students are given the task to learn to 1 products on their own, and at the end of the program the school gym is 2 up like a trade show where all the kids get to sell the products. They each get a3, make signs and dress up a little. The school gym is open to the public and4 a crowd.
Some of the kids there 5have a crowd at their stand, because the products made by themselves are unique and interesting. But there are some other kids, with 6that aren't very good, just don't stand out, aren't getting attention. At first, they stand there with a 7 face but later you can see the 8in their eyes because everyone walks by the stands uninterested. I always think it 9to visit the stands of those kids, buy something, and 10 them for how hard they must have worked on it. Just the confirmation that someone likes what they make and notices their effort can11 them. I usually bring $100 to this event merely for this 12. As the night goes on, 13 they still haven't sold much, I will send my daughter over there to buy something from them.
The other day, as an education expert, I was14 with some parents about this. They asked me why I encouraged the kids who made terrible products, saying "15 confirmation means they won't learn anything". I told them, "These kids know their products aren't a16 , but that doesn't mean they should17. It takes courage to18 there and try to sell their products. If nobody buys anything, or nobody19 their effort, they will probably quit next time." Hearing these, all the parents agreed.
A little encouragement can go a long way and sometimes a small lie can be a big20 in the right direction.
