While driving home from work last week, I came across a savvy young boy selling solo-cups full of refreshing lemonade in the Texas heat. Since I've promised myself to always stop when I see a lemonade stand and pay double the price, I was surprised to see this year's price had gone up to $1 a cup from the 50 to 75 cents average last summer. But I had to applaud the eager boy standing on the busy corner of my suburban neighborhood entrance during the hour most people returned from work; he sure was a smart marketer. From his well-mannered customer service introduction when I rolled down my window of "May I get you a cold cup of lemonade ma'am?" to his prompt delivery of a full-to-the-brim cup of lemonade, he knew what he was doing.

Perhaps the popular adage should be upgraded to "when life gives you powdered lemonade mix, make a lemonade stand." The American dream of every elementary school kid on summer vacation is a life lesson in marketing and business 101 that we can all learn from. Let's take a look at the lemonade stand business plan:

• Production: Are you going to freshly squeeze lemons or mix a powder in water? How will you keep the ice from melting in the heat? How big will your cups be?
• Price: How much are your customers willing to pay? Will they tip for good customer service or for being a cute kid? 
• Distribution: Are you going to take and fill orders or divide up the tasks? How many people are you going to staff? Are you going to split the profits evenly?
• Location: Where is the busiest intersection with the least competition that's easily accessible for your customers? What will you hours of operation be?
• Marketing: How many signs will you make to attract customers? Will they list the price? Will you hand draw signs or print them on colorful paper?

So let's all revert back to simpler lives as our former nine year old selves and sell our version of powdered water on the side of the road. What's the worst that could happen? After all, kid's handle lemonade stand rejection with cars continuously driving by; talk about a blow to the ego.

Next time you see a lemonade stand, stop, take a sip and appreciate the childhood American dream.

Images via Kevin McGrew on Flickr & Wellstone on Flickr