This question really resonated with me because a good friend of mine has spent the last 20 years in a wheelchair after an ATV crash. He didn’t let it stop him and he is now a financial advisor and a professor of economics. I don’t even notice his wheelchair anymore but I can understand how it might impact a person’s confidence when starting a public facing business like slingin’ hot dogs.
Today we’re going to blow that fear out of the water. Charles writes…
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Steve,
I just purchased your Hot Dog Profits Premium membership yesterday. I am very excited and nervous at the same time. I have a background in managing businesses for other people in one aspect or another. However the fear of failing on my own is not an easy one to overcome.
I have been disabled after an accident in 95 and have been in a wheelchair since then. Lots of people seem afraid of someone in a wheelchair as I have experienced many times over the years. Everything from not wanting to look you in the eyes to people who talk around you like you are not there.
I can’t help but feel like my disability will keep some potential customers away. I am resolved to work past this and I can only hope my physical disability only has a minimal affect on my new business.
Thanks for putting all of this information together!
Charles B.
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I wouldn’t worry about it Charles. In fact, I think it will actually be an asset.
The first step in the sales process is drawing attention to yourself. You won’t sell a thing if no one notices you. Serving hot dogs from a wheelchair will definitely get people’s attention and set you apart from any competition. People will admire your determination and self sufficiency. Heck – that’s the American way!
In fact, if I were you I would contact the local newspaper and TV station. Ask them if they would like to do a story on you. A story about a man who is overcoming his disability by starting a business that can be done from a wheelchair. The newspapers and TV love that sort of thing and you would get some great publicity out of it.
Also, I believe that people would be more inclined to buy a hot dog from you when they see you overcoming the odds that were stacked against you. Your strength will be an inspiration to thousands of people over the course of your new career.
In short, don’t let your disability hurt your business. Put it to work for you!
You’ll do great.
-Steve
P.S. If you have any advice for or encouragement for Charles, please leave a comment below. Thanks!
Charles God Bless you brother, I love your determination and believe you will succeed.
Can not wait to hear your stories of how successful your new business has become because to me you sound like a winner and you don’t let anything get in your way.
Hi Charles, way to go on venturing into the world of street food! I know you will do great!
Charles, I think Steve hit it on the head. Let it work for you.
And stand out in your own way. Be noticed, determined and hard working.
Public view of person with disabilities has changed. It does not mean unable.
Be inspired, creative, have fun and make lots of money.
Though you have extra challenges there will be extra rewards.
Best of luck to you and show em how it’s done !!!
I look forward to following your success story in the news.
Arrrrrrr!!!
1St Mate Jim.
Hi Charles I think it’s great what your doing. I have worked with adults with physical disabilities for 9 years.I led a mobility group to be able to get around town more effectively.At first we had to overcome the looks.I then told my clients to talk about their chairs and how they work.After that it became like a bunch of guys gathering to discuss cars. Now when my clients go out they are well known by name and treated like everyone.Just reach out and schmoze and have fun. Wishing you all the best
Dane. (Dane’s Dogs)????
Dear Charles,
I am happy for you and your determination to start and run your own business, Hot Dog vending is the best!
I am going to play the devil’s advocate on this one!
Let me tell you this, “I am a cleanliness nut!” and the only thing that comes to my mind after viewing your photo are the wheels on the chair.
I would be concerned that your hands may be dirty from maneuvering around. With that said I have seen many others that fair worse in that respect.
My suggestion would be to have hand cleaner visible and use new gloves to prepare the dogs for every new customer or group.
Other than that the wheelchair is no reason to judge a person.
I hope this helps and is not intended to offend you!
Best of luck to you!
With kindest regards,
Clifford
Not an issue. As soon as you touch a doorknob or a dollar bill your hands are as dirty as anyone else’s. As long as we practice basic hand sanitation as directed by our health department, all will be fine.
That’s great advice Steve. I am sorry to say, but I’m one of those folks who does not know how to face people with an obvious disability. I though, am somewhat of a sarcastic dude and would joke about my condition, in order to ease any tension. But on the other hand, not wanting to be offensive, I tend to shy away.
Lynn, of CoolDads-HotDogs
You just face them like you would anyone else. If you saw a guy with his arm in cast it wouldn’t make you treat him any different. Same thing with a chair. Just think of it as a big cast. And be sarcastic if that is how you treat everyone else. In other words, just be you.
Aye mateys, we are all just people.
Each of us have lived our own lives.
Over the years it’s our lives that forge each and every one of us into who we are now.
Some have encountered extra challenges. And those who rise above being slapped in the face by life instead of sitting back are 1St mate with me.
Remember we are all just people. Ask them about their story, & put yourself in their shoes !! It won’t be uncomfortable. we’re just good people.
1St. Mate Jim.
As I read your letter I was already thinking what Steve responded with. It will absolutely work in your favor. With your background and determination, you will do great! Fraun
Congratulations on your new venture! Your story is inspiring to a lot of us who have allowed doubt and fear stand in the way of starting up our business. You got this Now get out there and start slinging!!!
Good luck Charles as Steve said getting attention is a big part of the business being disabled will not only get thier attention it will show your customers how brave and determined you are..I truly admire your spirit..Im a slinger in Mpls,mn with 2 carts..Email me anytime if you have questions about the business!!
Charles B –
I recently went to a car show at the Commerce, GA. raceway and visited a hot dog vendor that was in a wheelchair. What he had done was take one of those pop-up campers and converted it to his hotdog wagon. All the equip was at wheelchair height and he widened the door area with a ramp to get in and out.
All those hungry car show folks were lined up 25 deep to get his dogs! He must have made a killing! And it was a 3 day show!
I think Steve had a project reviewed where someone converted one of these pop-up campers for a hotdog stand – maybe he can dig it up!
Best Wishes,
Mark
TopDawg – Georgia
One of the best Attorneys in my area is in a wheel chair. I have used him many times in my previous career (Real Estate). I think you are going to do fantastic. I have just started slinging dogs and it is fun. God Bless your new venture.
Allen Hamilton
Thanks for all the words of encouragement!
I have got all the needed equipment to build my cart. Trying to decide on the final design. I have gotten some great ideas looking at the 300 plus cart photos.
I will keep everyone posted as to my progress.
Awesome Charles!