I get some version of this email almost every week:
“Dear Steve, How can I be sure that I will be successful if I buy your stuff? I’m afraid to take the first step.”
Sigh… Today I sat down and drafted a manifesto of sorts that I will use in all future replies.
Here it is:
Fear of the Unknown is Normal.
You are scared because you are going to attempt something that you’ve never done before. You need to change the way you are thinking about this. The enemy is in your head and I’m going to tell you how to beat him. Pay attention.
Attitude is Everything.
You are approaching this with a “black and white” attitude and you think that you will either be a total success or that you will be a total failure. Black and white thinking is just not logical. When you start out, you will have small successes. You will also have small failures. A little of each every day.
For a while you may have more failures than successes. That’s a good thing as long as you are smart and use them as learning opportunities. After you screw something up, you should be really happy because now you know how NOT to do it. I’m serious. Welcome each failure, but fail fast, fix it, and keep moving forward.
You Already Know How to Learn.
When you were a baby you fell down whenever you tried to walk, and sometimes you went to the bathroom in your pants. Falling down hurts a lot, the other thing not so much but it’s still unpleasant. However, you knew that it was possible to walk and use the toilet because you saw others doing it.
I’m confident that you learned from these “failures” and that you haven’t repeated them in a long, long time. This is proof positive that you are teachable. That you CAN succeed.
You know that it’s possible to make a living selling hot dogs because you’ve seen others doing it, and they are no smarter than you. They just went out and did it. The cart manufacturers sell thousands upon thousands of new carts every year. How could they do this year after year if there was no money in this business? Word would have gotten out by now and the hot dog cart factories would have been forced to shut their doors. Not so.
A Word to the Green Light People
There are some folks who won’t try anything new unless they feel that success is guaranteed. The thought of failure paralyzes them in their tracks and they must have everything exactly right or they won’t even start. We all know people like this. They have been talking about the incredible business they are going to start someday for years. But they never get it going because they are not sure about this one thing, or such and such isn’t exactly right. I call these “green light people”. Here’s why.
Imagine that you need to drive down a city street. You can see 10 blocks ahead and each intersection has a traffic signal. Green light people won’t put their foot on the gas until all 10 lights are green. How often do you drive somewhere and get ALL green lights? Not often. When you come to a red light, you know that it will eventually turn green. If it doesn’t, you simply turn right or left, find a different route, and reach your destination.
That’s how it is in business. You can’t wait until all the lights are green because it just never happens. You’ll eventually run out of gas while going nowhere. The true key to success, the most important thing of all – is to ACT.
A J.O.B is Not Security – It’s Just Over Broke.
If you want to be “secure” (there’s really no such thing when you work for someone else), just do today what you did yesterday, and the day before that, and the day before that. You can then be certain that you’ll get what you got yesterday, and the day before, and the day before.
That is until your boss (or his boss) gets a wild hair up his ass one fine Monday morning and decides you aren’t necessary anymore. Then you won’t even get what you got yesterday, which in most cases sucked anyway.
This isn’t Rocket Surgery.
Just ACT. Take a small step toward your goal every day, observe the effects of your action, adjust for better results, and repeat. All you need to do is get started. Then…
One day not too long from now, you will wake up and realize that you have five carts out there all making money every day, and no one can ever fire you. That’s true security.
Was getting there really easy? No, not really. Was it super hard? No, not really.
Screw the red lights.
– Steve
P.S. Please, please share this on your Facebook by clicking the blue “Share” button. People need to hear this.
Right again Steve! Stop being governed by the committee THEY and just do something. You can’t even turn left of right if your not moving. Have faith in yourself. If that dumb boss of yours can do his job, (which you are probably doing for him), then do it for YOU! Get your hotdog buns in gear and go! Keep em coming Steve, I love this stuff.
Chuck
Hi Steve – I ordered your book recently and can’t say I was skeptical of anything but the price – that is until it arrived and I started reading it. The information inside is invaluable and is presented in a well organized, easy to understand format. I haven’t finished the book yet but I can tell you within the first few pages my skepticism quickly subsided!
I have been unemployed for many years due to personal hardship. A severe injury to my neck made it necessary for me to have two years worth of surgery and the many tests, mainly xrays to the neck area eventaully took their toll on my thyroid which further complicated things. This process took another two years to diagnose and treat. I’m still not 100% but getting there and am happy to say I’m well enough to work again.
To further complicate, things I am a single (grand) parent and have been raising my 9 y/o grandson for the last 7 years – since before all this mess started. I make very little money so I’ve been forced to live off my credit cards. Thankfully my mom has been gracious enough to allow us to camp out in her living room for the last few years or we’d be on the street.
Having no luck in the job search “forced” me to investigate the dream I’ve always had of owning my own business. I totally agree with you about working for other companies. You work your butt off and they reap the benefits. My problem has always been how to find something with low startup that I could run instead of it running me and having a child to care for on my own has left me with few realistic options – until now!
I figure if I can’t get this to work it will be nobody’s fault but my own. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise in book form and through your online newsletter. I will keep you updated!
Susan
Hey Steve,
I’d be more fearful in today’s economy working for someone. Having your own business is great and the Hot Dogs Business is a proven winner if it’s run properly, people look at “That Guy” selling hot dogs and say “That Guy Has A Goldmine” what most people fail to realize is “That Guy” committed himself, worked hard, stayed consistent operating his business and did whatever it took, now he has “That Goldmine” everyone is talking about and wants.
Anyone thinking about starting a Hot Dog Business who doesn’t have any food experience should do their homework and read your book, even those who do have food experience should do some research, working in a restaurant is completely different than running your own Hot Dog Cart.
I got into the Hot Dog Business reluctantly, bought a cart from the widow of a good friend of mine who passed away, she needed the money so I bought the cart more to help her out. I wasn’t even thinking about getting into the Hot Dog Business. The cart sat covered with a tarp in my garage for about a year. From the first day I set up on the street I knew why my friend “Hot Dog Frank” got into this business and left the corporate world.
I’ve been out of the business for a few years but thinking about getting back into it, once it gets in your blood it’s there forever. I looked forward to going to work pulling into “my spot” putting up my umbrella (the universal open sign) and having fun all day, to me it wasn’t work, it was more a social experience, the best part was the interaction with my customers and there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing “your hot dogs are the best”.
So to all who are afraid, read Steve’s book, pick his brain and go for it, be ready to have a great time in a great business, your own business.
hey steve ive been reading alot of your emails, i lost my job after 12 years with a company due to a merger, i have some money put away , my freind owns a gas station with customer traffic all day long, do you think this location would work, cant waite to hear from you , im really interested in your book cant waite .
Hey Marcos,
Yeah it would work! What’s one of the most common thing you see for sale inside gas stations? Hot Dogs on those roller grills. That’s why I could never get gas stations to let me set up on their property. But if your buddy will let you do it, I think you’ve got a home run on your hands. Good luck!
Hi Steve, thanks for all the really great info. I’m about to buy your book. I’ve been researching this business on the internet for a long time now, never hear many negatives! My husband and I owned a construction business for 20 yrs. and had to close the doors in Dec. He went to school for truck driving, because that seemed to be the only place that was hiring. So we have not drawn a paycheck since August 2008, things are getting mighty tight. So with the help of family I’m in search of a used concession trailer. The license and the commisary seem to be the toughest things, any info on that would be helpful. Thanks again for all the tips, it’s GREAT!
Dear Steve,
Your advice is invaluable. Thanks.
Hi all. I got 3 other “Hot Dog” courses before I bought Steve’s. Let me and Steve save you the trouble and extra expense. I KNOW Steve’s is the best course. We all try to help eachother here. Let me help you, GET STEVE’S COURSE!!!! Enough said.
Wow Steve that was Magic! I”m going to do just that and jump into the pool! Canonball! Thanks.
“Three words”
Just do it!!!!!!!!!
Duggs Doggs
Good!! Good!!
Steve
Just bought your book today. I am battling the FEAR FACTOR myself. I bought the used cart already. I am battling the fear of getting the license and take the leap into the unknown.
I AM USED TO THE FAILURE PART OF NEVER TRYING and NEVER KNOWING IF I COULD SUCCED. But the DEISRE to try is greater then the fear of not doing anything.
I will write and tell you of my success in the near future.
Attila Polyak
Big Dog House
hello
hi im in a wheel chairn ND MOST PEOPLE LOOK THE OTHERB WAY WHEN THEY SEE ME OR ANYONE IN A CHAIR,ECEPT KIDS THEY LIKE TO POINT AND SOMETIMES SAY NICE THINGS THE OTHER DAY INA STORE A LITTLE GIRL SAID AH LOOK GRAND MA THAT MAN HAS NO LEGS IT MELTED MY HART ,ON TON THE POINT I HAVE A CART AND SELL ITS BRINGS A NEW LIGHT TO ME AND OTHER PEOPLE WHAT IM SAYING IS IF I CAN SELL FROM MY CHAIR AND CHANGE THE PRECONCEPTION OF PEOPLE THEN ANYONE CAN DO IT, WHY WOULD ANYONE THINK SOME ESLE IS BETTER THEN THEMSELF YOU JST HAVE SAY I CAN DO IT AND DO-IT ITS JUST LIKE ANYTHING ELSE GIVE IT YOUR ALL AND YOU WILL MAKE IT A STEP AT A TIME,THINK OF IT AS ADVENTURE
WITH LOTS OF REWARDS AT THE END NEW FRIENDS ,MONEY,FREEDOM,SUCCESS IS ITS OWN REWARD…..
BETTER THAN ……………YOU FILL IN THE BLANKS
GOOD LUCK TO ALL
HARRYS HOTDOG WORLD
CHRIS
I could write on and on how great this business is,and i am not even close to what i want to make money wise,but will not give up ,because just have to change location.I am one of those people who have not brought Steve’s book witch i know is a mistake,but after reading this i should break down ,and just buy it.Why because this web site is so helpful so i am sure the book is even better.The reason i went into this in April is i needed a job,and could never work for any one again after starting this ,because it is just so much fun for all the right reasons,and thanks to Steve and Ben’s carts i know i made the right move,and as i heard a couple of times,and it is still in my head win win chicken dinner!!!! Thanks again.Jeff
Roy Taylor
Roy’s Smokin’ Dogs
Hello to everyone. I bought my cart a couple months ago and have been mostly doing the local Farmer’s Market. Not making a lot of money, but I am learning and I love it!
I just got Steve’s course and so I am sure as I learn I will do much better. To all those that fear the licensing process…….DON’T! I was afraid and it was one of the easiest things in the process of opening my cart. Talk to the inspector before you buy/build your cart to find out what they require. I found out that they are just regular people and if you seek their help (and make their job easier in the process) they are very willing to help you pass!
Thanks, Steve, for a great course!
Roy Taylor
Roy’s Smokin’ Dogs
Thank you for this, Steve. I am printing this and posting it on my wall. I hope we have a chance to meet one day.
Well I must say… this email was a God sent. I was telling a friend of mine last night that after researching this Biz for about 3 months now somehow I became afraid of doing it… That was last night at 11:00 pm and was telling her how your emails keep me pumped up and today… I read this…. truly an answer from above, thank you for everything and I will get the book on my next paycheck since I have not been able to save for it… I know thats sad but I work security give me a break! Lol looking forward to it!!! A sincere thank you Steve from an unkwon guy out there
Your so right Steve! I was partner in a business for many years and it became a major victim of the changing economy much like a lot of business have. I hung on too long and kept robbing peter to pay Paul and in the end had to jump ship. There I was with a good ability in what I knew but no place to go with it because no jobs were out there in that field. So, I kept thinking about my many years of wanting to start my own hot dog business and started researching others who have done it. I came across your site and was very intrigued to read your stuff so bought your kit. Once I read it I felt I had two choices, either go for it like you said or continue to try and find work in a empty pool and likely end up in the same boat, even if i did find a job. Well, its been 3 months and even though i have had some hurdles and bad days, in the end I am now starting to see some great benefits come of it and have found the great location that’s been paying off well. Its not been perfect and has cost me money I didn’t really have to get going but if you dont take a chance in yourself, who will? I am for sure glad I did take the risk and am thankful for all the good material I got from you. It helped a lot along the way!! Thanks Steve!! 🙂 Jimmy.
Steve,
I started way back in febuary of this year after I lost my job. Not knowing what I was going to do. After all who was going to hire a 53 year old man that has been in the construction biz for thirty some years? So I bought your plans and decided that I was going to try this. All I had as income was uniployment money to invest in your cart plans. It took me about 5 months to get it built and all the permits to get going. After all the hard work of getting it together the fear factor set in. After reading this email I have decided to jump! I set a starting date and am going to keep to it. I guess we all get skitish when we are going into the unkown. Thanks for the encouragement! I will let you know how things turn out. Named the cart relish this and hope that it catches peoples attention.
everyone says and keeps saying prosparity is not gurenteed will i can say it is its easy as saying ok or yes . But there are conditions because there is a thing called GODS PRINCIPALS if you are obedient to them you automatically prosper and the amazing thing is you don’t have to believe in god but that does’nt deminish god or who he is or his principals that he has set up for everyone ” give and it shall be given to you” try it see if it works…. GOD isn’t a man that he should lie.. if you talked to each owner thats extremely sucsessful he would tell you that god is the CEO. of his buessiness, sounds extream it is but so is life and death he wants and is happy when you succeseed believe that
I have to agree with your last post from David Klinger. I just needed to read something like this to better understand my intentions in purchasing a hot dot stand and the plans that God has for me. In Jeremiah 29:31, the Lord declares “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Here I come, I am looking to purchase a used hot dot stand in the South Florida area!!! Anyone?
OK,here is my take. your right.how many trucking companies do you see?by the way I’m a trucker.a lot, if there was no money in it you would not see that.ya they got problems but they also make a lot of money.which they pay me very little of it.if you waited to have kids there would never be any.some how everyone manages to make it work.I bought a Harley scared the heck out of me signing the papers.I still have my Harley after 3 years.its all about passion,make it work.
Been doing the Dawg now for almost 3 years…have learned so much about what works and what does not. At first, I was “married” to my plan of doing lunch and weekend nights downtown, but currently, I work a regular 3 nights a week, and other gigs as they come up. 2 nights at an intersection with 5 bars that cater to the young college crowd, and one at a club that has live Louisiana music, for a more mature crowd. Many of my weekend days are booked catering frat pool parties, birthday parties, even a wake…And all kinds of great festivals with food and/or music themes…
I have seen several “roach coaches” come and go from the college club location…They leave in disgust eventually after watching me get nearly all the business. It is so gratifying to have so many loyal customers who count on my Grateful Dawg when they emerge from the dens of iniquity. This Dawg gig is work, but I love it, and my average net per week from those 3 gigs alone is $900. The local print media (and TV) have been fantastic with all the free great press.
Listen, don’t be afraid! Get Steve’s book, it’s not full of a bunch of nonsence just to fill the pages. Everything written in this book is from EXPERINCE and from his heart he is very passionate about this business. I don’t say this about many people, but Steve is a very sincere person, he really loves this business. Read the book and I’m willing to bet you , that you’ll say to yourself , why didn’t I do this 20 years ago!.
As the old saying goes. JUST DO IT!
Opps sorry experience
Steve… I have been enjoying your website for the last year while getting ready to start a hot dog business. The feedback from you and your followers have been very helpfull. I should be in business in about a month. I will be purchaseing your book soon. To all who wonder, whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon… must inevitably come to past!
You Wouldn’t be able to mine for gold without a pick and axe. Get them at Steve’s General Store!…By the way Steve..we are getting a new Traffic Light in Thornhurst…although all the funding is not yet in place the Colors have been picked out….If we can do business here anyone should be able to do business any where our Population is 756!
I have been working my cart for close to a year now. I started my business in August in Florida, (out of neccessity) akin to starting up in January in Buffalo, and I just kept showing up. Many days in the beginning I would come home with $20 bucks. Not fun. Then $50 then $75…then gigs started to happen as people got to know me. Festivals, auctions, private events all became part of what I do. One weekend I did an event and did two months of regular business…in two days! Hard work but very satisfying!
If you build it they will come. If you serve a great product they will return and tell others. That is our business! Good luck to all that have started, and for those that haven’t yet, get Steve’s road map to help you get to where you want to go. Steve has made the trip and all we need to do is follow him! Thank you Steve!
The greatest risk in life is to risk nothing!..There is no chance to fail if you never give up!…
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink
I guess that’s true Dee 🙂