Hi Steve,
My dream is to open my own restaurant, one day it will happen but for now i have to start small and build something.
I’m from NY and hotdogs or dirty dogs as well call them are the best.
I live in Florida now and I have a job and I want more, but I’m afraid. I’m a single Mom living pay check to pay check so the thought of losing money scares me.
I know I have to start somewhere if I want to get somewhere.
How did you overcome your fear of failure, or fear of losing money that you really don’t have.
-M
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Hi M,
First off, I salute you and all single Moms out there. I know how much work and worry goes into raising kids, but to have it all on one person is a challenge for sure.
It’s totally normal to be nervous when you start your own business. In fact, it’s a good thing.
It means that you are serious. It means that you want to succeed very badly. It means that you really care about this new adventure.
Now I’m going to tell you how to overcome 80% of that fear:
Build your own cart. It’s not hard at all. Seriously.
When you finish it your hot dog biz will already be profitable. If at some point you decide that the hot dog biz isn’t for you, you can sell your cart for way more than it cost you to build. It will probably even cover your other start up costs.
But once you get out there and start slinging dogs, you’ll be hooked for life. You’ll never sell that cart because being a dog slinger is soooo much fun!
The way to remove the rest of your fear is to take action. When you actually do something, even one thing, to move you closer to your goal you will get a sense of accomplishment.
Each successive step that you accomplish will give you more confidence. More confidence makes it easier to take the next step and before you know it you will arrive at your goal.
That’s just how it works.
Let me know if you have any specific questions that I can answer Maria!
Go for it!
Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go! I’m in the same boat (except I’m not a single mother, I’m a retired mother). It’s good to have fear. It will keep you sharp and on top of your game so you will eliminate stupid mistakes. The most important thing is this: to be able at any moment – to sacrifice what you are, for what you will become! Great luck to you.
Baby steps.
Hi M,
I can definitely understand being scared, I was the same way! I had not done anything like this before in my life! I didn’t know how I would interact with customers or if I would be able to work in food service but lo and behold, here I am, slinging full time and I couldn’t be happier! I say go for it, get your feet wet, the water’s just fine!
M…
Go for it, sounds like cash flow might be a small matter right now. That’s Ok, like Steve said, start NOW with what you can afford to do, do not wait until a better time, cause as we all know, there’s never a better time to start.
My advice, do not go into debt to start (one less thing to worry about). Start on your days off (keep your day job).Do not spend your profits (reinvest in your business). Do not cut corner’s on your products (quality, utmost important), other places to trim cost. Without saying, Customer Service and Location. Anyone can sell Hot Dogs but what are you going to do to have them come back?. This is the backbone of not only your start up but your continual success. And know… It’s not going to be easy (unless you’re going to do this as a hobby) and have fun with your failures (we did).
My wife and I are entering our 6th season, we have 2 fantastic locations and 1 that is so/so. We employ 3 fulltime employees and 4 High school kids during the season.
Last year (5th season) was the first year my wife and I drew a full salary,(be prepared to sacrifice).
I’ve been a nurse for over 20 years and my wife has 20 plus years as a Social Worker, now we sell Hot Dogs for a living, if we can do it, so can you!!!!!!
A few more tidbits:
1. Build relationships with everyone you come into contact with as you are starting/running/building your business.
2. Give back to your community, they are supporting you. Plus it’s free advertising.
3. Do things right, someone is always watching you.
4. Always be honest in your dealings even when you make mistakes, folks are more likely to forgive you than trying to BS them, besides you know what they say about Karma.
5. Keep things VERY clean, believe me folks notice…notice….notice and will come back, simply because you run a clean cart and of course you’re friendly.
6. Listen to everyone’s advice, and choose what works for you.
7. Keep your menu simply (always). Loss inventory will make you crazy. If some of your customers ask you to carry a certain item (and they will). Be honest, let them know, as a small business you can’t afford to have a big menu, but then introduce to them, that you are going to start a Friday Special’s and serve that item on Friday, only and on a limited basis. Example: Buy 20 Veggie dogs and when you run out, you’re out. Inventory control!!!!!
8. Know, you will not be able to make all your customers happy, some people are just jerks. Be nice to the jerks, never know, might be a Councilman’s wife. 🙂
9. Do you research on your local pricing for like businesses, then adjust according to your business plan. Once you’ve decided on a price, stick to it, stand your ground, cause if you’ve done your research you’re right in the market with your competitors.
We have never adjusted our prices mid-season, we do our price adjusting at the beginning of a season.
10. Steve’s information will help you, this blog has been helpful more than once. A lot of good Hot Dog folks out there. Remember #6 above.
We can honestly say, there’s nothing else we would want to be doing at this period of our life. WE LOVE OUR JOB…….
M….hope this helps.
“Entrepreneurs are the only people willing to work 80 hours per week to get out of working 40”
Well said matey !! Starting up can be a very nerve racking.
Take one step at a time & everything else will fall into place.
Consider also how you can stand out, be unique in your own way.
Let the quality of your product send a message too. Get great hot dogs here !!
Before you know it the butterflies will be replace by smiling customers.
1St Mate Jim.
Jim, When you have a few moments, would you email me. I would like to pick your brain on your operation. I’m starting my research on our next adventure, Dogs on the River. Thanks Tim
dogsontherun@ymail.com
I’m in the same boat! But what’s worked for me in the past is, just do it.
Nerve wracking as all get out but in the end it’s that simple motto.
Act like you’ve been there before. You have already and are currently successful at the most important and most difficult job in the world, being a single mother! If you can do that you can run a business! And think of the life skills and lessons you will impart on your kids!
Rock it M.
David
You will be just fine. I retired early two years ago from a nice “cushy” career. Money was great but my life wasn’t. My wife and I moved from bustling Chicago to a small Kentucky city. We bought a cart and were terrified because we didn’t know what would happen. I took the plunge and all is well. I began selling what I knew best…Chicago Style dogs. You should do the same. Brand yourself selling New York dogs. And proudly display that. Another single mom in Arizona stepped out scared a few months back and is doing well. You will too. We (fellow slingers) are just an email away. We WILL help you. Welcome to the Family..
I echo Steve’s encouragement. I would add that you don’t have to quit your day job to get the hot dog business started. You might even be able to include your children with your efforts if you feel they are old enough to be with you. After building your cart find one event to do and give it a try. You will be surprised how people love buying a simple product face to face with you and how they also appreciate what you’re doing. I challenge you to get to that point without fear. It’s an inexpensive business to start and grow without debt. Really, the hot dog business is great because you can grow as you can afford to. I have loved my time as a hot dog vendor. I’m not doing it right now but hope to do it again at some point. The customer interaction is so gratifying. Go for it!
My comment is – if you don’t try this hot dog -restaurant – I need to do something in the restaurant field thingy- you will always regret NOT trying! I say go for it- do it now-do something today to get started!
Hi Maria,
Just affirming what Steve said about slinging being SOOOOO much fun!
Once you get into it, the best thing you can do to make it prosper is to ALWAYS make the customer #1! I can’t emphasize that enough! I’ve seen other slingers go out of business because they insisted on serving what THEY liked and wound up charging prohibitive prices because business fell off.
Take surveys, see what the customers want and give it to them. Experiment with the menu according to what’s popular in your area and go with what works. And above all, don’t be afraid to offer a kindness when needed. Never turn away serious thirst regardless of their ability to pay, and never turn away hungry children. Just those two things will get you the best word of mouth anyone could ever get. Look professional, keep everything clean, wear gloves and change for every customer. People notice and comment…AND talk! POSITIVELY! It won’t be long before you may find the need to expand to your dream diner.
Good luck!
M
Having been in business 20+years, I’d like to put my 2 cents in, since we’ve seen 30 or more hot dog carts come and go in our area.
First find a location with a lot of foot traffic if you plan on being there everyday. Check on the rent or city/county regulations. If you plan to do just fairs and festivals google your area for them and contact them now, many applications have already been sent out for the spring and summer and fees have been paid. Contact DHEC and find out what the regulations are for a cart.contact an insurance company to find out what $1,000,000 liability (minimum for anyplace). Have at least 2 months living expense in the bank plus enough to buy 1 months worth of food and supplies. Now your ready to build a cart!
That’s right “M” a little fear is a good thing when you decide to start your own business,it keeps you on your toes. Just don’t let that fear freeze you from starting out on your venture. Like Steve said if you don’t like the hot dog business once you get into it, sell your cart. You should recoup most or all the money you’ve invested in the first place. Good luck!
Good to see all the positive and encouraging comments. Very supportive group! Thanks everyone : – ) ~
M
Remember – the bigger the risk
The bigger the reward
Go for it NOW young lady
i believe that the dogs on the run is one of the best post that i have ever read on this site other than the great info that steve gives thanks for your input
Agreed. We get such great input from our readers and Premium Members alike. A great community of slingers here!!!!
M
I started five years ago. Have picked up more each year. I only do this more as a hobby than to put food on the table. But. in my five years and mostly 20+ days of working
I have met many interesting people and have fun. I have been lucky in that I have gone from 12% overall profit to 42%. I have a lot of people say I am in the wrong business (not making enough $) I think if I really wished for and tried I could make a good living from my cart.
So with the fire burning within you to be the best and do for yourself and a pride for your young family(who can learn a business and help) that you will end up understanding what you can do with your life. It is not all roses but look at the end result!!
“Sell em’ all”
Jerry