One of the hardest things to get your head around is the start up phase.  You work a full time J.O.B., so how do you get your cart business going? Should you just quit and jump right in full time?  That’s certainly one option especially if you have a few months of living expenses saved up, or if you work 2nd or 3rd shift and have your days free.

Another option is to run your hot dog cart as a side business.  This allows you to gain experience and start getting your brand established in the community.  You will learn what works and what doesn’t, where the best locations are, and most importantly you’ll begin making those all important contacts with local business owners – possible commissary and vending site partners.

Here is my top 20 list of part time gigs:

1. Store grand openings
2. Auto dealerships
3. Catering gigs
4. Birthday parties (especially lucrative with the party profit multiplier tips in my book)
5. Craft shows
6. Car shows
7. Gun shows
8. Motorcycle shows
9. Cruise nights
10. Saturday in the park
11. Boat landings
12. Golf courses
13. Little league games
14. Soccer games
15. Football games
16. Art festivals
17. Concerts
18. Marathons
19. Bicycle races
20. Air shows

Keep all of your profits in your business bank account and start building that cushion, because in a short time you will have enough experience, brand recognition in the community, and the right partnerships established to go full time.  You can fire your boss, stop getting up at 5 am, and finally strike out on your own like you’ve dreamed of for years (decades?).

One morning in the near future you will walk to the trash can and gently, respectfully drop your trusty but no longer necessary alarm clock next to the empty champagne bottle.  You’re free.

Congratulations!

- Steve