The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

-- Author Unknown (This version slightly revised to adapt to current economy) --

There was a man who lived by the side of the road
and sold hot dogs.

He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.

He had trouble with his eyes so he read no newspapers.

But he sold good hot dogs.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.

He stood on the side of the road and cried,
“buy a hot dog, mister?"

And people bought.

He increased his meat and bun orders.

He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.

He finally got his son home from college to help him out.

But then something happened.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?

Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?

There’s a big recession.

The current business situation is terrible in this country -we have problems with unemployment, high living costs, strikes, pollution, the influence of minorities and majorities, the rich, the poor, drugs, alcohol, capitalism and communism."

Where upon the father thought, “well, my son’s been to college, he reads the papers and he listens to the radio, and he ought to know.”

So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand out on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

And his hot dog sales fell almost overnight.

“You’re right, son” the father said to the boy.

“We certainly are in the middle of a great recession.”

* * *

Another story that CNN's Bob Conklin used to tell that relates was about the shoe company that sent a new salesman to Africa. When he arrived, he immediately wired back, “Returning on the next flight. They don’t use shoes here.” They sent another salesman who, upon arrival wired back, “Start shipping shoes of all sizes and styles immediately. There’s no competition!” More millionaires were created in the U.S. during the depression than at any time since. While most people are sitting at home being depressed those of us out there have no competition.

Don't share your dreams with negative people.

Go ahead and imagine yourself successful.

For your dreams to come true, create a success team.

(Isolation is a dream killer).

You need a team to help you brain-storm

and to boost you up after any set backs.

Be sure the ones you share your dreams with

believe in your dreams.