Heal Toe Dosey Doe, Boot Scoot'n boogie was

blaring, I was on the interstate, zoned out

and singing my ass off.

I caught a glimpse of a blueish light in my side

mirror and did a double take.

Yup, I was being pulled over.  Crap!  I

quickly turned off the radio and made my

way to the edge of the road.

I didn't realize it but my happy foot is

much heavier when I'm happy and so according

to this very stern highway patrolman, I was

doing 14 over the speed limit.

That immediately took the hitch out of my

giddy up.

I explained in the softest tone that I don't

speed and that I had let emotions get the

better of me while listening to music.

He half-smiled, asked from my license, registration

and proof of insurance.

Returning to my car after what I assume was

to run my info, he told me to watch my speed

and he let me go with a warning.

Ever notice when you watch a show or movie,

how they manipulate our emotions with

music?

Movie producers have mastered the technique.

At a hot dog cart, music can go along ways in

creating the right mood.  Not blaring, but

just enough you can still talk without a

megaphone.

Some vendors create a playlist and run it

through some speakers on an Mp3 player.

From Ron (he writes in response to the email I sent out about music)

 

Very true, Ben!

 

I use a system from a home computer.  The two stereo satellite speakers are mounted behind roof brackets and the subwoofer is underneath in one of the cabinets.  A wire comes into an area on the service side and plugs into an iPod with a mix of upbeat tropical music for my regular spot.  For private events, I can plug the customer's playlists in to suit the occasion with whatever they like.  It's a little extra touch that no one expects.

 

The whole thing takes up very little space and sounds as good as just about any home system.  It's one of those things that you don't consciously pick up on but makes a big difference subconsciously.

 

I work a late night spot and I can't imagine not having it.  A friendly greeting: “Hey, how ya doin'?” with some upbeat background music going on beats the hell out of a customer walking up in dead silence.  I'm sure we've all been to one of those ‘parties' like that when as soon as you walk in the door, you can't wait to get the hell out.  It's the same thing.  It doesn't take much to create the right atmosphere but can make a huge difference.

It's pretty easy.

Music types matter to, so if you are into the

head banging metal, you probably will want

someone else creating your playlist unless

your customer base would enjoy it.

Top 40 is a safe bet but omit the slow songs.

Music from the 80's is popular with most

generations.

Adding music to your set up can be an ice

breaker as well.

It will also serve to make you feel better all

day.

So get your groove on and make some happy

customers.

~ Ben

Are you playing music at your cart?