10 Lessons I Learned on the Pavement.

I didn’t learn this game in a classroom — I learned it vending out the trunk, setting up tents, and figuring it out on the fly. These 10 lessons didn’t come from books. They came from the concrete.

🔟 The 10 Lessons:

1. Show Up Early, Stay Late The grind starts before the sun comes up. Early setup = better booth spot, better flow, better results.

2. First Impressions Are Everything Your booth is your billboard. Keep it tight, clean, and loud with your energy.

3. Talk to Strangers Speak up. One conversation can turn into a sale, a connection, or a long-term customer.

4. Adapt Fast Weather changes, crowds shift — be ready to move things around or change your whole game plan.

5. Have Backup Everything From Square readers to extension cords — don’t assume anything. Always bring extras.

6. Know Your Numbers Track what you sell, what it cost you, and how much you really made. Don’t just guess.

7. Dress Like Your Brand You are the walking billboard. Wear your product proudly every time.

8. Stay Humble, Stay Grinding Some events hit. Some don’t. Don’t let one bad day throw off your whole season.

9. Support Others Show love to other vendors. The streets talk — good energy brings good energy.

10. This Is Bigger Than Sales You’re building a legacy. People remember how you made them feel more than what you sold.

💬 Closing Paragraph:

These lessons were paid for with long nights, sore feet, and straight-up trial and error. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you’re on this grind too — stay solid, stay moving, and stay building.