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The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future

Chris Guillebeau (Goodreads Author)

3.87 · Rating details · 60,530 ratings · 2,029 reviews

In The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau shows you how to lead of life of adventure, meaning and purpose – and earn a good living.

Still in his early thirties, Chris is on the verge of completing a tour of every country on earth – he’s already visited more than 175 nations – and yet he’s never held a “real job” or earned a regular paycheck. Rather, he has a special genius In The $100 Startup, Chris Guillebeau shows you how to lead of life of adventure, meaning and purpose – and earn a good living.

Still in his early thirties, Chris is on the verge of completing a tour of every country on earth – he’s already visited more than 175 nations – and yet he’s never held a “real job” or earned a regular paycheck. Rather, he has a special genius for turning ideas into income, and he uses what he earns both to support his life of adventure and to give back.

There are many others like Chris – those who’ve found ways to opt out of traditional employment and create the time and income to pursue what they find meaningful. Sometimes, achieving that perfect blend of passion and income doesn’t depend on shelving what you currently do. You can start small with your venture, committing little time or money, and wait to take the real plunge when you're sure it's successful.

In preparing to write this book, Chris identified 1,500 individuals who have built businesses earning $50,000 or more from a modest investment (in many cases, $100 or less), and from that group he’s chosen to focus on the 50 most intriguing case studies. In nearly all cases, people with no special skills discovered aspects of their personal passions that could be monetized, and were able to restructure their lives in ways that gave them greater freedom and fulfillment.

Here, finally, distilled into one easy-to-use guide, are the most valuable lessons from those who’ve learned how to turn what they do into a gateway to self-fulfillment. It’s all about finding the intersection between your “expertise” – even if you don’t consider it such -- and what other people will pay for. You don’t need an MBA, a business plan or even employees. All you need is a product or service that springs from what you love to do anyway, people willing to pay, and a way to get paid.

Not content to talk in generalities, Chris tells you exactly how many dollars his group of unexpected entrepreneurs required to get their projects up and running; what these individuals did in the first weeks and months to generate significant cash; some of the key mistakes they made along the way, and the crucial insights that made the business stick. Among Chris’s key principles: if you’re good at one thing, you’re probably good at something else; never teach a man to fish – sell him the fish instead; and in the battle between planning and action, action wins.

In ancient times, people who were dissatisfied with their lives dreamed of finding magic lamps, buried treasure, or streets paved with gold. Today, we know that it’s up to us to change our lives. And the best part is, if we change our own life, we can help others change theirs. This remarkable book will start you on your way. ...more

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Hardcover, 268 pages

Published May 8th 2012 by Crown Business

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Nov 10, 2012 Matthew Trinetti rated it really liked it

Thirteen Take-Aways from $100 Startup

1. When brainstorming business ideas, use the principle of Convergence.
"Convergence represents the intersection between something you especially like to do or are good at doing (preferably both) and what other people are also interested in."

2. Building a business structured around your desired lifestyle is possible.
Although it may seem like a pipe dream to most people working in corporate jobs, Chris shows this is possible. He identifies 1,500 individuals lik ...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Tami rated it it was ok

I really wanted to love this book. For being an inspirational title, I think it did already. It's gotten me to scheme about my grand plan to set myself free someday from working for others and start devising a business plan. However, I don't actually think reading it got me any closer to doing it.

The examples shared were lovely, but they're just quick snippets of what the person's business is. Telling me that John Doe quit his corporate job and now helps business people schedule vacations and pl ...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Mel Bradley rated it it was ok

I am a big fan and follower of Chris Guillebeau, so my expectations for this book were a bit... high. It was a very quick read, but don't expect any big revelations or insider secrets here. This is a great glimpse into what is possible with a small investment, for people who have absolutely no experience in being an entrepreneur or online business owner. For everyone else, you'll find yourself rolling your eyes in quite a few places knowing that MOST of the story has been left out.

One of the mo ...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Dave Bolton rated it it was ok

In the genre of "books that are actually long blog posts", this book really is the latest in "lean startup" type works, stripped back as far as it could go. Will anyone else in the lifestyle design/lean startup area be able to rip more meat from the bones of these ideas, leaving just a ten bullet point list?

Also, the case studies were not very useful -- very lightweight anecdotes.

It's not completely without value, but I don't personally know anyone I could recommend it for. ...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Jim Razinha rated it liked it

First: my wife bought this, read it and liked it. She wanted me to read it. So I did. I found 15% substance, 83% anecdote (examples, case studies, choose your definition), and 2% vapor. Needs more "how" to be really useful, and Guillebeau shortchanged the "how" he did write, though there were a couple of good resources found on his website...

Another thing irritated me: quotes obviously taken from some unsourced site like brainyquotes.com. Any discerning reader would immediately see that Karl Mar ...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Beth Lequeuvre rated it did not like it

"The basics of starting a business are very simple;you don't need an MBA (keep the $60,000 tuition), venture capital or even a detailed plan. You just need a product or service, a group of people willing to pay for it, and a way to get paid. This can be broken down as follows:

1. Product or service: what you sell
2. People willing to pay for it: your customers
3. A way to get paid: how you'll exchange a product or service for money"

Seriously? First off it's bad enough that you thought any one who w ...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Lee rated it really liked it

Shelves: business, owned-on-kindle

I think it' a good read. The $100 Startup shows up what's possible - but Guillebeau doens't really go further than that. The book can motivate you, but if you really want to know how to approach launching a startup, "Lean Startup" by Eric Ries (for the theory) and "Running Lean" by Ash Maurya (for applying the principle) are obligatory.
It didn't leave a lasting impression, but it's a good read nonetheless so i go with four stars. ...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Dorothy R rated it it was amazing

From my Amazon Review:

"The $100 Startup" is a book that primarily focuses on moving past the barriers that we and others place in front of our desires. These barriers (not enough money, knowledge, experience, demand, etc.)make it easy for us to not go into business. Not going into business allows us not to fail. However, this self-protective instinct automatically allows us not to succeed either. The book encourages a quick, no-holds barred start-up, because the leap is what is often the most d ...more

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Jan 16, 2018 Shog Al Maskery rated it it was amazing

It's the kind of business book you want to read and learn from as much as you can, but at the same time take your time to apply all you have learnt. I definitely recommend it to everyone who wants to start up their business! ...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Farnoosh Brock rated it it was amazing

Shelves: business-spirit

There's always a more perfect time in your life that you wish you had read the books that cross your path. This is how I fel about The $100 Startup - I wish I had read it - or rather, I wish Chris had written it - about 5 years ago when I was still stumbling around, lost and confused and disillusioned with Corporate America, and beyond discouraged about doing anything I could love.

The Corporate America culture is brilliant at shunning any ideas of creativity and innovation and certainly not enc ...more

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Jul 24, 2015 Vaishali rated it really liked it

Shelves: self-improvement

A great review for those starting a business or in the midst of next-level expansion.

Pointers:
--------
"Focusing on these 2 questions will eliminate the need for outside consultants:
--- Is the business making money now ?
--- If not, what can we do to fix this now ?"

"There are only 3 things you need to start a business, and there’s no need to complicate this list :
--- Product or service
--- People willing to pay for your product or service
--- A way for them to pay you"

"Find something people want, an ...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Phil rated it really liked it

Recommended to Phil by: Michael Hanna

This was recommended to me by Michael Hanna, a former media colleague who now owns and runs The Mattress Lot in Portland. His story opens the book.

The $100 Startup is a very interesting and eye-opening read: many of the people featured just got going with something rather than giving it a great deal of advanced study.

The book would have benefited by going deeper into each story -- I wanted more about exactly HOW some of them got started, what obstacles they met along the way, and how they overc ...more

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May 05, 2018 imane rated it it was amazing

Shelves: self-help

“Catch a man a fish, and you can sell it to him. Teach a man to fish and you ruin a wonderful business opportunity” - Karl Marx.
Turn your knowledge into something valuable (products or services...) and sell it.

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Jul 15, 2012 Cindy rated it really liked it

When I first picked this book up, I thought it would be about how to start a small business on little or no money. That was not the case, and in fact, I wasn't sure I would even finish the entire book. But it turned out to be much more.

The $100 Start Up is really an inspiring guide to stepping out on your own, doing what you love, without fear, (your own, or)of what others might say. (You know who I'm talking about, the nay-sayers).

Throughout the book, the author interviews various entrepreneurs ...more

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Apr 10, 2012 SooYoung rated it liked it

disclosure: i won a copy of the book from Chris Guillebeau's website/blog: Art of Non-Conformity of which I am a regular follower.

i was in the midst of my final days at work when i received the $100 Startup in the mail. i had quit my job because i was ready to 'take the bull by the horns,' so to speak and go freelance. this wasn't just about a job change, but a life change - i decided it was time for me to live my life the way i want, i wanted to "create a new future" as part of the book's subti disclosure: i won a copy of the book from Chris Guillebeau's website/blog: Art of Non-Conformity of which I am a regular follower.

i was in the midst of my final days at work when i received the $100 Startup in the mail. i had quit my job because i was ready to 'take the bull by the horns,' so to speak and go freelance. this wasn't just about a job change, but a life change - i decided it was time for me to live my life the way i want, i wanted to "create a new future" as part of the book's subtitle reminded me.

the first part of the book talks a lot about the very real possibility of working for yourself. what is happiness, what is value, how to combine those with your skills. one of the sections is called "Reality Check Checklist." this part of the book I loved - it reassured me, i wasn't going off the deep end, the idea that putting passion and purpose at the center of your life's pursuits is truly the best way to live.

the middle (and largest section) of the book are success stories (with a few occasional anecdotes on failure.) while i liked these stories, they started to blur together by the end and i even skipped some pages/sections. it's probably just who i am, but i always take these stories with a grain of salt - you never know where these people came from, the sort of help they had, the level of their success, etc etc. not to undermine their success but it's not necessarily fair either to equate their 'results' to your potential success.

i liked the stories that were interesting stories in and of themselves, start-up business related or not (like the story of Rhett would be compelling in any book, not just a book about start-ups.). but otherwise i think everyone has to learn their own lessons in life (and business.)

lastly, the book ends by focusing back on you. this book is ultimately for the reader - if you want to be small, stay small. if you fail, don't give up. if you are offered advice, take what's worthwhile and ignore the rest.

i recommend this book to anyone looking to make that leap who might not be the most-likely-to-succeed type. it's okay if you don't fit the entrepreneurial profile, the profile is a cliche anyway. take what you want out of the book and leave the rest.

one other thing that prompted a 3 instead of 4 star rating. and this may not have bothered anyone else - but the design of the book is cheap. it looks like a published at-home, clip-art, self-help book. one of the lessons of the book is to just get your idea/work out there. but i think there's something to be said about making sure it reflects your standards of quality and care. ...more

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Jul 07, 2016 Ahmad rated it it was amazing

very inspiring, well structured, simply great book.

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Jan 03, 2019 Kelly rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018-read, cover-me-white, 2-star, non-fiction

This book is written in the entrepreneurial spirit of trying to make a buck. That's the point of the whole book (about startup companies that people have created out of hobbies or necessities, turning their interest into profit)... but it makes for a little bit less-than-helpful reading. This is not an MBA crash course. It's more like an amalgamation of anecdotes about people who have managed to do this (including the author, through his, er, independent book sales). There's no magic formula her ...more

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Sep 22, 2019 Melodie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, self-help

Like a lot of people, I have dreams of being my own boss. I have a side hustle(maybe hustle is a bit over blown), and it has gotten me through some tight times. But I've never made the leap from my full time career to making my side job my main source of income. So maybe I was looking for that push from this book.
While I got some information, I didn't get the impetus I was looking for. A lot of anecdotes that were inspirational but short on nuts and bolts. People go from A to C, but I'm looking ...more

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Dec 19, 2021 Sagar Honnungar added it

The author emphasizes two main aspects: freedom and value, i.e building a $100 startup is a way of gaining personal freedom by providing something of value to the society.
The book has many examples and practical tips on building and growing a small business. Might seem a bit out-dated without a lot of attention to internet businesses. Nothing truly transformational for me in the book but a decent read.

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Apr 19, 2012 Mel rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone considering starting a business

Recommended to Mel by: Chris Guillebeau

Shelves: reviewed

I would love to write a bunch of beautifully scripted words about this book, but it just would neither truly reflect this book nor do it justice. So, I will just make this as concise and straightforward as the book is.

I’ve spent a ton of time laboring through free video seminars of big names of people who live amazing lives, work from anywhere they wish to travel with that now so predictable “hook” to compel you to buy into their brand of “school” or “association” or “academy” etc. that cost tho I would love to write a bunch of beautifully scripted words about this book, but it just would neither truly reflect this book nor do it justice. So, I will just make this as concise and straightforward as the book is.

I’ve spent a ton of time laboring through free video seminars of big names of people who live amazing lives, work from anywhere they wish to travel with that now so predictable “hook” to compel you to buy into their brand of “school” or “association” or “academy” etc. that cost thousands of dollars even with their “buy now” discounts! None of which I can ever afford however try to use the “Free” content they so generously offered. But all it was, was a taste… part of the hook.

Tired of that nonsense? So am I!

When I first learned of Chris Guillebreau’s book The $100 Startup… My immediate thoughts were… “This is too good to be true.” and “What is the hook?” Once I got the book in my hands, I realized, Chris is delivering an amazing value to anyone either thinking about starting a business, struggling for direction and steps to launch and even those already in business that need to make some shifts to gain some momentum! The book is an easy read. No big words or trendy words. This is straight forward, nothing fancy common sense with the nuts and bolts of what you need to start ANY business! Even the graphics are crisp, clean, nothing fancy and communicate a powerful message within themselves. The book contains clear concise background information – just what the reader needs and nothing more; then goes on to give the reader action steps. The plans are easy to find because they are in gray boxes – so a reader can read through the book and then come back and easily find the task lists.

What sold me on the credibility of the content was that this is not a “How I Did It” book by Chris Guillebeau. Chris interviewed several successful business owners that fit a list of parameters – must be successful (duh) and he specifically tells you what he defined as successful by how much money the businesses were bringing in the last two years. Also the business has to be small (no more than 5 people – most of them were less) with little or no start-up cost. I also normally fall asleep with nuts and bolts type books with boring step by step stuff… However, not with $100 StartUp! This book was very engaging and interesting!

I was once told in a class that when writing a review to lend credibility to my review I should find something I see room for improvement. The only thing I could come up with? That it didn’t come out sooner!

When Chris in the book gives his One Page Business Plan in his illustration at the beginning of the chapter – there are two steps on a sticky note in the illustration. I am not going to give away the secret. But his entire book basically tells you how to do the first step and the second step is the reward for the first step. This is one of the smartest books I’ve ever read with content that exceeds any other that I’ve ever read, seen, heard that is out there – and I have researched a lot! It was Chris’ book that moved me to action because it told me “how and now!” I’m in the middle of a business launch right now that I would probably still be sitting on had I not got my hands and eyes and brain around this hot little book!

Buy the book! How is that for straightforward! I immediately started telling and texting and messaging friends to buy this book before I even finished reading it! I could not stop talking about the genius contained on the pages within. And now I’m telling YOU! Had I not received an advanced copy, I would have bought this book myself and still be telling everyone about it!

Share this review with anyone you know in business for themselves or thinking about starting a business and if they follow the advice… They will come back and thank you!

Special thanks to Chris Guillebeau (http://chrisguillebeau.com) for the advanced copy and the opportunity to review it!

Book Release Date: May 8, 2012
...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Dorai Thodla rated it really liked it

Shelves: enterpreneurship, non-fiction

I picked it up almost a year ago, read about half of it and forgot all about it. Recently, I had to make a couple of train trips and had plenty of time to read. So went back and finished it. It is not certainly one of those books that you can do in one sitting (see some of the other comments).

I like the book since I mingle and work with lots of entrepreneurs. I think it is a must read for every entrepreneur. More than the stories, the patterns of entrepreneurship are interesting.

1. How people ...more

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Apr 02, 2015 Rosie Nguyễn rated it really liked it

Phew, finished this book finally after so much time. Just because I didn't concentrate to read it.

I followed Chris Guillebeau's blog a long time ago. Although I found some of his posts interesting, I was not totally impressed so I didn't care 100$ Startup when it was published.

The book came to me together with a set of another 3 books from an older friend, who recommended me to read startup books. And it was amazing. I found a lot of great tips to make my upcoming second book a best seller, hehe ...more

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Dec 02, 2015 David Zheng rated it did not like it

One of the worst books I've ever read...

It's concept is scattered, "Start now! Don't wait - but first see chapter 11 for more info".

It talks a lot about business hype but really doesn't give any meat and potatoes to how a business can actually succeed. The information given in this book is a rally for anyone that has a dream of owning their own business but frequently gives extremely misleading insight into how it's really done.

As a business owner of a brick and mortar business, an online sal ...more

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Jan 16, 2018 Brittany rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In a world where side hustles are so prevalent, this book is definitely timely and informative. I could see some of the information provided in the book becoming outdated over time, so I would caution against that. This was a great business building book to start off the year with! Listening to the audiobook was great because I could easily take notes while listening, including my own ideas that were sparked by the book. The advice for starting out was extremely useful and propelling for my own ...more

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Jun 13, 2016 Martin Smrz rated it did not like it

Could not get myself to finish this book as it is just a compilation of ideas about starting your own small business that lacks originality. I guess if you are in your teenage or early 20ties years this collection might be interesting. Over 30 and already with some business experience and the book is a waste of time.

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Sep 25, 2017 Dan Cameron rated it did not like it

If you thought this book was going to help you understand how to start a small business, you were mistaken. It is just a random collection of stories about people who started their own businesses. No meat or substance is included. I guess his name should have told me what to expect. Chris Guillebeau should be pronounced as Christ, this is for the Gullible.

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May 22, 2012 Michel rated it really liked it

I wrote a huge review but then Goodreads ate it. Wanna start a business? Get this book. Don't want to start a business? Get this book. The only reason I didn't give the book 5 stars was because by the end I was feeling guilty for not having started a business by now. Read this immediately. ...more

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Aug 22, 2017 Groot rated it did not like it

Shelves: nonfiction

A collection of gobsmackingly obvious items. If this book is helpful to you, you should not be doing a startup. Do retail clerking or something.

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Dec 05, 2020 Dew rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, 2020, eng, pdf-epub

The book was good overall. It has a lot of good and applicable ideas that would work for someone who never had a business but wants to try one.

What I didn't like were the stories of those businesses because they were too long and I lost interest in most of them. ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Kate Singh rated it really liked it

Skimmed the book. Not my cup of tea but is inspiring for those who want to start a different career or business path.

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About Chris Guillebeau

Chris Guillebeau

1,477 followers

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup and other books. During a lifetime of self-employment, he visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. Every summer in Portland, Oregon he hosts the World Domination Summit, a gathering of creative, remarkable people. Chris also hosts Side Hustle School, a popular podcast that is downloaded ...more