Book Review: The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

All right – it’s time to see whether it’s worth your time to read about low-cost startups.  Let’s get into our review of “The $100 Startup”.

First off, I want to say that Chris Guillebeau’s writing style is outstanding here.  In reading all 304 pages, I didn’t once feel like I was forcing myself to get through the pages.  All of the information provided is relevant and legitimate, with data pulled from real interviews with business owners that got started with very little investment up front.

One of the most valuable things in this book is the fact that Chris provides perspectives on both sides of each argument.  Are you interested in scaling up and having employees that you can delegate the work to?  There’s value there.  On the other hand, if you’re someone that wants to retain control, avoid the risk of employing people and having to provide for their well-being, and take your work with you anywhere, there’s value there as well.  Chris even shares his personal preference on these arguments.

The most remarkable thing to me, however, is how many people have taken something they love and used it in a moment of vulnerability to create something powerful of their own.  So many business owners were in hard times, had nothing to lose, and created their own path.  That could be someone with a passion for travel planning selling that service to people that don’t want to invest the time, or a couple with a passion for creating maps that they sell as a side project.

I love that Chris established credibility to these entrepreneurs by having a minimum annual income to qualify for his book.  Any business owner needed to be making at least $50,000 a year in net income to be included.  This isn’t an insane, rich lifestyle salary, but it is enough for many to step away from the terrible 9-to-5 they hate and have complete control over their work life.

Here are some of the key takeaways I found particularly valuable:

• If your passion can bridge a gap between a person and their desired result, it can make money
• Focus on creating a time-gated launch to create a sense of urgency in the customer.  This is key to closing the sale!
• Focus on keeping costs low by optimizing and using technology to your advantage
• Create a plan, but don’t get hung up on the details before starting.  Perfection is impossible, and you’ll never get your ideas off the ground if you wait for the time and product to be “just right” first.
• The key to success is being okay with failure – just make sure you learn from it.  Stop procrastinating and just start.

Wrapping Up “The $100 Startup” Review: Recommended!

This is a book that can provide a lot of value to a lot of people!   Frustrated with your job wondering if there are alternatives with more control?  Always wanted to start a business but thought it cost a lot of money?  Have a passion that could benefit others – enough that they’d pay for it?  If any of these apply to you, pick up and read this book.  The ideas and strategies Chris lays out could lead you on a path that changes your life.

Purchases made using the links in this review may provide us a small commission at no additional cost to you.