The $100 Startup Book Review

This my The $100 Startup Book Review. This will be my first of many book reviews. Wanted to start out with this book because it’s what I’m trying to do with this blog. I believe it’s fitting that I can share this, while I grow this blog and reach all of you. Chris Guillebeau does an amazing job finding the most unique micro-entrepreneurs. Each follow-on story in the book provides a solid insight on how to get started.

Each individual part of this book provides something different and unique. That’s the way Chris Guillebeau writes this book. Which makes it easy to follow along. On top of that, each part is sequential and builds off the previous parts. There are a lot of examples of other individuals making that leap or taking that step to have financial freedom. Some of the companies discussed in this book are pretty unique. They truly show that if you have the right passion, audience, and business model anything is possible.

At its core, The $100 Startup is a “how-to” guide for anyone with high aspirations, shallow pockets, and a laptop. As mentioned in the title, Guillebeau explains how anyone can start a business with only $100.

Book Summary

In the beginning, Guillebeau introduces us to many unexpected entrepreneurs he will be discussing throughout the book. He explains their origin stories and the unexpected routes that got them to make the switch. Some come from tragedies others from simply taking their hobby to another level.

The Good

Guillebeau explains the number of dollars the group of unexpected entrepreneurs required to get their projects up and running. On top of that, he mentions what these individuals did in the first weeks and months to generate significant cash. He goes on to mention the key mistakes they made along the way. He even includes the crucial insights that made the business stick and flourish. 

The key principles he discusses here are if you’re good at one thing, you’re probably good at something else. As well as, never teach a man to fish sell him the fish instead. Finally, in the battle between planning and action, action always wins. Throughout the book, he continuously reminds us that you already have the skills you need, you just have to know where to look. This book can be summarized by saying that customers all have something in common.

The Bad

I will say that though this book has a lot of good advice and stories, Guillebeau does make a few points that I believe are questionable. Much like most Malcolm Gladwell books certain facts within $100 Startup are a bit skewed.

I say that because if you are looking to make a company scale this book might not be the best place to get your advice. Even though I do disagree with a few things he mentioned in the book, he does offer a few tips to get your business off the ground. Which I believe is the point of the book in the first place.

My Thoughts

This book is a must-read. I love it and believe the stories of the micro-entrepreneurs are something to admire. Knowing that there is a business in following your passion and helping others is oddly refreshing. The old-school way of going to work and coming back and looking forward to the weekend is not the world we live in anymore.

Guillebeau shows that many solopreneurs are quite happy running niche businesses. They also do not have any intention to scale their companies to become national or global leaders. In fact, for some of them hiring employees can take away from the flexibility and adaptability of their micro-businesses. Which during rough patches, much like the great recession can be quite helpful. Having the freedom of maneuver for what works is why most people make the leap anyway.

With all that said, this is an informative and motivational book for aspiring entrepreneurs. Who needs a bit of reassurance and supportive material to make the jump into launching their own businesses. I understand that most people get hit with unforeseen circumstances in life and are either forced to sink or swim. This is the point that Guillebeau continuously hits home throughout the book.

But it has nothing to do with old-school categories. Because of that, I believe this book is something that is not just for the young millennial looking for freedom. But it could also be for the C-level executive looking for something more in life or just a change in scenery. I hope my $100 Startup Book Review is something that entices you to get this book. If you are someone that is just getting started get this book!

Takeaways

The $100 Startup Book Book Review is going to be the first of many book reviews to come. I promise you that. What I want to do with these book reviews is provide you with good resources. Having books that teach you important lessons on how life works are important. They help you navigate the professional world. They even provide you with experience for a situation even though you’ve never encountered that situation.

The $100 Startup is a great book for anyone that is looking to escape the 9 to 5 grind. Read this book if you are looking for some motivation to take that next step in your career.

If you are interested in my other book reviews click here!