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

Chris Guillebeau (Author, Narrator), Thomas Vincent Kelly (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
4.5 out of 5 stars 7,479 ratings

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

Still in his early 30s, 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.

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  1. Listening Length
    8 hours and 14 minutes
  2. Author
    Chris Guillebeau
  3. Narrator
    Chris Guillebeau, see all
  4. Audible release date
    May 8, 2012
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Random House Audio
  7. ASIN
    B0081CDIGW
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length 8 hours and 14 minutes
Author Chris Guillebeau
Narrator Chris Guillebeau, Thomas Vincent Kelly
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 08, 2012
Publisher Random House Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0081CDIGW
Best Sellers Rank #8,100 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#22 in Small Businesses
#46 in Small Business (Books)
#61 in Entrepreneurship (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
7,479 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written in plain English and easy to follow, with many case studies providing inspiration for micro-businesses. Moreover, they appreciate its value for money, offering realistic financial guidance, and consider it ideal for people looking to start a business, particularly as a motivator to get started. Additionally, they value its business-oriented approach, with one customer noting how it helps build a sustainable business with little capital. However, the idea generation aspect receives mixed feedback, with several customers noting it fails to provide essential details.

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591 customers mention "Inspirational content"581 positive10 negative

Customers find the book motivating and informative, with many appreciating its case studies and success stories. One customer mentions it provides inspiration for micro-businesses, while another notes how it helps readers find their niche.

"...That said, it is not an overflow of too much information...." Read more

"...It is always refreshing to get business advice from someone who actually wants to help people." Read more

"...This ultimately leads to better health, more happiness, and endless creativity and contribution...." Read more

"...It is a profile of successful startup businesses, that have been significantly successful for their owners, with a minimum initial investment...." Read more

513 customers mention "Readability"508 positive5 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and fun to read, with one customer noting it's better than "Four-Hour Workweek."

"...This book is extremely well written, interesting, easy to read...." Read more

"...The book is a quick and fun read, and covers an incredibly wide range of topics, ranging from location independence to health insurance, from an..." Read more

"...This one provides case studies profiling the fun opportunities you can create for yourself when you choose to do what you love in exchange for..." Read more

"...rollicking good stories, too! Sure, I wanted to read The $100 Startup to see my own company immortalized in print, but I came away truly..." Read more

199 customers mention "Ease of read"184 positive15 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, appreciating its well-written, step-by-step approach and plain English language.

"...It is succinct in its advice, and orderly - there isn't an overload of text in haphazard placement and order...." Read more

"...For good parts, the book is easy to read. It will inspire many people to do what they enjoy. It does provide a starting point...." Read more

"...systematically breaks down the psychological, financial, and structural barriers (perceived or real) that often get in the way of people taking an..." Read more

"...This book is very readable and engaging, overall very enjoyable." Read more

72 customers mention "Value for money"55 positive17 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money, appreciating its low investment requirements and realistic financial advice.

"...have been significantly successful for their owners, with a minimum initial investment...." Read more

"...Chris systematically breaks down the psychological, financial, and structural barriers (perceived or real) that often get in the way of people..." Read more

"...who've been successful at starting their own businesses with very little startup cost while detailing how they did it in the hopes that it helps..." Read more

"...n't doubt that he did extensive research, but this book is just not worth the money...." Read more

63 customers mention "Start-up advice"52 positive11 negative

Customers appreciate the book's startup advice, finding it ideal for those looking to start a business and serving as a great motivator to get going.

"...The book is a quick and fun read, and covers an incredibly wide range of topics, ranging from location independence to health insurance, from an..." Read more

"...in an enlightening way, a way that made it seem worthwhile and not overwhelming. I cherish this...." Read more

"...look at what has worked in the past, and distilled it into some simple worksheets, questions, and strategic planning methods that have both..." Read more

"The book is a great generic starter for anyone with the desire to start their own business...." Read more

43 customers mention "Business oriented"34 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the book's business-oriented approach, highlighting its focus on profitability and encouraging readers to make money. One customer notes how it helps build a sustainable business with little capital, while another mentions it outlines good monetization strategies.

"...from the initial step of the idea, to how to research and build your product or service, how to market it, and how to build your business...." Read more

"...transitioning adults who are eager to begin crafting a tiny yet profitable business, right now. -Blake Boles..." Read more

"...The financials are realistic numbers, therefore setting reasonable expectations (hopefully) for people who might consider trying or benchmarking...." Read more

"...the $100 Startup fell short is that it was so heavy on success stories by successful small businesses where almost identical ideas by equally eager..." Read more

40 customers mention "Book style"40 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, finding it well thought out and helpful as a look-see, with one customer noting its realistic illustrations of concepts.

"...'s second and is a bit more polished than his first, while being equally charming...." Read more

"...The format of the book was interesting and was something I haven’t seen before...." Read more

"...everyone seeking to take their fate into their own hands and carve out unique work...." Read more

"Chris, does a great job in outlining and providing solid examples on how to start a biz on the cheap...." Read more

139 customers mention "Idea generation"86 positive53 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's idea generation, with some appreciating its roadmap approach while others note that it fails to provide essential details.

"...The book is a quick and fun read, and covers an incredibly wide range of topics, ranging from location independence to health insurance, from an..." Read more

"...with a line underneath it, signifying that the author hadn't given enough information. How exactly did business owner A accomplish task B?..." Read more

"...The most useful part of the book (for me) was the detailed break-down of several critical processes in business creation...." Read more

"...and distilled it into some simple worksheets, questions, and strategic planning methods that have both immediate and long-term benefits...." Read more

Not just for beginners.
5 out of 5 stars
Not just for beginners.
An inspiring and thought-provoking book not just for start-up businesses, but also for established businesses interested in reinventing and retooling themselves for the future. If, when you think of business, you think about venture capital and IPOs, then there are already plenty of books out there for you. But if instead you dream of doing what you love and getting paid for it, The $100 Startup is a must-read. Not a road map to guaranteed financial success, but rather a how-to guide for your own off-trail adventure into the world of self-employment. Guillebeau articulates things about business (yes, even my own business) I've thought about and I suppose have known for years, but just didn't have the words to say. He is a shrewd observer, particularly of the relationship between a business and its customers or clients. His observation that old-school definitions of "demographics" and "target markets" may no longer apply are spot-on, as is his advice on eschewing the all-sacred business plan in favor of a direct-action approach. His discussions on product launching, self-promotion ("hustling"), "contest" vs "giveaway", "benefits" vs "features," "value" vs "cost" are far-reaching yet concise. On avocation morphing into vocation, Guillebeau asks the very important question "will it ruin your hobby if you turn it into a business?" His nuancing of that question helped a lot: perhaps a certain aspect of one's hobby (or something tangential to it) might more than pay the bills and not spoil the fun. The businesses portrayed in this book seem very humane and their owners down-to-earth - all had some important lesson to share, and they were rollicking good stories, too! Sure, I wanted to read The $100 Startup to see my own company immortalized in print, but I came away truly inspired, refreshed and ready for the next chapter in my business.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • david h.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book with true, actionable guidelines/tips
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I got this book from the library and liked it so much that I bought it. I thought I might write out highlights and steps, but there is too much to do that. That said, it is not an overflow of too much information. I have read books that are hard to follow, hard to pinpoint where to start, what to do next. It is just information vomit.

    This book is extremely well written, interesting, easy to read. It is succinct in its advice, and orderly - there isn't an overload of text in haphazard placement and order. I wanted to have this book as I get my business set up and on their way. I want to have the best chance I can to do the best job I can, to give it a good and honest go. I believe this book is going to help me immensely.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Yael Grauer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and refreshing read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    The $100 Startup is the latest offering from the amazing Chris Guillebeau, who runs a fun blog at The Art of Non-conformity, where he writes great manifestos, updates readers on his mission to visit every single country by the time he turns 35 (he has about 10 months to visit the last 10 countries on his list), and sells some nifty e-books to aspiring travel hackers and creative entrepreneurs.

    This book is Guillebeau's second and is a bit more polished than his first, while being equally charming. As expected from the title, the $100 Startup focuses on people who built profitable business with small amounts of startup capital, and now earn at least $50,000 a year. Guillebeau definitely did his research for this one, with detailed anecdotes from successful entrepreneurs were woven seamlessly into key points he was trying to make.

    If you have a vague idea and are looking to quit your job and start anew, but really have no idea where to start or what to consider, the book provides a very good primer. You'll have all sorts of checklists and guidelines to consider (some of which are available for free on 100startup.com), and all sorts of information you likely hadn't even considered.

    The book is a quick and fun read, and covers an incredibly wide range of topics, ranging from location independence to health insurance, from an info product launch to making decisions about everything from outsourcing to choosing between ideas for projects.

    The only place where I felt the $100 Startup fell short is that it was so heavy on success stories by successful small businesses where almost identical ideas by equally eager and skilled individuals have fallen flat. Although Guillebeau touches on areas that could lead to less-than-stellar results, and even focused on specific missteps of the successful entrepreneurs he profiled, this may not be the best book for people who make a passable living from their business but want to get to that $50,000+/year level.
    On the plus side, Chris Guillebeau's integrity and generosity really shines through in the book. The $100 Startup is a breath of fresh air if you're used to reading ones fixated on marketing gimicks; he asks the reader to focus on how you can actually improve people's lives-not how you can convince them that you are. It is always refreshing to get business advice from someone who actually wants to help people.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • smf
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fun book with good advice
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you are just starting out as an entrepreneur, this is an excellent resource. I appreciate Chris Guillebeau's optimism and imagination, and I always get a surge of inspiration after reading one of his books.

    I started my business in 2006, and I have read many business books over the years. This one provides case studies profiling the fun opportunities you can create for yourself when you choose to do what you love in exchange for money.

    I have modeled my own business after this concept with much success. The seed was planted way back in 2008 when I read 'The 4-Hour Workweek' by Tim Ferriss. Lifestyle design became my primary focus and I built my business to support my travel dreams. More freedom, better health, and more time with my loved ones became my goals.

    Most people don't think like this. It's the other way around: Focus on making tons of money and ultimately working long hours and sacrificing your mental health and your relationships in the process. 'The $100 Startup' shows you how to take control of your life and build your business to support your dreams. This ultimately leads to better health, more happiness, and endless creativity and contribution.

    While this book was more long-winded and repetitive than I would have liked, I still enjoyed it and I think it's a must read for those just starting to build their dream business. If you've been in business for yourself for a long time, this book will provide some much needed ideas and inspiration, too.
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • calceola
    5.0 out of 5 stars es ist selten das Geld welches entscheidet
    Reviewed in Germany on July 17, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    es ist fast immer die Idee und die Beharrlichkeit mit der man dran bleibt die den Erfolg bringt. Chris Guillebeau hat sich selbst eine Aufgabe gegeben, nämlich alle Länder zu bereisen bis er 30 ist. Auf dem Weg dort hin, lernte er wie man ohne festen Job sein Auskommen hat. Es geht nicht darum reich zu werden, sondern sein Leben zu gestalten. Für sein zweites Buch hat er viele, sehr viele Menschen interviewt die ein Microbusiness betreiben und damit ihr Leben finanzieren. Aus den vielen Interviews und seinen eigenen Erfahrungen hat er ein Buch gemacht, welches beschreibt was man tun kann um selbständig zu sein/zu werden. Es ist kein "Halali, wir werden alle ohne Arbeit reich und berühmt in ganz kurzer Zeit Buch", sondern eine Anleitung wie man ein Einkommen schafft mit Arbeit die man selbst bestimmt. Arbeit bleibt es dennoch, aber die Grundidee ist zu sagen, denke darüber nach wie Du Dein Leben gestalten möchtest und dann baue Deine Arbeit so um dass es gehen könnte. Wenn es nicht geht, probiere etwas anderes.

    Durch die vielen Beispiele zeigen, es sind ganz normale Menschen die ganz normale Ideen haben um ihr Leben und ihr Einkommen zu gestalten. Die Spannweite reicht von einem Matratzengeschäft bis zu einem Reisebuchungsservice für Manager.In der Hauptsache kommen Wissensvermittler zu Wort, da deren Geschäft auf digitalem Wege zu bewerkstelligen ist und dem Geschäftsmodell von Chris gleicht.

    Das Buch ist aufgeteilt in 16 Kapitel die immer gleich aufgebaut sind. Einleitung, Beispiele und Erklärung zum Thema des Kapitels, zum Teil mit "Übungen". Abgeschlossen werden die Kapitel mit den Key Points, einer Art Zusammenfassung. Leicht zu lesen und durch die vielen Beispiele immer interessant. Wer darüber nachdenkt ein Nebeneinkommen für sich zu schaffen oder aus dem 9-t-o5 entfliehen möchte sicher eine Hilfe.
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  • Daniele
    5.0 out of 5 stars Idee da mettere in pratica subito, storie vere fonte di ispirazione
    Reviewed in Italy on February 25, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Il titolo di questo libro fa sognare ma il contenuto è pieno di storie vere (tutte verificabili grazie ad una rapida ricarca su internet)da cui prendere spunto.
    Se comprate il libro perchè sperate di trovare la ricetta magica per farvi trovare il lavoro dei vostri sogni e diventari ricchi con un investimento iniziale irrisorio (come nelle classiche storie e filme relativi alle startup) dovete cambiare libro, ma anche cambiare il vostro modo di pensare.
    L'autore Chris Guillebeau è una persona genuina che è riuscita a mettere a frutto le proprie passioni per ottenerne una fonte di reddito.
    Im merito del libro è quello di far capire al lettore come impostare il proprio modo di pensare ed anche come agire per riuscire ad arrivare ad essere pagati per quello che vi piace fare o comunque costruire una passione redditizia.
    Super consigliato!
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  • Corwin Hiebert
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Deal
    Reviewed in Canada on May 8, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    IT'S A REALLY REALLY REALLY GOOD BOOK! The premise is solid, the conversational tone is refreshing, and most importantly there are REAL stories of REAL entrepreneurs starting REAL businesses which are making REAL money! So many people want to stick it to the man but so few people know where to look for help. Chris is inspiring, and most importantly, helpful (as in the nuts-n-bolts kinda stuff). Don't believe me? Check out his free resource lineup on The $100 Startup site ' he's got some downloadable PDFs that are just the thing busy, stressed or stalled entrepreneurs need in order to take action.

    Whether you are starting something on the side, hitting the reset button on your current venture, or striking out into the great abyss of self-employment you'll love reading The $100 Startup. It's about regular people doing remarkable things with their energy, passion, and a few bucks to boot.
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  • MLD
    5.0 out of 5 stars love
    Reviewed in Australia on March 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Life changing stuff. Really enjoyed the lessons I learned that will help me turn around after my first “failed” business and do the right thing in my next one!
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  • Vishal Nihalani
    5.0 out of 5 stars Proved to be beneficial in unexpected way
    Reviewed in India on April 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I came from a very traditional family background where we can't see more oppurtunies, so i purchased this book in order to open my mind to new ideas and this book did worked very well, however i got benefited from this book in the most unexpected way...i got to learn that some entrepreneurs were succeeding by creating coupon businesses and then once i was purchasing a course from udemy worth 3499Rs Then I remembered that coupon business and searched on google and got a coupon from which i got the same course in 455Rs. The amount is not a matter of discussion here, but the point i am emphasizing is your mind will be opened to new ideas and you may start to think as an entrepreneur.
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