Creating a business that doesn’t have a huge operating cost or need tons of capital has been at the heart of my friend Chris Guillebeau’s blog The Art of Non Conformity since its inception. And finally, someone wrote a book about how to do it.
If you’ve been wanting to start a very small business to support your freedom, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Chris’s book. The best part about is that it’s not just some guy telling you how to do it that hasn’t actually done it himself. This book is based on dozens of solid case studies and information about how other people have done it in a wide variety or markets with skills they already have.
Chris was kind enough to answer some of my questions about the book that I thought would be helpful to our community. Enjoy and then leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of the book. :)
What’s the big message behind $100 Startup, and what called you to write it?
The big message is freedom, specifically the freedom found through creative self-employment, and how readers can achieve it. The model is based on a multi-year, data-driven study with 1,500 people who had all created successful microbusinesses without spending a lot of money and by using the skills they already had. I wanted to extract their lessons and share specific case studies that could be replicated elsewhere.
I like the word calling. In this case, I traveled the world and kept meeting unexpected entrepreneurs, the people who had started these kinds of businesses. I was challenged and personally inspired by their stories, so my goal was to craft their stories into a blueprint that readers could follow on the road to their own freedom.
Do you think money and resources are the biggest barriers for most people to start their own businesses, or do you think there’s something else that holds people back?
Definitely not, and I’m guessing you don’t either. I think the biggest barriers are uncertainty (in various forms) and the lack of knowledge. Plenty of people are already motivated to create change in their lives, but they don’t know which next steps to take. The $100 Startup is an attempt at providing 300 pages of next steps, with lots of checklists, examples, and action plans.
As for uncertainty, that’s a bit tougher. As you allude to in the next question, people have all kinds of fears and insecurities, especially the fear of failure. One thing that may help is to consider the role of risk in your life. For most of us, self-employment was often considered the risky choice, whereas the traditional job market was considered the safe choice.
But these days, a lot of people are taking a hard look at those definitions. If you can start a business quickly, without spending a lot of money, where is the risk? Meanwhile, the traditional job market continues to shrink, with no shortage of people unable to find work in the field in which they trained. That’s why many of us find that it’s actually a much less risky decision to go it alone, taking matters into our own hands and creating our own security.
I think often people don’t get started because they’re afraid their idea will fail or it won’t actually be something they can invest in long-term. What advice do you have to people that want some extra reassurance?
I’d tell them to read your blog! You deal with this question very well.
And I’d guess I’d also ask them, “What’s the worst thing that can happen if it doesn’t work out?”
As for long-term, I’m not sure that anyone’s first project needs to be something they’ll stick with forever. For at least ten years I did all kinds of things that I wasn’t willing to invest in long-term. I eventually grew to the point where I wanted to create convergence in my work and think more about legacy, but in the beginning my main motivation was “How can I pay the bills so I can worry about other things?”
Do you think that solopreneurship and microbusinesses are the next evolution in the world of work?
Perhaps, and I think we’re just beginning. As you know, solopreneurship isn’t necessarily new. I used to visit villages in Sierra Leone where everyone was essentially a solopreneur, simply because there was little to no formal economy or traditional jobs to be had. However, what’s changed in the depth and breadth of connections we can make, with all kinds of people all over the world.
At the same time, other factors are encouraging the spread of solopreneurship. More people are aware of options and opportunities than ever before. Online shopping used to be a fringe activity, but now it’s completely mainstream to buy shoes online or even “shop” for a prospective partner. Then with the negative economic news that comes out every day, more and more people are seeking alternatives to traditional work. Those who are already embracing these forms of self-employment are early adopters, but soon we’ll see a whole revolution. (Or at least I hope so.)
What did you learn launching this book?
I learned a few things. First, I was surprised that almost everyone in the study was very open in discussing the internal workings of their business, including the financial details. I asked people to disclose how much money they made and how much it cost to start the business because I wanted to create a highly-specific resource—but I expected a little resistance to that request, since most people aren’t comfortable talking in public about their income.
Instead, what I found was that almost everyone was willing to share. Several of them said things like, “I don’t usually talk about money, but if it helps someone else, I will.”
On a practical standpoint, we had a strong launch and debuted on all the major bestseller lists. On Amazon and BN.com, we even outsold The Hunger Games for three days straight. (Spoiler: 100% less children die in The $100 Startup.)
However, I did have one commercial disappointment. We were #1 on USA Today and BN.com, but on Amazon I was only able to get to #4. The thrilling 50 Shades of Grey series, which has sold 10 million copies (!) in the past six weeks, was impossible to topple from the top 3 spots. Therefore, to compete with that series, I’ve decided to add more sex scenes to future editions of the book. Stay tuned…
What’s next for you? Is there another book in the works?
I love writing books and am beginning the long process of planning the next one, which will be more about the love of adventure and my quest to visit every country in the world. But I also have a few other things going on: 8 countries I still need to visit in the next 8 months, the upcoming World Domination Summit with 1,000 people coming to town, and various other projects.
Truly, I feel very fortunate and grateful to be able to do what I do every day. If I wasn’t keeping busy with work that I enjoy, I’m sure I’d be depressed. So instead of letting that happen, I just keep going.
How to win a copy of the $100 Startup
I thought it would be fun to give away a copy of the book. For one lucky commenter, we’re going to mail a copy of The $100 Startup to you for free.
If you’d like a chance to win a copy of the book, just leave a comment below and tell us why you think this would be a good book for you.
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46 Comments on "How to Create a Business for $100 or Less"
I work in a situation where the writing is on the wall that my group might be outsourced sooner rather than later.
This might be what I need to get moving on my next career.
This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the interview and the info on the book!
Thanks for the great interview. I’d definitely be interested in winning a copy of this book. I just graduated from university and I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a translation company and I’d love to read it.
I’m starting my last year of university this autumn and I can feel “real life” getting closer and closer. And I’m not sure I want the traditional job at a design agency. So I feel this book would be a great inspiration in finding an untraditional way to live off design and hopefully art.
I’ve been eyeing this book ever since I heard about it, and I think it would give me a lot of inspiration and courage to try!
Apparently you are never too old to reinvent yourself, so I believe its my time now! I want to do what I love and create a new future for myself and I think this would be an excellet book for me!
I like my current job, but both my wife and I are thinking of a few side projects that could grow into something. This book looks like an excellent resource.
Lol at the 50 Shades of Grey shade.
This book seems positively great. As a novice entrepreneur, I’m currently reading a lot of what is available out there and this one seems pretty helpful. I’ll definitely check on it !
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I saw this on amazon the other day and would love to own a copy – especially after reading this review :-)
why do I think this would be a good book for you?!Simply, the answer was in between the lines,,,, a lot of people would like to change and they have started but they don’t have a plan and they don’t know what NEXT… and this a very BIG question , i really would like to receive copy of this book to discover what NEXT from Chris point of View.
$100 would be fairly easy to raise for a start-up, though entrepreneurs will need to have reasonable expectations. It’s a small fee so the financial risks are lower.
This is a great book full of valuable content. I would have to say that between Chris and Jonathan, I have found some great people to look up to and look at how they are changing the game. Both of these guy’s messages are encouraging and inspirational.
For several years I have wanted to start a business. At first the biggest stumbling block was scaling my ideas down to the size of my budget. Didn’t want to get a loan and whoa am I glad I didn’t in this economy! This book interests me because I am now ready to start small and reach my more realistic goals. It is always good to tap into the insights of those who have a similar experience. Who knows? I might save myself a few mistakes along the way too!
started reading this last week – what a great book. totally synthesis of how to get off your ass and start a business, now. thanks for highlighting it here on the blog.
started reading this last week – what a great book. totally synthesis of how to get off your ass and start a business, now. thanks for highlighting it here on the blog.
Is the cost of the book included in that $100?
what if I want to write a book about how to write a book and make money?
This books just made the top of my “books to get” list.
As a single mother, Ive been struggling to find the best avenue of starting my biz on a budget. Ive digressed in my career life due to some major setbacks. And sometimes it seems that nothing works in my favor but Im determined to keep pushing regardless! I would love to have this book to help launch me into the next phase of my career. This website has been such a blessing and Im just ready to take this knowledge and move up!! :)
I need a change of pace. Badly.
Unless the book guides me step by step how to do this, any book on the subject of making money out of nothing or almost nothing, sounds to me like the author is fishing for people to buy his book.
Can you prove me wrong? Send me a copy and let’s see can I make some money because of it. I promise to give you back some percentage of the profit.
I recently left my job. I’ve been reading entrepreneur blogs and startup blogs for the last 3 or 4 years with a little voice in the back of my head that I should start my own business. Now I have that opportunity, and I’m taking advantage of it. This book would be helpful to me as I am going through the process of starting my own business right now.
I don’t read much books , but this is a great read , seriously !
I want to start a business for $100 or less. It’s about time. Thanks
Having been, essentially, forced to move to an even MORE backwoods place than where I was, I am DESPERATELY looking for a rope, a lifeline, and ladder, a path, ANYTHING to get OUT of here, and back to having choices in my life. Like having the CHOICE of going out with friends, or seeing a movie, or dinner, or even staying home- IF that is my choice, rather than the force of being broke and stranded in the middle of nowhere…. PLEASE, a copy of this book could BE that lifeline!
This would be good book for me cause i am searching something like that.
A maybe this would help me take the leap and jump into a new start. I hope everyone get a chance to read this book!
The idea of having a guide with checklists and action plans to help me be a more effective and successful solopreneur is comforting and enthralling.
Thanks for telling us about Chris’s book and blog!
100$ startup capital to start a business without a loan from the bank! … SOunds like good stuff. I am up for it. Will have to break and open up the piggy bank and see how much it has inside :p
I feel that nothing happens by accident. I just saw a mention of this book the other day as well. It’s time to get moving to building that empire.
I’d love to win the book!
Fascinating, would live to win a copy
It is so great to hear about a book that uses actual research to prove a point (The model is based on a multi-year, data-driven study with 1,500 people who had all created successful microbusinesses without spending a lot of money and by using the skills they already had.).
Many writers go on personal experience only and don’t reach out to others.
I am in the process of starting a business in the hopes of quitting my day job! This would be a great book to help me get started.
~Marie
This book would be great for me because I am at this point right now. I quit my full-time corporate job and I need to get something started ASAP. I took your advice and wrote down a quitting date, and actually ended up quitting a few days prior. I am just going to buy the book now because I don’t have time to waste. If you send me a free copy, I’ll give it to a friend in need.
i recently finished this book which i borrowed from the library, but i’m definitely going to purchase it for my permanent “library”. it’s VERY straightforward and inspirational. it gives you the feeling that it IS possible to start something with very little capital. So many businesses talk about huge startup costs or needing to go for loans, but many people just don’t have that option and reading about so many entrepreneurs that have started with little to nothing is a great inspiration.
I have been thinking about becoming an entrepreneur for 20 + years now but I haven’t made the final step yet because of the way my life have formed. If this book could kick me into gear without risking a fortune I would be happy and you would have a great story to promote your book. Hope I win !
Great post :)
I would love a copy of Chris’ book! I personally know a lot of people (including myself, of course) that would greatly benefit from reading it. It’s potentially life-changing information!