The $100 Startup + GIVEAWAY

This fabulous amazon bestseller
book has been delivered to my doorstep on three separate occasions this month and I finally finished the last page last night.  Truly an incredible resource for any starting entrepreneur and even those already settled into business will find several new and refining ideas to tweak and refine what you have already started.

Chris is one of my favorite writers and thinkers. I link to his blog often, I devoured his first book with passion, and this one holds to all my expectations.

What makes this book unique?

Chris is a mastermind at being an unconventional entrepreneur. He could have easily written this book from his own experience, but instead he chose to conduct a massive study of other successful entrepreneurs.  His book research started with 1500 case studies and the book itself highlights his top 50 picks that cleverly illustrate the what, how and why behind successful start-up microbusinesses.

AND I’M ONE OF THE 50 ENTREPRENEURS PROFILED!

I know. Now this book review suddenly became highly biased.  And now you know why I’ve had complimentary copies showing up on my doorstep! But aside from my own baffled delight that “little old me” was able to contribute to the content, this truly is an invaluable resource, especially in today’s economy.

There are so many varied and simple examples of ways that people have managed to marry a passion into a business that serves people, that I couldn’t help but think of

1.   Many new angles on my own existing business

and ironically,

2.  Ideas for all the people in my family either un-employed, underpaid, or simply too talented to not do something about it.  (Note to my family: I’ll let you ask me yourself what your own great business idea I crafted for you was!)

In short, you can’t read this book without being inspired to action and without seeing business possibility in your own talents and passions.

Would you like a copy?

To celebrate I’m giving away 2 copies of this book to 2 of my readers! To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment telling me what passion/hobby/or interest you’d love to create a business around and why!  

 

 

76 Responses

  1. I would love this book! I would love to start a design store and maybe someday teach others how to design. It has always been a passion of mine!

  2. I would love to turn my love and passion for photography into a business. It would enable me to be able to be around my children more:)

  3. I’d love to continue to build my photography biz but sometimes I think it would be fun to also produce gluten-free & dairy-free desserts to sell in our area…

  4. I’d love to start a photography business. But I also would love to start a t shirt business, a wedding/party planning business, and a business for kids to learn to invent stuff.

  5. My husband and I dream of starting our own business every single day. His would be a surf shop (where he sells the boards he shapes now in our backyard) that also sells fish tacos. Mine would be a resale shop filled with fab furniture finds that I’ve repurposed (paint, upholstery, etc). Oh…and there would definitely be a big ole lazy dog hanging out behind the counter. ahhhh….it’s fun to dream!

  6. I have a 17 year old autistic niece and have watched the struggles her and my sister have had to endure all her life. Lately I have been going to her events (school dances, softball games, etc.) and watched her and her peers try to feel their way through life among all the “normal” kids. I would love to expand my business (which is barely off the ground at this point) and include a specialty for kids with disabilities. I know from my experience its so hard to even get a smile from my niece and when she finally does, it’s spectacular. I’d love to be able to help other struggling families capture some happy, smiling moments that could help them get through the the times when there are no smiles.

  7. I would love this book. I’m 28 years old and I’ve still never been able to answer the question “what do I want to be when I grow up?”.

    Photography is the only thing I’m passionate about (besides my family of course) and that I think I’m good at and still learning every day.

    I would love to be able to make money from my passion. I think this is my only calling. I just don’t know how to get started.

  8. i would love to have this book to help me with my dream of running a successful photography business! I’m just starting and I’m so overwhelmed with the prospect of marketing, accounting, well, everything really!

  9. I would LOVE a copy! This is perfect timing too because my husband was telling me about this book and how amazing the reviews sound.

    This would also be a perfect opportunity to venture out and begin my baby craft company: Gussy & Bean
    I want to make bow ties, hair bows, and burp cloths but it’s scary to venture out on a limb, especially with a family.

    This book would be a great starting point for me.

  10. I want to grow in my love for photography and grow in business skills (the side I’m a bit lacking in)…to teach others to dance in the rain…to breathe deeply and take in the presence of God by experiencing moments of joy with others. I want photography to have a mission and purpose beyond a smile. It is a window into the soul.

  11. Brooke, congratulations on all of your success!! And for this recent accomplishment! Reading business books is a real goal of mine this year. I want to learn how best to operate my small business with integrity and successfully. Capturing people with my camera is something I love because it gives back to the very ones I am photographing. They will be able to cherish those images for years to come. My sisters 34 year old son died tragically a few years ago and we all realized even more the importance of photography in our lives as we scrambled for photos of him. I want people who I can serve this way to have quality images of their loved ones. My little business (hopefully) blesses the people I capture. I know I am blessed by photographing them 🙂

  12. Brooke,
    You have inspired me from the first day I picked up my camera! I would love to expand my hobby into a business and become as organized, professional, and successful as you are!

  13. I started my photography business almost a year ago and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. However, I struggle with the business side of it, so I need all the help I can get. I’d love to read the book.
    Congrats, by the way! 🙂

  14. I’ve recently opened my heart and mind to the possibility of work that I am passionate and excited about. Until now work has always been a necessary evil – emphasis on evil. I’ve picked two passions to focus on – connecting with others on social media and exploring my new city (Chicago). But I’m still discovering how to turn those loves into meaningful, income generating, work. This book sound like it might be a wonderful resource and further source of inspiration. Thank you for sharing your extra copies. I would love a chance to WIN. I promise to put one of the books to good use!

  15. I have already started a business around my passion for photography. I have definitely found that what i thought the challenges would be are only the tip of the iceburg to how enormous they have turned out to be. I also believe that turning your passion into your business can be extremely rewarding, yet sometimes difficult to think of from a business perspective as opposed to a personal one.

  16. Brooke! What an exciting thing for you to be featured. I would love love to read this book. I’ve been eying it since it released and I would love to find some new ways to tweak what I am doing with my business. Thanks to you I’ve started piecing together the puzzle of where my passion truly lies and I’d love to continue finding ways to share my love of nourishing the mind, body, and soul through photography.

  17. Brooke –

    Congratulations! I read a few pages in a Barnes & Noble the other day and told myself that once I had the money (I’m on a serious shoe string budget!!), that I would get it. 🙂 I am a growing photographer, but also absolutely love to write. I have hopes of building my business to incorporate both aspects – potentially working towards photojournalism.

    Congrats once again!!

  18. oh, my ,gosh, i would love a copy. Right now I have abusiness/very expensive hobby that I pay to have!! I am not a traditional learner and this book seems like it could really help me. A creative approach sounds like heaven!!Thank you for the opportunity, I always love my happiness from you:-))

  19. Way to go Brooke, what an honor to be featured as one of the best entrepreneurs!! As I was reading your review, I was thinking I MUST read this book. And the cover just makes me want to read it :). As we talked about, I am always looking for ways to improve upon my wedding and party rental business, so that I can continue to express my creativity, yet make a profit, and still have time for my family life. I am looking for ways to tweak it to find the maximum enjoyment out of it! My husband is an entrepreneur too, and I think we could both benefit from this book. Thanks for being a continued source of motivation for me!

  20. I’m dreaming of a photography business one day. I’ve signed up for online workshops and I’m also taking the lifeismessybootcamp!

  21. Congratulations! And, thank you for introducing me to Guillebeau’s work/website. I can’t wait to read more!

    I am passionate about people telling their stories. I don’t know what it looks like,yet, but I’ll create a business that helps people find their voices and share the memories and lessons gathering dust on their mental shelves.

  22. All I want to do is make my husband and two little daughters proud of me by proving you can move to a foreign country, learn a new language, build a new life and become a successful photographer. This book could be the final piece of the puzzle for me and my dreams.

  23. Good Morning! I would love to receive that book! I’m currently in my first year of my business and I have soo much learning and way to go!!!! My business is a photography business but taking pictures is not my first goal. Spreading the news about my Lord and Savior, now that is my goal. 🙂 The more people I come in contact with the more I hope sees Him through me. That is why I have picked scripture as my name and I try to include it on everything. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;” Proverbs 3:5
    I hope your day is wonderful
    with love and prayers:)

  24. In addition to photography, I teach drama classes for children (ages 3 – 12) in order to develop imagination, creativity and the self confidence to express themselves. I am an avid reader and would love to read this book and add it to my collection. I am actively seeking ideas and inspiration to build my businesses to not only serve the community but also help sustain and provide for my family doing something for which I am extremely passionate.

  25. I would love to have a little photography side business. I have read a lot about this book, but haven’t seen it in the local bookstore yet. It would be interesting to read it and see what it has to offer. In this economy, and in Southern California, not only does everyone have a camera, but there seems to be little value put on photos taken by others – no desire to pay someone else to take photos for them. I just have no idea how – or where – I would find clients.

  26. Hi Brooke,

    I found your site through Dare, Dream, Do. Thanks for this post and the opportunity! I recently launched SamsDreamBlog.com as a new venture because I love hearing people tell their stories. I believe everyone has a dream that’s important to pursue and am doing by best to create a community for that!

  27. I have been teaching art and photography for the past 17 years. After my first trip to New York, I decided it was time for me to start creating art myself, and not just inspiring other people to do it. I love my photography business and want to take my business to the next level. I was blessed to find your blog and would be blessed to win this book to help me continue to fullfill my dreams.

  28. I love photography and I would love to start a business one day! This book would really be an inspiration and a help to me. Thanks for the opportunity!

  29. Yours was the first photography class I ever took! I loved it, gushed about it in a testimonal, and a year later I’ve officially started my business as a child photographer. This book would be so very extremely resourceful to me as, like so many, I trying to live a passionate life on a shoe string budget! I’d love to be chosen but if not, I’m sure the winners will be just as thrilled as I. thanks for the daily inspiration! –janeen

  30. Brooke-
    After taking your class, I was so inspired to start my own photography biz. I’m reading everything I can before I take the official big jump.

  31. I am in the process of building my own photography business, and would love to evolve into teaching others the skill.

  32. I would love to have the time to dedicate to building my photography business… I need some guidance.

  33. You got me reading this young man’s website and i find it very “mind expanding” for me. I am retired but i don’t see any reason that i couldn’t learn something from this book. People in my faze of life probably need it more to kick start them off into another fun filled passion.I am loving all the blogs that you are turning us onto to ……so thank you, miranda

  34. I would love to start my business in photography/craft, having craft framing projects tied in. I love landscape and lifestyle photography. Your blog is very inspiring thank you.

  35. Brooke,

    Everytime I read a new post from you I just get so excited for you! I love that you are so willing to share your experiences, inspiration, and knowledge because you just have that personality type that helps others believe that they too can take life by the reins instead of feeling pushed around by it.

    I definitely hope to be able to start up my own business. I’ve been dreaming for a while about how to put my pastry making skills to work while at the sametime being there for my family. But as far as where to start…that’s where I’m completely lost. If you think that this book would give me a boost, let me know! Even if I don’t win. 🙂

  36. I’d start a space where I could incorporate all my passions into one, with classes in photography, jewelry making, sewing, painting, as well as hold events like bands and weddings, and help inspire others to learn something new. I’m looking for the courage to change my life and build a more fulfilling lifestyle by giving back to a community and inspiring others. I guess that would be called an art barn, or creative center. Something like that. 🙂

  37. I would love to create a business in photography AND travel. I LOVE travel SO much and capturing all those images that go with it just make it that much better!

  38. Oh, Brooke! Congratulations!!

    I would love to sell organic vegetables and raise organic beef someday. We are working on it, little by little. We also have four sons who are ‘entrepreneurial minded’ at ages 12, 10, 6 and 4 . . . each one of them already has their own ‘business’ and it’s wonderful. So, whether we win the book or buy the book it will be a huge blessing to all of us. Have a lovely day!

  39. You’re wonderful, Brooke (and obviously Chris saw that too)! Congrats!

    I would love to be considered as one of the recipients of a book. Not only am I a fan of a good read, but as you know, my business focus is multi-faceted and I would love to learn how to balance the similarities, embrace the differences and enhance the beauty of blending them together.

  40. I already have a photography business but I would love to tweak it to be even more! I’ve owned my business since 2009 and it is just now that I am beginning to see what aspects of my business that I love. Would love to glean some inspiration for how to move forward and have my business become more ME!

  41. Congratulations! What a lovely surprise for you!

    Have been struggling with how to “be” a business, for a while now. None of my business classes prepared me for the things I’m encountering. A resource to help guide me through the waters would be greatly appreciated. 🙂

  42. I have been in the photography business for 6 years now, since I decided to stay at home when I had my first baby. I have come to a point where although I wish it were more and more profitable, I am tired of dealing with clients…I would love to just do photography and enjoy it. Also, as a stay at home, homeschooling mom I would like to be of help (through a blog or something) to other young moms in my country, Honduras), not necessarily profit from this but I just feel I’d like to share my lessons learned with others.

  43. That book sounds fantastic and I would love a copy! I’ve had a photography business for 9 years but it’s just been the last 2 years that I’ve been working at it full time. I could use some tips to help my business grow!!

  44. Congrats and being part of the 50 profiled! I would like to really get my photography business off the ground as well as revitalize my scrapbooking business. Crossing my fingers!

  45. I have always wanted to own a farm and run a Farmer’s Market type business…in my dreams…LOL (Maybe someday, when I’m old)

  46. I wish to start a business that incorporates my love for energy healing and photography. To do a true beloved session after an energy healing would be divine, for there is no doubt that one’s true self would be present. Within this business model I would also continue spreading love, light and peace one person at a time.

  47. I would love to build a business around my sewing hobby. From alterations to teaching sewing lessons I would love to see my sewing business grow and this book would be awesome to read!

  48. You actually turned me on to Chris’s blog, and I am so grateful. Love his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless enthusiasm. What an inspiration! I, for one, would love to follow in his footsteps and build an income around travel writing and photography.

    You rock, Brooke! Thanks for all of the inspiration and cheer you spread!

  49. I’m still beating my head against the wall with photography. I’m not doing very good with marketing. I’d like to change my focus to editorial/commercial photography and away from family photography.

    I’d also like to be a straight up artist. A potter/sculptor. I always enjoyed that in my art classes.

  50. I would love to have a successful craft blog. My husband and I DIY all kinds of projects from furniture to gardening and loads of little stuff in between. I feel like it’s such a big learning curve, this book looks great!

  51. Well what I do is non-profit but that doesn’t mean I don’t have to be smart with my money. I love photography and found a way to give back using my talent. Simply -I take someones photos and in return they do a service project.I am always looking for ways to improve my blog and make people feel like they can easily do something ie service, which is much harder then it sounds.

  52. Photography and reading about the topic are very interesting to me. Photography at this point is a hobby for me, but something I would definitely like to continue to learn more about and perhaps someday pursue further than a hobby.

  53. Oh, how I LOVE the idea of creating a venue for others to write their PERSONAL HISTORY. I think we all want it, desire it, and would value it. But…how do I we get started? That is my dream!

  54. Hi Brooke, I spend every day surrounding myself with all things garden. I am a landscape designer and have a gardening business, plants and design are a true passion, I feel very blessed to work in something I love. I just would love to make a proper living out of it. Bouquets full of regard for your work. Lisa

  55. Oh holy snap crackle pop I’m so excited for you!!!!! I can’t wait for the opportunity to read such awesome material!

    I honestly don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Oooops, I’m already grown up- lol. Fear plays such a big role in my life, and I would really like it if I could just finally give myself permission to stop conforming and to start being ME 🙂 The REAL me. The one who wants to meet extraordinary people/animals who are contributing great things to the world, and share their stories through wonderful imagery and words. Ahhhh, that would make my heart happy to help people see the existing awesomeness that there is in this world, and give them anew perspective to ponder.

    Much love to ya! Congrats 🙂

  56. Oh wow Brooke!!! I’m so happy for you! I am so excited to check this book out.

    I would love to continue growing my photography business. Right now, I have a portfolio and some shoots under my belt but I am not growing or getting any new business.

  57. I loved Chris’ first book, and would love to win a copy of this one! I am currently a family photographer, but I have a dream of building on online community for moms to share their own creativity, whether it’s photography, crafting, painting, music, blogging, etc.!

    Congrats on the feature!

  58. My husband is an Applied Kinesiologist and we have been trying for about a year getting his business going but we’re having a hard time. Mostly I know how much it can help so many people and we know this is what he is suppose to be doing to support our family. Maybe this is an answer to a lot of prayers:) Thanks for offering this.

  59. “do what you love”. “Do what you love”. “Do what you love”. It’s becoming a chant I hear constantly in my head…and I know what the answer is, so I’m reaching towards it and it’s scary as all heck, but I need to do what I love.

  60. This book looks fantastic! I’m trying to learn as much as I can to start my photography business….this book would be great! thanks for the give away!

  61. I just recently started a photography business and would love to gain some more insight in how to be as successful as possible!

  62. I am on my second year of reading, practice & loving photography and if I can develop this passion into a small business and better market myself as a performing musician I will be one happy girl while I am nurturing strong, loving hearts in my sweet kiddos and adoring my hubby!

  63. My passion is to build Down Syndrome (and special needs) awareness through photography. I want to be able to show the beauty of ALL children and help people understand disabilities and realize that the disabilities do not define the child.

  64. Brooke,

    You are an inspiration to business owners and working moms. My true passion is graphic design and web development. I would love to grow my personal company into a successful business and proof to my daughter you can do anything.

    Thank you,
    Kristina Brown

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