Your Business, Your Way. Now.
I know how it is; I was there, too. You can hardly stand it. You go to work each day, living for the weekend (and happy hour), and that coveted one-dollar raise you have been waiting for that came through after your formal review no longer makes you feel gratified.
The stories you tell yourself about security, prestige, and company loyalty seem so phony. That’s because they are.
You are the only one who will care about your future and your now. You are the only one who will wholeheartedly invest in Y.O.U. You deserve and want more than a job—you want a way of life that fulfills you, allows you to play to your strengths, and doesn’t require you to do those stupid Ropes courses one weekend a year in an attempt to foster team work and corporate bonding.
If you have spent any time on the Internet, and have a passion for living and independent life on your own terms, then you likely know my friend Chris Guillebeau from The Art of Nonconformity blog and his first book by the same name. And if you don’t know who Chris is, then perhaps you come down from your mountain cave and find out.
Chris is a dynamo. The man has visited over 175 countries and will complete his goal of visiting all the nations on our fair planet by the time he is 35, which means he’s got one year to complete the task. When he is not globetrotting, he is putting on the World Domination Summit, for creatives of all stripes, to take place in Portland again this year or writing bestselling books like his latest, The $100 Startup.
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
The $100 Startup is subtitled Reinvent the Way you Make a Living, Do What you Love, and Create a New Future, and he’s not kidding. The book is practical, a road map—classic Chris all the way. Chris is known for doling out no-nonsense advice and perspective living a life of meaning, adventure, and service. In The $100 Startup, Chris shows you, through stories of others who have stepped off the corporate-go-round, that it is possible to start now, today, without a degree, heaps of cash, or special skills to start a business that feeds your passion and allows you to share with a world that is waiting for your expertise.
The valuable lessons that Chris shares, both of his own life’s journey and that of the 50 individuals profiled in the book, are actionable—you can craft a plan as you read, and implement as you go.
Let’s face it: the economy has changed forever. For better or worse, it is a new game. Learn to thrive in the new economy by starting your own $100 Startup business. Whether you are an employee looking for a side gig, or recently unemployed, The $100 Startup has something for you.
[I am giving away a copy of Chris Guillebeau's new book, The $100 Startup. All you need to do is to comment on this post and tell me what business you'd start today if money, time, or your fears were not holding you back. I will select a winner on Tuesday, May 22nd after 5pm PDT]
more inspiration here!
13 Comments for this entry
Kelly
If I could start any business without the fear of money, time, or failure…..what would it be? Wow, what a question. I’d want to organize interesting, creative, fun events around town for people to attend. I love the feeling of building a community. How I would parlay that into a money-making business is kind of a question mark…. Or I’d do social media consulting or copywriting for small businesses.
Flying Yogini
will have to look for this one! thanks for the rec
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Flying Yogini
Forgot to add: I’d start a yoga studio and juice bar. today. i have the perfect spot and hella inspiration
Kathleen Prophet
Shanna! How I LOVE Chris Guillebeau! I was drawn in to this whole online scene through no other than Chris… his first book, The Art of Non-Conformity, and his site. His site gave me the vision of a whole new world that I didn’t know existed! When where authenticity was the name of the game as well as mulch-passionate entrepreneurism. I wanted THAT! and… thus I have been delving ever since in my attempt to create it. Ahhhhh… how visions are soooo whole and complete… and yet to get there… yes, is truly the quest. So. Much. Work! Thankfully, it is what I am passionate about, otherwise I would have left it long ago.
So… what business would I create? Yes, what I am now… but also include the full ferocity of my Artist self without concern whether people understand it. My writing, my paintings, my encounters. And.. I fully intend to include these once the other side of my biz is more settled into form. That one is in service to people so THEY can become gnarly artists of their wild creative soul genius!
Thank you for the post! and for the contest! xo
Kathleen Prophet recently posted..Beltane! Wesak! Full Moon! A Rite of Spring! Fertility! The Lover Queen! Mother’s Day
Miro
I like the creative out of the square thinking that seems to ooze out of Chriss’s every pore. It’s infectious and much more importantly inspiring.
This is like an ointment on a sore knee for me at a time where I need lots of inspiration and balm.
Stacy Spensley
What a great giveaway! Honestly I already have my business, so the question for me is what I could DO with that business if money, time, or fear weren’t holding me back. I would hold retreats in beautiful locations with delicious, healthy, nourishing food for women to really feel safe and not judged and be able to work through things so they could have those major breakthroughs and really thrive and grow.
I just want everyone to be happy and healthy, is that so much to ask? ;p
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Kimby
Shanna, I commented previously (before you announced your giveaway) so I’m back… thanks for offering this, by the way! I’m dreaming of starting a home-based writing business with a little baking thrown in on the side. 
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Jessica Kupferman
If money were no object, I always thought a great idea for a business would be a drive through pierogi hut. You can have them baked, boiled or fried, and they come with all kinds of sauces. LOL! Seriously though, maybe a fun and funky vintage boutique. But I love the business I have now! So it’s tough.
Jessica Kupferman recently posted..Social Media – Lessons from Mom Beyond the Grave
Alyssa
I’m in the infancy stages right now, but will flush out even more through this round of B-school my business supporting mom entrepreneurs to simplify their businesses while increasing profits so that they don’t feel like they have to choose business over family, relationships and self care. I’d also love to create holistic getaways for these moms to tap into their creative side and get some pampering and rejuvenation so they can bring their best selves into their businesses.
Thanks for the review of the book, it’s definitely on my reading list now!
Jeff
Excellent! Perfect timing…I’m training in Space Energy Clearing, and plan on launching it as a business later this year. Thanks for offering this!
Cris:Gladly
I would start The Terrified Traveler in a more substantial way. My biggest challenge there is the $$ factor, figuring out how to start from zero and get the dream live b/c in doing so, it becomes more than just a blog about one never-traveled-before girl learning how to boldly see the world … it becomes a resource about transcending the same fear and obstacles for hundreds and hundreds (and thousands) of people like me who are craving to get out there and need someone they can relate to to lead the way.
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Jen
My health coaching business is just a wisp of an idea right now – I have a lot of work to do in the next year! I want to write, I want to teach people about mindful eating and joy and self-acceptance and the beauty of the Now. Long-term, though, if money were no object, I would buy and run a holistic bed & breakfast… think: massage studio, yoga classes, organic garden with a sun-drenched bench for reading, cooking classes, one-on-one coaching sessions, board games… maybe a friendly golden retriever If I don’t win the book, I will buy it
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Kimby
Shanna, thanks for this book recommendation and also the link to Chris’s blog — loads of valuable information. And, thank YOU for caring enough about my future to take time to share your thoughts along with an inspiring resource!