Introduction

To all our 9-to-5ers out there, wanna know what freedom tastes like? Chris Guillebeau will show you.

Guillebeau's blueprint comes from studying hundreds of successful "microbusiness" owners who turned passions into profit without huge investments. These everyday people created sustainable livelihoods doing what they love while serving others.

The old rules are broken. Starting your own thing isn't the risky path anymore - working for someone else is. With today's tools, you can test ideas instantly, receive payments globally, and build customer communities before investing heavily. All you need is a laptop and a good idea!

This book gives you the practical, actionable steps you need, to trade conventional employment for a life where they call the shots.

Summary

The journey to freedom is your own to chart. Don't waste another day living someone else's life. The world is waiting for your unique gifts. The $100 Startup isn't just a business model; it's a declaration of independence. Your value doesn't come from elaborate plans or massive capital, but from the intersection of passion and service. Whether you're in Portland or Phnom Penh, the principles remain: create something meaningful, serve others authentically, and build the life you actually want. Your freedom matters, and so does the freedom you help create for others. Start small, think big, and remember, the time for waiting is over!!!

The Rise of Everyday Entrepreneurs

One Monday morning, Michael Hanna put on his suit, went to work, and got fired. Two years later, he was delivering mattresses by bicycle and running a successful shop. He never planned this path - it just happened when life took an unexpected turn.This story isn't unique. The street merchant of ancient Athens has evolved into today's online entrepreneur, with unprecedented scale and reach, but the core concept remains unchanged: independence through commerce. All around the world, ordinary people are...