Rich20Something: Ditch Your Average Job, Start an Epic Business, and Score the Life You Want

by Daniel Dipiazza

The Only Guide You Need to Stop Wasting Your Potential and Create a Kickass Career You Care About

Daniel DiPiazza, the young founder of the massively popular Rich20Something.com, was once a typical twentysomething, logging mind-numbing hours at low-paying jobs in hopes of moving up. Then it hit him: This doesn't have to be my life. Now twenty-eight, DiPiazza has launched multiple successful businesses with zero startup capital--simply by identifying and monetizing his skills into a career and life he loves. And with this book, so can you.
Rich20Something is not some boring spiel on -paying your dues-; it's about hustle. Instead of inching your way up the traditional career ladder, DiPiazza teaches you how to hack it, sharing hard-earned advice, anecdotes from other entrepreneurial badasses, and step-by-step techniques for turning your best skills into a business you're passionate about that pays well to boot, including success secrets like:
- The three questions that will help fail proof your business idea
- How to ruthlessly prioritize, focus, and -ride the Motivation Wave- to get your gig going
- Promotion strategies that literally make you money while you sleep
- Owning the online game on every platform, from ten followers to 500,000
It's time to toss out your parents' career guides (sorry, mom and dad). Rich20Something is the only book you need to blaze your own path to an epic career and start getting the most out of your life now.

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Self Help, Nonfiction, Startup, Audiobook

280 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Spencer Borup · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doesn't get into helpful specifics until the last third, with the majority of the book instead focusing on cliché self-help jargon. The author also came off as a bit of a dick, in a way that felt like he was trying to appeal to his Millennial alpha-male audience. Pro-tip: If you start your book with an anecdote of you coming home with an envelope of cash, pouring it on the bed and fucking your girlfriend on it, then the one or two times you mention the word "ethical" in the book will sound a bit forced.

[Henrik Haapala · Rating 5 out of 5]

To do instead of college (suggestions):
· Travel the world
· Start a business
· Volunteer extensively
· Become fluent in a new language
· Create art
· Compete in a sport
· Become an expert in something that fascinates you
· Write a book

3 question validation:
1. Is there competition in my space?
2. Are my competitors making money?
3. Can I do my product/service/idea differently and/or better?

If, yes on these questions --> you have a good business

Lessons:
· Read more books - a lot more
· 3 question validation works
· Developing focus
· You and i have skills
· Freelancing --> entrepreneurship
· You and i spend time on the internet, adults spend 20 hours/week, why not make money on it?
· There is unique opportunity today
· Evolve, be adaptable

Recommended books:
· Mastery, Robert Greene
· Scrum, Jeff Sutherland
· The Art of Learning, Josh Waitzkin
· Deep Work, Cal Newport
· The Hard Thing About Hard Things, Ben Horowitz
· Meditations, Marcus Aurelius
· (Books mentioned: One Simple Idea, Stephen Key)

7 different ways online businesses make money:
1. e-commerce
2. Affiliate marketing
3. Google, AdSense, banner ads
4. Drop shipping
5. Software as service, app development
6. Content partnerships
7. Digital information products (recommended)

Quotes:

"what was it like to start a business during the late 1800s? In a word, brutal.
… Entrepreneurship just a hundred years ago was literally feast or famine.

There was no such thing as a "lifestyle" business. Work from the beach? John D Rockefeller would laugh in your face! Make your own hours? Andrew Carnegie might slap you! It was kill or be killed." p.33

"If the Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilt's of the world were alive today, they would be ALL OVER these opportunities. But they aren't alive - you are. Now it's your turn to take advantage. This is your unique opportunity in history to take control of your destiny."

7 maxims for growth:
1. I can always improve
2. I persevere when I am frustrated
3. I don’t run from mistakes; I learn from them
4. I am inspired by people who succeed
5. I can learn anything that want to
6. I can make a difference with my effort and my attitude
7. I like to challenge myself

[Robert G. Loden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to disclose that I won this book on goodreads. I entered so that I could give this to my neighbors adult son. He is wondering without a clue. After doing a quick peruse. I gave it to
his dad. So he can give it to his son. Maybe this is the kick start he needs. I'm already 65. Not going to do much for me at this stage in my life. But if it can help Keith. Then we, you and I, will help to
pay it forward. Thanks again.

[Steve Eakin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel packed in some serious knowledge into this book... like a modern 4 Hour Work Week. It's full of relevant and, above all, useful nuggets on how to be successful in today's economy at any age.

Making money online isn't some mythical and mysterious process available to tech geniuses and marketing gurus! This book lays it out in plain english and sets realistic expectations backed up by the pro's who have done it successfully already.

I can count on 1 hand books that kept me up late and had awake early to get in some extra reading time, and this is one of them.

It's in my top 2 or 3 business books of all time.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

DD is like a cool breeze. Love his outlook and fun yet practical logic. I enjoyed reading this book as it is inspiring me to be take action and do what I fear most. I am beyond pumped to tackle this week thanks for writing this!

Pearls of wisdom:

your attitude determines your altitude
Consistency compounds like interest over time
Legacy business lifestyle business
Don't be a do nothing bitch
Your network is your networth
The only thing I've had to sacrifice is everything
I'm still learning how to apply knowledge
No fucks given
Weird salesey tension
He's someone I continually look to for guidance
Success is doing what's awesome to you
Money hungry savages
Legally destroy
If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep you will work until you die
Trying to appear just busy enough to avoid having your work ethic questioned
I was hoping you could shed some light on your career and how you got to where you are today me was it a stroke a luck or strokes of genius I want to know what it took?
I am beyond pumped
A good mental attitude is being happy most of the time
We will never be better then we believe we can
What's the most important thing you've had to sacrifice to get here?
What was your biggest excuse you had to overcome?
What's something about who you are that has massively contributed to your success?
What's the one piece of advice you'd go back and say to yourself on the day you started your business?
What's something you though you'd never have to know that ended up being crucial to your success?
What's your why?
Ruthlessly prioritize

[Dan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book, with a lot of valuable insight into how someone can start a freelance or online business without much startup capital. Daniel did a decent job of bringing in other sources’ opinions, but I felt like some of the content was very clearly skewed toward what types of business he likes personally. It would’ve helped to have others contribute to the sections about starting creative businesses or the other fields he’s not interested in personally to give a more well-rounded view.

However, this book gets major points for bringing up tangible, genuine ideas for how the reader can get into freelance and entrepreneurship and what the barriers to entry really are, rather than vague advice that doesn’t help anyone like many other business books offer. Plus it’s well-written and is more engaging because Daniel’s voice really shines through. Definitely check it out if you’re interested in escaping your 9-5!

[Kiran Alugonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

“$ You don’t need to go to college to make an impact on the world. You just need Wi-Fi, a laptop, and a lot of coffee.
$ The longer you stay in school, the bigger your loans get and the more money you end up giving the government. So it’s in the government’s interest to keep you in college.
$ There are so many exciting alternatives to college and one of them might even lead to you finding your “life’s work.”

[Mark Manderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, some good takeaways.
Ruthlessly prioritize!
Ignore the noise and focus on only what matters!

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so easy to accept the way things are, to listen to the naysayers, the people who misunderstand the possibility that you see as an inability to be happy with what you're given, to self-doubt to the point of giving up. That's all easy, but none of it is worth it. The rigorous, consistent, challenging hard work it takes to make happen what you want, to create the life you want, is worth every ounce of sweat, time and every sacrifice made along the way. You've got one fucking life, make it count. Not the end, not the beginning, or middle, the whole thing. Give every damn day everything you have.

Regardless of if I've heard the message or been taught the lessons in previous findings, it's still important to me to be constantly immersed in the thoughts and minds of those that 'show up,' that not only prove the critics or statistics wrong but change the game altogether. It's much like that feeling you get after watching a kick ass movie that leaves you feeling unstoppable. I've always wondered if you could somehow bottle that feeling up and carry it around with you, what amazing things could come of that. I think you can, you simply surround yourself with the minds that get it, that see the possible in what is said to be impossible. It's making no compromises for your goals and putting in the work.

With each book, podcast, or video I ingest of those who inspire me and talk about the journey with honesty, I walk away with new insights, and start new healthy habits to get me closer to making my dreams a reality. With this book it got me started in daily meditation (something I've long wanted to do and finally committed to), giving me a more clear and focused mind, and got my husband to get a CRM together to better connect with his audience and grow his community and work that he does. I encourage all to take every opportunity you can to learn from others who've been there, reflect, and apply what works for you to create the life you want. Above all else, show up - every damn day.

[Meagan VT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rating this book as 5 stars because it told me exactly what I needed to know at the right time in my life. If you're like me and you're finally ready to start something of your own to get more out of life then you'll benefit from reading this book. It is for absolute beginners in business - those who have already started their entrepreneurial journey will find it too simple although Daniel does address limiting beliefs that everyone would benefit from.

Key messages:
-Everyone should have multiple income streams
-Find the intersect of your skills and your passions and start freelancing
-As long as you are more skilled relative to someone else - you can sell your services, make money, and grow your business as you become better at what you do.
-You don't have to work twice as hard as your 9-5 to make 2, 3, 4, even 5x the amount of money
-The difference between freelancing and entrepreneurship is that entrepreneurs make a PASSIVE income
-Digital information products are the key to making passive income

[Steven Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A self-help book that urges millennials to be creative, pursue goals and provide value to others. For example, the author suggests instead of absorbing content all the time, create content. Share something valuable to others, which in turn, provides more meaning to your life. Drawing from his experience, Daniel emphasizes that this requires hard work. He suggests to start by building a side-hustle, and eventually "ditching your average job" to pursue this side-hustle full-time. The author provides some unique insights and justifications that I have not read elsewhere. I found this book to be a quick, easy, and informative read - highly recommended for young adults who need that extra push of encouragement to pursue the life they want.

[Swapnil Dhabekar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a book written by millennial 'Daniel DiPiazza' he has distilled almost everything one needs to get started and run his business online.. I've got a big clarity on what passive income is and freelancing is before this I was considering both as same both are part of online business but there's a huge difference between them. Lot's of successful people who have built there business online has freely shared their insight and given some advice before starting. So if one is really confused on what is Online business all about. Go for it to have basic knowledge. Although I was already knowing few things from it but on some concept I really got deep understanding.

[Angelico Ringor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written by a millennial- for a millennial. Don't get me wrong, it's not an insult. As a millennial myself, we are often stuck between thinking and doing. This book does a great job of lighting a fire under our butt and forces us to move forward and just do what we need to do.

For this reason alone, it's worth 4-stars. This may not contain the end-to-end steps on how to get the job/life that you want, but it's a good start.

If you're a millennial and you're lost, or stuck, this book is for you.

[Brian Ambrosini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to start this book at first. Partly the title and the author's age, gave off a "it's another book about the same thing".

The author Daniel, gives some good advice. Albeit, mostly suited for people my age, but its concrete. Sure there is a lot of mindset stuff, but he gives some serious actionable advice. I also enjoyed how he reinforced being a normal guy...Really gave off a feeling he does believe anyone can do it.

Great book on a different perspective.

[Colona Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there are good pieces of advise in here, I especially liked the you don't have to do a-b-c route to get somewhere. You can go straight to a-c! I think learning this early on and learning there are often more options to choose from for yourself is a good way to start thinking. I'm learning more about personal finance right now so this wasn't exactly the book I was looking for but I thought it was a good read. ~Ashley

[Charity Henesy-Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some good nuggets in here. As a beginning entrepreneur I need all the help I can get. And it was an easy read; his tone is conversational. But I do wish he'd I interviewed even one female business owner. And aside from stating that "it won't be easy" and " it takes a lot of hard work", he didn't discuss the hard parts of running a business: time management, finances, fatigue, creative blocks.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

This was such a great read! It’s for anyone who is look to jump start their business and live life on their own terms. Daniel has provided so much information that it’s basically foul proof. I’ll definitely recommend this book to any entrepreneur who is just starting out. So insightful!

[Tee Ee Ngiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read, within 2 days I finish the whole book. Easy read, he preaches that digital product or online courses are what makes him rich, more like a guru stuff or something, teach people something and make people pay for what you teach stuff like that. I like this book is because it is a combination of mindset and practical actions tips!

[Zack Quaderer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt there was a lot of filler information in the book. There was some useful information towards the end but, a lot of this book could be found in other self help books. If this genre if book is something you are just starting it would be a good read however, if you have read any self help/entrepreneur books before there is a lot of recycled content.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim.... and kept reading because he was not only making good points but also shining a light on my own personal reasons and insecurities about starting my own business. Lots of really great info and advice in this book

[Ferhat Elmas · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of many. Don't read, build instead.

[joshua esters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

Changed my mindset, immediately! Bought my first domain before finishing the book. I'm on my way. Good read for the young and "old"

[Manoj Bhatia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Business Skills learning Book.

[Michael Tsai · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Chinese version)
也許是因為我已經看過一些關於創業的書，而且自己也已經有了一些點子，正嘗試付諸實行，所以覺得這本書對我幫助不大。我以略讀的方式，不到兩個小時讀完。 如果你不想一直當個朝九晚五的上班族，卻又不知該如何跳脫目前的困境——沒點子、沒信心、沒計畫，那麼這本書也許對你有幫助。

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most inspiring and thought provoking books I have read in my life. I will be a lifelong fan.

[Eric Xia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has some good pointers here and there but mostly filled with vague self-help words.

[Kareena Prasad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not really applicable to me because I am pursuing a career that necessitates college and post-graduate education. However, I found this book very fascinating. It inspired me to think outside the box with my future career pursuits and showed me that in addition to job training, I should also be networking and engaging in my passions.

One thing about this book that I did not like was the way that it talks about college education. Society generally has the mindset that going to college is only about improving your chances of getting a high-paying, secure job. While this may be some people’s reason - a perfectly valid reason of course - I also think that college has value outside of just improving job prospects. Universities attract experts of thought from all around the country, and even the whole world. Universities give these expert thinkers the resources and environment to further advance their respective fields. Lots of good has come from college education settings - from cures for diseases to fundamentally new approaches to studying society as a whole. Yes, these jobs are not known for bringing in big bucks, and yes they require hard work, but these people are extremely vital to the proper functioning and constant improvement of society.

[Brian Honigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider Rich20Something one of the gateway drugs for the business book section because it's written in relatable terms anyone can understand and it showcases the true journey an entrepreneur goes through to find success their own way.

Here are the three themes from the book that resonated with me and I believe will help others too:

1) Expertise in marketing: A skill any business owner in any industry can use, Daniel breaks down how out-of-the-box thinking will get you further in your career more quickly. There’s a mix of both major marketing strategies to really move the needle, as well as day-to-day promotion tactics to help with your ongoing growth.

2) Realistic, compassionate attitude: To me, Daniel is known for his no-bullshit approach to business and life, which is refreshing and motivating as you read through his journey and learn from his advice. He acts as a cheerleader for your business while giving you real information that isn’t sugarcoated. For example, not worrying about setting up a business checking account the first week you start your company as it really only makes you feel accomplished and strokes your ego taking time away from more important activities.

3) Willingness to collaborate and support others: One of my favorite things about Daniel’s approach to his book and business is the fact he built his company off of relationships and grit while doing the same thing for other entrepreneurs in need of his guidance. The insights included from other entrepreneurs throughout the book are extremely useful for providing a variety of actionable perspectives on the primary issues we all face as professionals trying to make it work.

Throughout this book, Daniel chronicles his years of experience as a marketer and entrepreneur giving you the tips, tricks and strategies that have made him such a success. Most of all, he helps readers shift their mindset to not necessarily copy his exact tactics, but use his experience to fuel their journey as their own future boss. Pick this one up to learn what it takes to build your own business in 2017.