100 Side Hustles: Unexpected Ideas for Making Extra Money Without Quitting Your Day Job

by Chris Guillebeau

Best-selling author Chris Guillebeau presents a full-color ideabook featuring 100 stories of regular people launching successful side businesses that almost anyone can do.

This unique guide features the startup stories of regular people launching side businesses that almost anyone can do: an urban tour guide, an artist inspired by maps, a travel site founder, an ice pop maker, a confetti photographer, a group of friends who sell hammocks to support local economies, and many more. In 100 Side Hustles, best-selling author of The $100 Startup Chris Guillebeau presents a colorful "idea book" filled with inspiration for your next big idea. Distilled from Guillebeau's popular Side Hustle School podcast, these case studies feature teachers, artists, coders, and even entire families who've found ways to create new sources of income. With insights, takeaways, and photography that reveals the human element behind the hustles, this playbook covers every important step of launching a side hustle, from identifying underserved markets to crafting unique products and services that spring from your passions. Soon you'll find yourself joining the ranks of these innovative entrepreneurs--making money on the side while living your best life.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Self Help, Money, Audiobook

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2019

About the author

Chris Guillebeau is the New York Times bestselling author of The $100 Startup and other books. During a lifetime of self-employment, he visited every country in the world (193 in total) before his 35th birthday. Every summer in Portland, Oregon he hosts the World Domination Summit, a gathering of creative, remarkable people. Chris also hosts Side Hustle School, a popular podcast that is downloaded more than 2 million times a month.

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I remember best about successful people I’ve met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they’re doing and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they’re doing and they love it in front of others. Fred Rogers

This book is not about the gig economy or start ups, this is about people with passion, creativity and a desire to turn an idea into a side business. Or in some cases, a new career path.

Guillebeau gathers some of his favorite hustles from his highly-rated podcast and groups them into 15 sections in a polished, clean format. I’m a little crazy about the design of everything and this book is beautifully laid out with just the right amount of information and more than a few strategies and summaries.

For each hustle, the author includes a fun fact, a critical factor and, where warranted, an action plan. The hustles range from the ‘I wish I’d thought of that’ (too many great ideas to count) to ‘not in a million years would I have thought there was a market for this,’ (saddles for chickens). He also includes a Side Hustle Lab after each section providing insights and advice.

I first listened to this book on audio read by the author and his delivery is just perfect for his dorky puns. However, I wanted to go back and delve a little deeper into a few of the entrepreneurs’ ideas so I borrowed a copy from the library. Little did I know that Rona would gift me uninterrupted months to re-read the whole book, but it was worth it (not Rona, the re-read) and I would have gladly paid for it.

Highly recommended for inspiration and a celebration of entrepreneurship and gusto. If you’ve dreamt of starting your own business or maybe just want a little side hustle that feeds your soul, this is a great place to start.

[Eddie Kristan · Rating 1 out of 5]

All inspiration... no explanation or instruction. Most of the examples are from skilled and talented individuals who SHOULD be making money with their craft full time but are forced to work other jobs because of benefits and financial concerns in our world of late-stage capitalism. The gig economy is broken and this book is largely fantasy.

If you are actually looking for ways to make money (side jobs or beer money) look elsewhere. This is for feel good stories of unique entrepreneurship that is very "lightening-in-a-bottle." If you ALREADY have a business plan in mind, this might encourage you to try it, but it's not really much of a help otherwise.

[Marcus Kusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

100 Side Hustles is the best side hustle ideas book for anyone who wants to start a side hustle without quitting their job.

What l loved the most are the inspiring and practical ideas Chris shared, with real-life examples of people doing them successfully.

After reading this book, you will find at least one profitable side hustle idea that you can start right away.

I found more than one idea and highly recommend you get this book today. Even better, pair it with this book "Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days" to make the perfect combo for your side hustle.

[Juliana Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think of this as a "look-book" for brainstorming your own side hustle. The book consists of 100 case studies, each about 2-3 pages long, that tell you the founder's story, how much seed money they started with, and how much they make now. The book is also helpfully organized into sections based on the type of side hustle, e.g., those that teach, sell stuff, sell services, etc. The book won't tell you how to execute on the ideas but does refer you to Chris's website, sidehustleschool.com, for further resources.

[Mai M Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب جميل وملهم عن ١٠٠ شخص وأفكارهم عن مشاريع جانبية side hustle حققت لهم أرباح إضافية بجانب شغلهم الأساسي

مليان افكار حلوة وتوريك الناس بتفكر، بتسوق ازاي ، بتجيب فلوس منين تبدأ .. كل حاجه

ف افكار كانت بالنسبة تافهة اوي ازاي حد يعمل مشروع كده .. لا وحد كمان يشتريه .. بس اتعلمت أن الواحد ميتفهش من المشاريع اللي بتعمل ملايين ف الآخر 😅

اول قراءة للكاتب ومش الأخيرة اكيد 😍💰💡🤑

[Nopadol Rompho · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book that shows you the examples of weekend entrepreneur, who create their own businesses part time, this is the book for you.

[Mark Kater · Rating 2 out of 5]

While some of the stories are interesting and inspirational, the overload on puns in this book are terrible. It seemed that every other paragraph had one of these: "The bee keeper's idea had everyone buzzing". Come on man...
Second, probably would've made for a better book with a smaller number of stories that went more in-depth. I get it, these are from a collection of blog posts, but having a 100 short stories is a lot and as I got progressively annoyed with the puns, I stopped reading after the first 20 or so.

[FlyingBulgarian Svetli H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written - engaging and to the point.

Made me wonder if I should be starting a side hustle!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I've never felt so empowered of being able to start my own business before and Chris Guillebeau delivers a roadmap on how to do it while keeping it fascinating. Hearing each side hustle start from a small idea and grow into a profitable business was inspiring. Not only that, but this book should really be called "How to start a business 101." It covers many types of businesses and essentially teaches you how to test your idea within a market on a small scale, without going all in; all from the viewpoint of each entrepreneur.
I enjoyed hearing the pitfalls from business owners so it gives a sense of reality that it's not easy- it's a learning process. Also helpful, were the how-to steps for specific industries and learning how different business models functioned. I only wish I learned these lessons earlier in life, but I hear it's never too late to start now :)
I highly recommend this book, it teaches a lot of valuable lessons that less qualified people online charge exorbitant amounts over. I personally listened to the audio version and enjoyed hearing Chris Guillebeau narrate it. If you haven't already, check out his podcast Side Hustle School.

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this on audible. Seemingly every example was some weird, quirky, eccentric crafts project that the person then started selling. It's like the author gets off on how weird, obscure, and hipster the business can be. How about some practical, repeatable ideas for the typical American? Completely unrelated and uninspiring for me. The corny jokes mixed in throughout the book almost made it unlistenable. I gutted through it though. Unfortunately, I'm not taking really anything away from it other than people make extra cash in some really weird ass ways (one episode of Shark Tank could have told you that).

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational and recommended for anyone who is looking for some push to get started on a side hustle. There are small stories, big stories, and everything in between. If you don't think you can do it, you should read this book. Also, I love the big pictures. Goes very well with the goal of trying to inspire you

[Ben Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a good book, and would be fantastic for people who think 'I'd like to start a side-hustle, but have no idea on what to start doing'.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this is an collection of 100 stories of people who have developed side business while maintaining their “day jobs.” Many ultimately became their primary source of income. Interesting read.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting, but overwhelming

[Craig Carignan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For what it was it was very good and more than I expected. It got me motivated to get going on my own set of Side Hustles.

[Jenny Javier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was obsessed with this book, and cannot wait to start my own side hustle. Went to Bali and bought a cow skull, too.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with lots of stories from people who made their side hustle ideas into reality.

[Christina Pilkington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always fascinated by how people earn money, so this book was right in my wheelhouse.

I'd highly recommend this book if you are looking for ways to make extra money on the side. I found a lot of great resources and ideas about unusual ways to earn money. And props to the photographer for the great photos!

[Kirk Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an extension of the Side Hustle School podcast. It takes 100 of the stories and expands on them a bit with pictures. Realistically, you're not going to learn enough to start any one of these side hustles, but the book provides inspiration and is a great jumping off point for starting one of your own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring read with vignettes of the many ways that people generate extra income. Well produced book with lots of colorful images.

[Alexander Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe everyone should read this book because everyone is capable of having a "side hustle." There is a saying that goes "Facts tell, stories sell" and this book sells you on the idea of opening your mind to recognize and pursue a side hustle. There are stories of services like resume writing, food side hustles like baking goods, educational services like online courses, and much more. After reading this book I am now looking at opportunities around me that can be a side hustle. I enjoyed how there are stories of small success like enough to a pay monthly bill to buying a new home and more.

This makes me think of MLM's approach of just doing it on the side and inticing you be asking if an extra $100-$200 a month would help. Just that amount of money brings a small relief and it is more probable to do it by starting a side hustle rather than a distributor of an MLM company. There is nothing wrong with being an MLM distributor but your probability of success is higher when your side hustle is something you love to do anyway. Lastly, I love that all the stories are of people around the world with different backgrounds to inspire you to start a side hustle because as the saying goes "If they can do it then I can do it too."

[Rachelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

100 Side Hustles... blending various industries of products and services, the book provides a glimpse into lucrative side hustles to get ideas flowing for readers who desire to hustle. Enjoyed the variety and humor with each personal success story, but all the ideas here can be located online.

[Anna Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you get new ideas and inspiration in business? By studying successful businesses and processes. When you follow someone's business journey, even if it's unrelated to your area, it can spark unexpected inspiration and motivation. The book 100 Side Hustles is just that - garden of ideas and inspiration.

Read about the curated bunch of businesses and entrepreneurs who made Chris Guillebeau's pick. Get this book, study the processes and let the inspiration flow... What a treat.

[Josh Liston · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only got minutes into the Audiobook before I had to turn it off. It’s one of the worst sounding dialogue recordings I’ve ever heard, and I couldn’t keep listening.

The material may be solid, but knowing the author put such little effort/money into the audio version, leaves me skeptical of the work as a whole.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I checked this out at the library. The stories were neat - of folks that happened up a great selling/money making idea. I didn't see any that jumped out to our family that we would be passionate about.

[LaShel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an impulse read for me (on the "new arrivals" shelf at my library). It is just a series of spotlights on different start up businesses. A fun reminder to think creatively but I don't think this would be very useful for someone actually trying to start a successful side hustle.

[Jamie Meinsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book with some wonderful pictures. It was fun to hear stories from different entrepreneurs. While I admire their time and commitment to their chosen pursuits, I found myself questioning how sustainable some of the businesses were.

[Yvonne Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it to be very inspiring with a side of humour.
I do wish there was more step by step detail on how to get things started. It can be very overwhelming for someone who has no education or connections in business or marketing.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

i need more ideas.....

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative thinking and interesting.