Page 238 - The $100 Startup_ Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love

GRATITUDE

There’s an old saying about the combined knowledge of the pope and a peasant

being greater than the knowledge of only the pope. In this case, I felt like the
peasant learning from one hundred popes. After a decade of fumbling along, I
know how to operate my own business, but crafting a narrative around the
lessons of so many other people required me to learn much more than I could
contribute by myself.

The hundred-plus case studies I focused on for the final draft (as well as the
1,400 other people who submitted stories and info) deserve my greatest thanks.
They were patient with my numerous surveys, requests for additional info, and
continual follow-ups. Being willing to share financial information about their
business was especially generous. I had planned to gently push for access to
finances if needed, but in most cases I didn’t have to push—almost everyone
was willing and open to share whatever information would help others.

I do most of my other writing without access to an outside editor, a situation
which has numerous advantages, but also a key disadvantage: Sometimes I get
tired and take the easy way out. Fortunately, that strategy wasn’t an option here,
all thanks to Rick Horgan, leader of the Crown team that published the book.
Rick worked diligently and held my feet to the fire time after time, making for a
much better finished product. I’m also grateful to Tina Constable and everyone
else at Crown, and to my tireless literary agent, David Fugate.

Dave Navarro first gave me the analogy of a product launch being like a
Hollywood movie. Jason Fried was the first person I heard say “Failure is
overrated.” I’ve undoubtedly borrowed other concepts and ideas, so if I’ve stolen
your idea, consider it an act of unintentional flattery.

I continue to learn every day from Seth Godin, Chris Brogan, friends and
colleagues in the LifeRemix network, Scott Harrison, Gary Parker, and Susan
Parker.

Jolie Guillebeau, my wife and chief proofreader, patiently endured repeated
discussions about hustling and bad franchises. Many sections of the book were