Sometimes you get to the end of a book and struggle to remember a key message from it. Although The $100 Startup is written for people who aspire to live a life like the author Chris Guillebeau, (who still in his early thirties, has visited more than 175 countries and never had a boss), there are lessons in it that can be applied to every single business.

In the book Chris tells the stories of over fifty (sometimes accidental) entrepreneurs, who are creating a new future for themselves by doing something they love. He gives readers a One Page Business Plan, an Idea Matrix and plenty of ‘how to’ advice. The best of this book though is not the in the pages of ‘how to’, it’s in the passages about the ‘why it works’.

This little book does what many business books fail to do, it shines a light on the cornerstone of business itself, the notion of what value is. Chris differentiates features from benefits and shows you how to do it too.

More than anything else value relates to emotional needs

It’s a subtle distinction, one that’s the difference between a 32MB music player and 1000 songs in your pocket.

While he takes us on a journey behind the scenes of several independent microbusinesses, this book is not just a nudge for those who don’t want a nine to five gig. It’s a book about how opportunity exists for every entrepreneur, business and brand at the intersection of ideas, freedom and value.

The $100 Startup is released tomorrow (8th May). I pre-ordered my copy weeks ago, but Chris was kind enough to send me an advance copy, which means I’ve got a copy to give away if you’d like it. Along my copy of the book I’m also offering a 1 on 1, one hour Skype consultation with me to brainstorm about your current business strategy or new idea you might have bubbling.

*If you’d like a chance to win the book and an hour with me just head to the comments below and tell me why. Comments close on 14th May and the winner will be announced here next week.*

*BONUS* Watch the interview I did with Chris when he was still at 150 countries. We talked about how to create an unconventional business and he shared a story he tells in the book.

Image by Stephanie Zito.