Starting a business before quitting your day job? It's doable

"Don't quit the day job." Many a budding entrepreneur has been flattened by those words - and maybe they're true.

One of the best ways to launch a business idea before you quit the day job is to follow author Chris Guillebeau's plan in "Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days."

Back in the day we called it "moonlighting," but whatever you call it, creating a "side hustle" is an ideal way to test the waters before quitting the day job.

His premise: What if you could get a profitable idea off the ground with a minimal investment of time, money and effort while still holding a steady job? Guillebeau maintains that everyone should have a side hustle, expanding our sources of income and giving us freedom and opportunity as well as financial security.

Whether you're gainfully employed with wistful thoughts of starting a business "someday …" or you're already an entrepreneur, this 27-day plan provides a solid framework for turning ideas into profits.

From "Week 1: Build an Arsenal of Ideas" to "Week 5: Regroup and Refine," the steps provided are clear and actionable. One of the most salient insights in the book is that side hustles (and entrepreneurship) are not compatible with being a perfectionist. While brainstorming, research and testing are integral to the game, the key to success is to be in action. Good advice for all of us.

I met Guillebeau at the College of DuPage recently where he spoke to students and the community, and I was amazed at how young he is. Creating sources of income is his stock in trade. He's always been an entrepreneur and spent several years as an aid worker in West Africa. Since then he fulfilled his quest to visit every country in the world. Full of energy, ideas and practical advice, both the author and the book will help you if you've been dreaming of a business or need to take your existing business to the next level. Side Hustle will take you from dreams to action, all the way to the bank.

• Vickie Austin is a business and career coach, professional speaker and author of "Circles of Gold: Honoring Your Network for Business and Career Success." She hosts "Biz Books Review" the third Tuesday of every month at the Wheaton Public Library (and you don't have to read the book to attend!). You can reach Vickie at vaustin@choicesworldwide.com, 312-213-1795, and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@Vickie_Austin).