This is Part 1 of my in depth IM interview with Tim Ferriss author of The 4-Hour Workweek. You can read my introduction to Tim in my previous post.
In Part 1 I ask Tim about the concept behind his book, we talk about how he wrote it (as I know many bloggers are looking at getting book deals) and talk about some of the lessons he’s learned about building buzz around his book. In Part 2 (which I’ll publish tomorrow) Tim and I talk blogging and he shares some of the lessons that he’s learnt in using a blog to support his blog launch.
Darren – ‘The 4 Hour Work Week’ is a great title for a book – what’s it about?
Tim – The premise of The 4-Hour Workweek is that there are three currencies in a digital world: time, income, and mobility. In the last 2-3 years, it’s become possible to do things like outsource your life and create virtual businesses, both of which can enable you to live the lifestyle of a millionaire on less than $50,000 per year.
The concept of retirement, as well as single offices with 9-5 clocks, is hopelessly outdated.
Darren – How did you come up with the idea for the book?
“The funniest part for me? The e-book costs around $17…” by Tim Ferris.
Wow, i guess an ebook would have better margin compare with hardcover. Marketing strategy today, i guess it is going to be paperless for books, but of cos there is a pro and cons on either ebook or hardcover. Due to the fast moving internet buzz, and web technology, or even the torrent kind of thing.
“NOTE TO ASPIRING AUTHORS: writing books is not a good way to make money. ” by Tim Ferris.
I agree, it is also consider as sharing your knowledge via a wired, and helping or even guiding others.
My best wish to your upcoming great books, and will be awaiting for the launching.
Thanks Darren for sharing the interview out. Its a nice thing that you did here. Great job, and keep up the good work. Really admire all your works.
Tim sounds like an awesome guy! Hardly the “get rich quick” type as his brilliant book titles implies. Intellegent.
From this part of the interview alone, this is definitely a book I’m buying!
This is the kinda life my wife and I have been talking about recently. Instead of working 40 hours and more a week at some boring job, find something we like where we can spend less time doing what we’re good at very high quality, so there is more time to enjoy family life and do fun things.
I thank Darren for writing about Tim, but I think I need to thank Tim too for offering you lunch, which resulted in me knowing about his book.
Excellent interview so far. It offers great insight.
I look forward to reading Part 2.
Regards,
“NOTE TO ASPIRING AUTHORS: writing books is not a good way to make money. ”
As the writer of six e-books, I can tell you, truer words have never been spoken. They must be part of a larger marketing plan.
As as for the yerba tea, it’s excellent. I first discovered it on a trip to Cordoba, Argentina years ago and it is a national pasttime drink. The little cups used to drink and mix the tea are also collectibles for many.
Great interview, Darren. Can’t wait to read the next installment. Mr. Ferris seems like an exciting person, with a rich, varied life. I’m jealous!
[…] More Ferris-ness at Darren’s blog… Posted on Apr 24, 2007 under Lifehacks, Productivity Tips with 2 comments so far. Permalink · Print · Email Related entriesBlogwild Featured on Tim Gonzo Gordon […]
“Chase excitement” now those are inspiring words!
Thanks for a great part 1 interviews. I read every single-word of this highly-informative, detailed, and personable post. It’s a must-read for all bloggers and authors/writers! I look forward to tomorrow and the book launch (or was it yesterday–Tuesday)? I’ll check out amazon right now :-)
Wow, Tim sounds like a really down to earth guy.
I think I may just pre-order the book to see just how good it is.
By the way, Yerba Mate can be bought at any health food store.. It really is good stuff!
Hey, just a note. The first link to his book actually goes to the Audio CD version. Almost didn’t catch that as I was ordering. Would have been very disappointed :)
Amazing Interview!
Can’t wait to read the book. By the way you wrote this post in the future for me. It’s still the 25th of April where I am and the date stamp on this is the 26th.
Anywho’s very good read, thanks.
haha! i have exactly the same habit – yerba mate tea and writing until 4am! what a huge relief to see someone accomplished and recognized that has the same rhythm! i have felt that this is exactly what has been holding me back most of my life, i only recently dipped my toes into writing…
Cruz De Malta is my usual brand as well, too cool!
Thanks Tim! Thanks for putting this together Darren! Great Read!
My god, the title of the book is so good, I don’t even care if the book is good or not–I’m buying it anyway! (That said, given what I’ve read so far, I’m confident it’s going to be money well spent…)
Congrats on the book Tim (and a great interview Darren)!
BTW–I must be a natural “void filler”–I work about 4 hours a day running my virtual business, and I have absolutely no problem finding stuff to do with all my free time. I can’t imagine anyone being bored just because they aren’t “working” :) .
Tim– I was curious–what exactly do you do for income?
It says that you spend time checking email for your companies and that you have 200-300 contractors at any given time–can you tell us about your companies?
We like Nobleza Gaucha, which technically means “noble ranchwoman” but I call “Proverbs 31 Woman” (yerba). lol
Darren a small typo:
“Where does one by yerba mate tea?”
thanks Daniel
[…] I was very pleased with the subject, and it was one that fits in with this blog. Darren did an interview with Tim Ferris, the author of a book that has just been released called The Four Hour Workweek. Tim has some great […]
Sounds like an interesting guy and this was a good interview, but the ethical side of me knows that this sort of lifestyle isn’t globally acceptable. If we all sat around delegating and running virtual businesses, then we’d have no-one to delegate to and society would not more forwards. In that way, this sort of lifestyle is like a pyramid scheme, except a pyramid scheme where you take advantage of people without them knowing it. For us to get away with working four hours a week, there need to be a whole lot of people out there earning a pittance and working their butts off.
Of course, I guess it all comes down to whether you believe in contributing to society and being a ‘good citizen’ or just looking out for your own back. I must admit I veer towards the latter myself too, but my conscience certainly reminds me that there’s something not quite right about all of this even though economically it looks rosy for us.
When I first started reading the interview I thought it was largely a big crock and that Darren had been duped by a free lunch and a friendly smile. After I read on down to where Tim talks about his chapter on filling the void, I realise that this is a book I am going to have to buy. While the four hour work week is interesting and all, I am more interested in how he suggests you manage that void.
When my dad retired from his job he had a lot of spare time, a huge void. Because it was never filled (he never found himself a hobby making model aeroplanes) he turned to the drink instead and because of it he is no longer with us.
I look forward to my copy arriving and now I feel bad for judging so early. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Darren.
Alright, got my order in…
Darren, thanks for writing about this. I’m awaiting my copy of the book – tomorrow! and have been reading everything about the book and Tim that I can get my screen on.
I have similar thoughts to this guy. I am only “working” a few hours a day, and living like a millionaire – which is not too hard in Cambodia.
I met Tim a few months ago and I have interacted with him every couple of weeks. I find him a sincere genuine person with something interesting to say. I am looking forward to reading his book.
Thanks Darren for the great interview. Tim Ferris sounds like an über-interesting person. I’m looking forward to reading his book and for the next part of your interview with him. I love the part where Tim said: “…retirement is so flawed…Sitting on a tropical beach is cool for about three days, then it’s just as boring as hell.” Funny stuff! Even your interview with him alone can make for a great book!
I get the $17 eBook thing.
One hardcover – $14 plus $20 postage to get to Australia in 4-6 weeks time.
One eBook – $17 no postage, get it now.
No brainer. ;)
I just bought the eBook and I’m about half way through it. Brilliant stuff!!
[…] random aside: some bloggers are getting into traditional writing in a big way – check out the advice from Tim Ferris on problogger. It is a bit of a twist on the “I’ll write a blog to promote my book” […]
I am by no means bagging this guy, good on him I say, but you gotta check out the “Smells Fishy” review on Amazon. That is funny.
I would really like to know what kind of businesses he runs, if anyone has any info on this let it be known…
I’m assuminng he outsources in many ways…..
I would like to read the book he sounds pretty interesting. I would be curious how many people manage their online businesses from overseas.
The Blogs & Search Blogs With The Most Readers…
Which blogs have the most feed subscribers from Self Made Minds is an excellent rundown on top blogs…
That’s a book I’m definitely going to have to buy. The title is awesome, and since I plan on retiring before 30, I’m going to have to start thinking of what I should do after I do that!
Sounds like this is a book I should definitely read – can’t wait till it hits the stores. I’ve been thinking lately that I’m spinning my wheels a bit too much and not getting anywhere. Thanks for posting the interview up.
And Tim really sounds like an interesting and genuine guy. Hope the book does well for him.
Great interview.
One small disagreement. I know how-to ebook authors making a very comfortable living off of their writings. It’s certainly an exception, and yes, it does take work in other fields such as web design, SEO, marketing principles, attracting super affiliates, etc., but still is definitely attainable for the aspiring writer wanting to monetize their works through non-traditional book publishing.
Congratulations to both of you on your successes & I look forward to part two of the Tim Ferris interview.
[…] This is Part 2 of my in depth IM interview with Tim Ferris, author of The 4-Hour Workweek. You can read my introduction to Tim in my previous post. You can also read Part 1 here. […]
Just by reading your interview, I can tell that this guy’s got it down with the meaning of life. He’s far past the materialistic stage that most people are stuck in. Also, his saying, “It’s about adding more life, not just subtracting work,” clicks with me. I’ve eliminated the excess in my life, and I’m looking for the next step to take. I think I’ll pick up that book!
Hey this guy knows more about yerba mate than me! (I’m from Argentina) Darren if you want Yerba Mate let me know, I’ll exchange it for a couple of tips!!! he he.
[…] Tim Ferris Interview – Part 1 Tim Ferris Interview – Part 2 This two part interview by Darren Rowse provides some excellent business advice. Tim’s book sounds like a really good read. […]
One word of advise!
You cannot get the life style from the book, but only from life experiences!
And Tim is right! Chase excitment not happines
[…] Tim Ferris Interview – Part I […]
[…] also got a two part interview with Tim Ferris up at Problogger: Part 1 Part 2 Belle __________________ My LoA blog: Abundance […]
[…] left that life behind to pursue a better way and that’s what his book is about. In Darren Rowse’s interview with Ferris, the author talks about how too many people are trying to be happy when they ought to be looking […]
[…] 2. Darren Rowse recently interviewed Tim Ferris, author of The 4 Hour Workweek. Interestingly enough Tim talks about blogs and the […]
Book review: The 4-hour workweek…
The 4-hour workweekEscape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new richby Tim FerrissISBN-10: 0307353133 ISBN-13: 978-0307353139 Published by Crown/Random House (April 24, 2007) Tim Ferriss sure knows how to launch a book. I was amazed by the speed with wh…
[…] Rowse interviewed Tim Ferriss on the subject of his book (part 1, part 2). In the interview, Tim mentions that two of the resources he uses for outsourcing are […]
Wouldn’t the SEO benefits of the article be a bit better, not to mention your credibility, if you actually spelled the author’s name correctly?
Looking at early retirement soon, this sounds like a book I need to read. I have lots of ideas to fill the void, but I think reading this book will be one of the first. It may well give me a new perspective on what I’ve been thinking of as retirement. Thanks for sharing the interview.
Darren and Tim,
I’m one of several authors who are living proof you CAN make a constant million/yr by selling books (http://www.silverlotto.com), but the secret is to do it in highly specialized areas with an idea based on a secret formula.
I hope Tim’s book gets to that happy #1 stage because it’s a great read, and even as a longterm business automator enthusiast, I picked up a lot of good ideas that I am applying right now. Outsourcing from India has got to be the holy grail of automated business!
And I particularly like Tim’s philosophy of no-retirement. It’s always been my aim never to retire, but also never to work. Tim’s book outlines and confirms that lazy work practice beautifully in a way I haven’t seen before.
PS. I rarely give public praise to any book. This one is the exception.
[…] random aside: some bloggers are getting into traditional writing in a big way – check out the advice from Tim Ferris on problogger. It is a bit of a twist on the “I’ll write a blog to promote my book” […]
Great interview, introduced me to Tim in the first instance. And guess what? I ordered a copy. He is an inspired hustler and thankfully answered a few questions of my own on my blog. Let me know what you all think. Cheers.
Why does pg 284 of Tim Ferriss’ book make use of a fake email chain letter that circulated in 1999? Fraud or oversight?
Do a search on google for “slow dance” + “urban legend”
owl