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The concept of retirement, as well as single offices with 9-5 clocks, is hopelessly outdated.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?
Tim seems like a dynamic person with a very rich background. To have such insight and flare for communication (“adding life, not subtracting work”, “if you want a free month – [insert affiliate link here]”), I’m sure he has worked very hard over the years leading up to this point.
To be in a position where you can effectively outsource “life” and business, you must have years of experience. In other words, you need to put in the time before you can build the automaton.
I built an online business from $0 to $1.3M over 4 years with nothing but hard work and persistence. This year it will do closer to $2M. Once you get to this point, you then ask yourself “how do I down-shift the gears so I can enjoy life, but not destroy my business?” So, we seek and find places like elance, rentacoder, etc and we begin the decomposition of our business into parts that we can outsource. Hiring a F/T employee is a great way to outsource your *low-risk* day-to-day activities. But to be in this position, you have to earn it, and you need capital to invest in outsourcing. Trial and error will occur and you will waste money on bad contractors.
The title should read “4 Hour work week (for those who already have a million dollar business), 20 Hour work week (for those who are still corporate slaves running a side business), 70-80 Hour work week (for those who have quit their jobs and are dangerously trying to succeed in a new business venture)”
Please dont just bash me for this post. Please read it and try to capture my perspective first, then go ahead and bash me.
I really like Tim’s communication skills. He does an excellent job of getting everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, to eat out of his hand. This is A GOOD skill! I’m not knocking him. I think his book is perfect for guys like me and other business owners who are not fantastically successful but have spent years building a modest business that provides themselves a comfortable living, but requires a lot of their time to sustain. I DONT think this book is good for the new entrepreneur who is starting out with nothing.
I wish every blogger and business guy out there the best of success.
Weeble Wobble
Hey problogger, I took your advise and became a bit controversial…
Must be following in the foot steps of Pud. :)
I see you do not hang out with the GWHF regulars and I do not blame you… Adam L. and Matt C. get enough ass kissing….to lest them 10 life times…
Anyway just came to say hello…don’t ask me for royalties if I strike infamous.
Come check out my World.
Igor The Troll
Congratulations Tim on making The New York Times Bestseller List!
You’ve made consistently good points both on this site and on your blog site!
Again, my heartfelt Congratulations! What an inspiration!
Adrienne Zurub
I think ferriss is full of bullshit. can anyone help to verify his claims as stated on his blog? He says he’s advisor to 30 world champions and olympic athletes but doesn’t say who??? He also says he’s a world champion in mixed martial arts but doesn’t state the 4 champions he defeated?? Smells like another l ron hubbard or aleksey vayner. If this is a scam, it’s a good one!
Doubtful
[…] Tim Ferriss Interview – Part 1 […]
Hi All, My Tim-o-ty mentality has alredy started, why buy for something you can get for free or special price?? how has alredy bought me the E-BOOK 4-hours work week for FREEE!!! Downloaded from INTERNET!!
This is interesting stuff. Thanks for the information. I am certain I will find it useful!
Nancy Wylde
Nice Interview – but is the whole story true?
I read his book till i thought … come on look at his website…
i did and omg it’s just a shame… everything a fake!