My name is Charlie Hoehn, I’m 26, and right now I’m living in Austin.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked with more than a dozen best-selling authors, helping them market (and sometimes write/edit) their books. Nowadays, I’m pursuing my own projects (more to be announced soon).
I believe everyone has work that makes them come alive, that naturally brings out their inner joy. That’s the kind of work I focus on, while trying to help others find it for themselves. Above all, I believe that entrepreneurs change the world, that we need them more than ever… and that this is all just a ride.
Here are some of the things I’ve worked on…
The 4-Hour Body
For three years, I was Tim Ferriss’ protégé and “Director of Special Projects.” I had the good fortune of helping him write, edit, and market The 4-Hour Body. The book went on to sell more than 775,000 copies in North America, it hit #1 on the New York Times and Amazon.com bestseller lists, and is still in the top 10 most highlighted books on Amazon.
For the pre-launch, I was the producer and strategist for The Land Rush campaign, which resulted in more than 15,000 copies of the book being sold in 72 hours. I was also the primary point of contact for more than 10,000 customers and dozens of sponsors.
Recession-Proof Graduate
In 2009, I wrote a 30-page guide called Recession-Proof Graduate. After landing a handful of dream gigs, I wanted to help other college graduates who were struggling to find meaningful work — or any work — during the recession.
The e-book has been read more than 120,000 times since its release, helping countless people (young and old) land jobs and find direction in their careers. Be sure to read some of the testimonials I’ve gathered over the years.
TEDx Talks
I’ve been invited to speak at two TEDx events: Carnegie Mellon University and Mission San Jose High School.
The 17-minute talk at CMU about “The New Way to Work” has been viewed more than 50,000 times. The 18-minute talk at MSJHS about “The 4 Mistakes You’ll Make in College” has been viewed 2,500 times.
I Will Teach You to be Rich
In 2009, I helped Ramit Sethi create and execute the marketing strategy for his personal finance book I Will Teach You to be Rich. The book hit #1 on Amazon (displacing the Twilight series), and also hit the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
This was my first book launch, where I had the opportunity to manage a team, run webinars, set up email funnels, and create a book trailer.
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell Tour
In 2009, I went on a nationwide 31-city movie tour with Tucker Max, shooting and editing funny videos to help promote the film I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell. Every day, I got to work with high-end gear, edit footage in Final Cut Pro, and crack up at the one-liners Bill Dawes came up with on the fly. Easily one of most fun jobs I’ve ever had.
Opening The Kimono
In 2011, I was the producer and head event planner for “Opening the Kimono” — Tim Ferriss’ 3-day book marketing seminar in Napa Valley, with over 130 attendees. I managed a team alongside Susan Dupré. Prior to our event, Susan worked directly with Steve Jobs as Apple’s “Worldwide Event and New Product Producer” (she launched the original iPhone, for chrissakes!)
After several weeks of preparation, hammering out the broad strokes while accounting for all the minutiae, the event went off without a hitch and surpassed all expectations.
App Empire Course
In 2012, I was the director and marketing advisor for the App Empire course, which earned $2.6 million in revenue over the course of 10 days. I helped Chad Mureta plan the 2-day shoot, write the outline, direct the course, edit the footage, and launch the product.
The 7-disc course was purchased by 1,200 customers. I also created an email drip sequence to maximize retention and minimize refunds (8%).
Negotiate It iPhone App
I was the head developer for Negotiate It, an iPhone app I created alongside Ramit Sethi, which helps users save money on monthly bills and fees by using field-tested negotiation scripts. You can read exactly what I went through during the development process in this post.
The app has been featured on CBS New York, Women’s Health Magazine, and Lifehacker.
The Slow-Carb Diet™ Cookbooks
I was the producer and editor for Volumes 1 and 2. Each book sold out of its limited run (1,000 copies) in 24 hours.
Videographer
I write, shoot, and edit videos — for authors, startups, comedians, and more. I’ve been editing videos and creating corporate presentations for nearly a decade. I started a video-editing business in 2004, making slideshows for weddings, banquets, family events, sports teams, etc. I’ve traveled around the United States shooting promotional videos, helped edit both low- and big-budget trailers for books, and directed multi-disc products.
I also studied videography for years: taking courses on narrative film, religion in film, contemporary television, Hitchcock, photo journalism, photography, and video editing throughout college and high school.
See some of my videos here.
Editor for Tim Ferriss’ Blog
While I was working for Tim, I often edited guest posts for his blog (which gets over 1 million readers per month). Here are some of the posts I’ve worked on.
My writing has also been featured or quoted in these online publications:
Virtual Intern for Seth Godin
In the summer of 2008, myself and a dozen other students across the globe took direction from the world’s greatest online marketer, helping him develop early content for Squidoo.com. I also co-created an online film school… which was a complete flop. Good learning experience, of course.
# # #
If you’re a bestselling author, a professional filmmaker, or an entrepreneur who’s trying to change the world… feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment below.
Other places you can find me:
Charlie!
Reading through your blog inspired me to make a blog of my own about a subject that I’m passionate about. I’m serious. Thank you so much.
I look forward to reading your future posts!
Sincerely,
A fan from Orange County, CA
Hey man – always good to meet a fellow entrepreneur, particularly one who has such a diverse blend of interests. Keep on trucking.
Kevin
hey, charlie –
i work for kyle and i met you a couple of weeks ago. i just wanted to let you know what a huge help your musings have been to us! we’re in the process of hiring a couple of people, as you know, and your timing and words of wisdom for both us and for our candidates (writing good email, buy low/sell high, etc.) couldn’t be more appropriate. i can’t begin to imagine how someone of your age has amassed the wisdom and the integrity to pull it all together, but THANKS!
we can’t wait to find out what you’ll think of next,
-kim-
I randomly stumbled across your “blog” via the Chi City video posted on YouTube and was impressed by your entertaining posts and accomplishments.
I myself am a marketing professional and would love some input on a few of my start up businesses I have in motion. Hit me up sometime if you get the chance.
Regards,
Ben Brown
bennyb@MyHipHopStop.com
http://www.MyHipHopStop.com
It’s cool to see someone so relatively young with so much value to give. I’m just a year younger so I gotta soak it up and make something happen.
Andrew
Charlie!
I randomly stumbled across your page while reading Tucker Max’s blog… sorry I missed you guys both in Atlanta and Athens, but you should come back soon! Oh, and I’m following you on Twitter now :)
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Congratulations Charlie. I just started learning about the business. Amazing how much you have been able to accomplish at such a young age.
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Thanks for the token of appreciation. Enjoyed reconnecting, Happy Holidays.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=784329899533&ref=mf
Your ability to find these things has always impressed me.
Just saw a quote from you on swissmiss design blog… and as a ‘non-traditional’ MBA student (aka nonprofit loving, under experienced dreamer type), it made my day. Great career advice. Thanks for it. Keep up the ‘doing’ and ‘chasing’ good things.
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Hi Charlie,
A friend of mine noted you & I have some very similar interests.
http://www.sytaylor.net/2010/04/08/the-lost-generation/
The Recession Proof graduate, needs the Baby Boomer Mentors to give back what they have learned. Looking to start that movement. Can you help?
Hi Hoehn’s,
Came across your blog from one of Tim Ferris’s latest blog post (must have send surges of traffic here).
Just want to say, love your musings man. It reminds me alot of Seth Godin’s blog. How is it like having to work for great minds like Tim, Seth and Ramit?
Cheers
Khaiyong
From Malaysia
Glad to have you, Khaiyong. It’s been very fun, they’re all great guys who have been kind enough to teach me a lot of stuff via firsthand experience.
Peace,
Just wanted to give you a shout out and say thanks for bookmarking my blog on delicious.com.
I will definitely be checking out your blog as well…
business & marketing, that is right up my alley.
I will definitely appreciate hearing someone else’s take on online marketing strategies.
Keep up the good work,
Paz,
Sharif
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So… Looks like I finally found you in your virtual home on the internets.. (I fully realize you gave me the address to your blog [is that what kids these days are calling them?] but it’s much more fun for me to pretend that I stumbled upon it..). I can’t help noting how very kind Virtual Charlie seems.. maybe I’ll meet him someday. Until then, keep up the good work.. if not for yourself.. than for me.
Well well, look who decides to show up. Only took you two years this time! Not bad, considering your transition times to Gmail, Facebook, and other sites that have been embraced by the masses… (You do realize I have an easier time getting 60-year old mothers reading my stuff than you, right?)
A part of me was waiting for this day, and considers this a victory. But a bigger part of me thinks that my perfectly good audience is now tainted. Sorry you couldn’t have this comment read back to you through a vent.
I’ll talk to you soon, yea? Got some funny stories.
Let’s start the funny story email chain going again… Include that crazy red-head from Illinois – he had some good ones. and PS. Let’s give some serious consideration to Istanbul… I’m DEAD serious about it…
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Charlie, your method of contacting Tim Ferriss was brilliant. I’m planning on playing copycat.
Hi Charlie
I recieved a confirmation email from you confirming that I have been selected for the “opening the kimono” 3 day exclusive which is awsome. I was just browsing the blog and clicked on your link. You have an amazing track record at such a young age. I have attached the link to my first blog which i did for the 4 hour body “geek to freak”. I was wondering if you could have a breif look at it and give me some critical feedback. I know it sucks atm, and want to make it more user friendly.
http://scrawn2brawn.blogspot.com/
Regards
Michael Baker
Hi Charlie,
Just smitten by your blogging skills and incredible value. You’re intelligent, inspiring, and innovative. Keep it up. ;)
Marlee
Thanks very much, Marlee. You’re too kind.
Hey Charlie:
Heads up, just wrote a post about your great career advice in response to a reader’s question about how to get noticed by entrepreneurs. Quoted from the great interview with Lewis Homes and stole a pic of you from that site (hope that’s okay w/ you). Obviously included Recession Proof Grad links. It’s all great stuff! (your stuff, I mean…not mine! Though hopefully mine’s okay, too….)
No problem, Kathy. Thanks for the nice write up!
On page 524 of The 4-Hour Body, under the picture of a receipt held up in front of a dog, could you clarify the caption underneath? It sounds like you bought a free-range black schnauzer from Whole Foods that you later ate at a bbq… Is this correct?
That was a joke.
I wonder how people with potbelly pigs as pets feel every time I fry up some bacon!
That’s pretty sick, animal cruelty is no joke. As an editor and contributor of this book did you not feel that this joke might be taken out of context and that some weirdo might actually try to BBQ a dog? The world is a troubled place and not everyone is of sound mind so the risk is very real. I wonder how many dogs have died because of your “joke” or will die and how far from the truth that joke really was for you. My friends and I will be returning our copies today and will encourage others to do so as well.
Prepare to have your mind blown: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_meat
Yes, there are other countries that eat dogs. Isn’t cultural relativism amazing?
Seriously, there’s no polite way for me to respond to the above. I read your comment at least 25 times, trying to detect sarcasm. Alas, you’re clearly being serious.
It’s preposterous to think a joke in a 600-page book would cause impressionable readers to cook their dogs. End of discussion.
Hey,
I’ve read Tim’s post about his first contact to you and also your 12 steps to marketing the book. I’ve from there come across your blog and now seen your page. You’re 25 years old? Wow, that was news.
My life seems less appropriate in some way for marketing one-self or a product and also for implementing the 4HWW-ideals, or at least that’s what I thought in the beginning.
I am a med student, so my schedule is clear, I have exams that I can pass if I study hard and I have my job in the hospital for the next 40 years or so, and it’s pretty obvious that there is my future place. In contrast to what is proclaimed by the idea of the new rich, I actually am and will be a person offering full-time service for the rest of my life – which makes me happy, it is my way!
But, exactly like you, Charlie, I am 25 years old and have so many ideas, dreams and also visions for now and the future. This is why in the last 2 years I’ve changed my life and made it radically mine! I’ve started and completed projects, I’ve eliminated (IMPORTANT!!!) and I’ve opened myself to a lot of great people, books and countries… I read your approach to Tim and think that is exactly what you’ve been doing too, you seem a very open-minded guy knowing what you want.
I seldomly read about people our age, it’s mostly mid-thirties or beyond doing their stuff. Let’s be the future, a little bit at least.
Big up and keep going, I’m impressed by your good work and I wish you all the best,
Nikolaus
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I wanna change the world, man.
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2 Charlie,
It’s Nhat. What are your recommendation on the best books/courses in Internet Marketing? 10 or 20 twenty of your favorites are the best.
Cheers,
Nhat
http://charliehoehn.com/recommended-reading
I just watched you Tedx video. It was epic. Seriously, you’re awesomesauce. I’m so excited to use the free work idea. I just need to figure out who I want to target. I’m a writer and know a lot about internet marketing. Who were the people you contacted initially?
Rockin,
Nadia
Initially, it was Ramit Sethi and Tucker Max, then Tim Ferriss. I reached out to a few others but those were the main guys.
Wanted to echo Nadia’s comment above. Trying to figure out who to target for free work is the hard thing. I keep thinking, “Who actually has work that they would outsource for someone to do for free? Would they really trust putting that stuff out to some randomer on the internet? What work could they possibly have that I could do for them?”
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Hey, Hello Charlie. I read your Recession Proof Graduate ebook, and it was very interesting, no doubt. However, I take some offense to you claiming to be not special, to your claims of just being a normal college grad. Why? Because most self-help success-stories do the same but barely divulge into HOW the person is able to claim that. It’s insulting, really.
I, and everybody else, want to know your story. What obstacles did you go through, and how many times did you fall down? How did you figure things out? We want to really believe that you weren’t too extraordinary, and as a result believe in the solution you present. So please, tell us about the those bleak 8-10 months from around your graduation to the point of writing the ebook.
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Hey Charlie,
Now I know the reason Tim’s blogs are so smooth to read, you add the glitters!! Marketing fascinates me too so I studied management. But I feel b-schools can’t make you entrepreneurs and it requires your own skills to form strategies in marketing. I usually help my friends with their business through my ideas & strategies but never knew even this could be a business until I saw your website through Tim’s blog. I’m so fond of his blogs (all in one place kinda blog) and his videos to hone my speaking skills (self growth & spirituality). Have too many queries about internet marketing & social media marketing but can you please recommend some books and how can I start up being a strategist? Thanks.
Hey Sheryl- Thanks for the comment. Here’s an old list of books I recommend:
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Hi Charlie,
I’m Ethan, a young college student and aspiring entrepreneur. I’m staring my own website and wanted to chat with you about some marketing advice as well as general advice on my project.
Let me know if you can talk,
Thanks,
Ethan
Hi Ethan -> http://charliehoehn.com/contact
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Greetings from your new reader from Romania. I must congratulate you for your work and thanks for sharing with us! All my best regards!
Great
Wow, after reading this page I’m in awe. Great stuff! Thank you for sharing :)