At a networking meeting some time ago, the discussion of recommended reading came up. A businesswoman in attendance made the statement that “she didn’t have time to read”. Nonsense! I thought. How on earth could she say that? Reading is as important to your overall business strategy as your marketing or sales strategy, particularly if you’re working alone. There is so much to learn as a business owner, there is no way to know it all and a book can be a really simple and inexpensive way to lessen the learning curve.
If you’re a busy business owner, and especially if you’re going it alone, you, too are probably thinking to yourself that you really don’t have the time. But I say it again, Nonsense. If you really want to gain some ground, you better start picking up a few books. I’ll admit I love to read. A good book and a cup of tea on a Friday evening is the perfect outlet for me, so in some ways I might sound biased. But if you look around at all the opportunities you have to integrate reading into your life, you’ll see that you have more time than you realized. Consider the amount of time spent waiting in traffic or waiting on appointments, spent in airports or on an airplane. Keeping a good book in the back of your car or in your briefcase is always a good idea. You’d be amazed at how often you’d be able to pick it up and how easy it is to read three or four pages here and there. If you spend a substantial amount of time in your car, consider audio books. More and more books are available on audio, which is a great way to take in information on a long or extended commute.
Reading is beneficial on so many levels, but if I’ve failed to convince you thus far, consider these points for why you need to take some time to do some reading:
Books Can Serve As Mentors
One of the principles you hear over and over again in business is to have a mentor and to surround yourself with successful people. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. While many people are thrilled with the idea of becoming a mentor to you, they don’t always have the time to do so. What can you do if there is someone you really admire who isn’t currently available to you? Find out if they have a book, and if so, read it! You can learn so many life and professional lessons from those that have done what you want to do, have gone where you want to go, and have succeeded in the things you’re working towards. Right now I’m reading Basic Black, by Cathie Black, President of Hearst Magazine. This is the company that publishes O, The Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and Cosmopolitan, just name a few (in case you were unfamiliar). I first saw Ms. Black on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Before then, I didn’t know who she was. On the show she talked about the book, her career, the mistakes she made and her journey to get to where she is today. She wrote the book, she shares as a way to offer advice for those that need it. It is a resource that offers practical advice on everything from getting promoted to improving management and leadership skills. Books can be great mentors.
Books Are Great Instructors
Do you want to start a bookkeeping business, a day care or consulting business? Go get a book. You can find a book about anything and everything you want to do, from learning how to play the piano, to starting your first business. While you’re waiting for that class to be offered at the local college, you can jumpstart your education by grabbing a book.
Books Make Great Breaks
Are you a workaholic, one of those people that feel really guilty when you stop to take a break? I understand. Guilty as charged. Sometimes I have so much to do with so little time I feel guilty if I stop to take a break. But the truth is, we’re often more productive when we do. We need time to refresh and recharge after a long day. Now I’ve found a wonderful way to take a break and dismiss the guilty feelings. I read a book. Don’t be fooled into thinking that being busy is being productive. You can spend hours at your desk and literally get nothing done. My recommendation: Grab a book, read a few chapters, get inspired, gain information, and be productive all at the same time.
Books Are Great Distractions
I love reading and I love reading for leisure as much as I love reading for knowledge. I remember being in the library once searching for a book. I was craving a good book to read over the weekend. There was a gentleman in the library that struck up a conversation. When I shared that I was looking for a good fiction book, I was slightly chided as he shared that he never reads fiction books. “How wonderful for you I wanted to say”. But I didn’t. We all need diversions from time to time and mines’ just happens to be reading. I can get lost in a book for hours. It’s a wonderful way to ease the stress of the day or the week. Once I discovered how much I missed reading for leisure I incorporated it back into my life. I did the same for tennis. I’m an avid tennis player and became so busy at one point that I stopped playing for three years. I won’t do that again. Tennis is both a recreation and fitness activity that is important to my life. I hope you see my point. Reading, whether for business or leisure is a beneficial activity. And even though there are rare occasions when you meet a stranger that reprimands your favorite pastime, I still consider the library one of my favorite places.
Books Provide Credibility
If you’re an author, like myself you understand this on another level. However, being well read gives you some credibility. Consider a conversation with a colleague or even a reporter. Think of how knowledgeable you sound when you reference points from well-known, highly read books, particularly those within your industry or those written by respected authorities. Think of Steve Covey, Jack Cranfield, or even Malcolm Gladwell, authors of such books as The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
, and how often experts and authors alike quote their names and their work. Don’t be surprised if you’re at a networking function or talking to someone you admire and they ask you, “What are you currently reading?”Books Provide Insight Into Who You Are
When you consider the types of books people read, it can help to share a little insight into who they are, what they like, and what appeals to them. When people know what you’re reading, they get another look into you. Many, many years ago when I was coming out of college and interviewing for a job, the interviewer asked me what was one of my favorite books. It took me off guard at the time, but I understand why she asked.
In conclusion, books are wonderful tools and resources that give you an in depth and broader look into topics, issues, business, concepts and ideas. Books provide inspiration, insight and knowledge. They birth transformations and transitional thinking. They are wonderful gems of knowledge that should be a regular part of your ongoing business strategy. For some really great books, take a look at my Recommended Reading list.
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