Solopreneurs wear so many different hats. You juggle marketing campaigns, product creation, client recruiting, software updates, and more. You do it all and that has you wondering where on earth you’ll find time to squeeze in some reading to better your business.
But making time to read doesn’t have to be difficult. It can be easy if you follow these simple tips…
Read in the Mornings
If you already have a few morning routines that allow you to start the day feeling energized and enthusiastic, then add a new reading habit to the mix. But remember, you don’t have to devour an entire tome. You can start by reading one short chapter in the morning.
Sneak a Few Pages before Bed
If you’re more of a night owl, you might find it easier to read before bed. You won’t have the pressures and interruptions that most people experience during the day. Reading also helps you unwind so you might find that indulging in a few pages before bed also improves your sleep quality.
Keep a Book with You
Thanks to smart devices, it’s easier than ever to tote a huge library with you wherever you go. When you find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store or in a doctor’s office, skip the magazine rack and go for a book instead.
Choose Fascinating Books
Pick books you actually want to read, ones that excite and inspire you. Not only will you be more engrossed when you do read, you’ll also be on the lookout for pockets of time in your day when you can crack open a book.
Put Down the Book
You don’t have to finish every book you start. Maybe you find the author’s word choice irritating or their writing style boring. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to complete a book just because you started it.
Some people find it helpful to have a minimum pages rule. For example, you may decide that if a book isn’t interesting to you, you can release it after thirty pages. How many pages you pick depends on your reading habits and personal preferences.
Set a Daily Goal
One of the best ways to create and stick-to a reading habit is to set a daily goal. This could be a certain number of pages or chapters read. If you don’t read a lot currently, start with a small goal like two pages a day.
Each week, you can challenge yourself to read an extra page. Keep doing this until you’re at a number that you find a number that’s fun to aim for and challenging to you.
Reading regularly is like having a gym membership. You’re not going to experience the amazing benefits unless you carve time out of your schedule and make it a priority.
Reading is one of the easiest ways to grow your business. That’s because reading can help you see a problem from a different perspective, approach a customer complaint with wisdom, and provide you with the insight you need to do something new.
But picking a book to read is hard. There are thousands of books already out there and dozens are being published weekly. So what should you read next? How about trying one of these? I recommend each one of them!
The Power of Moments by Dan & Chip Heath
In this gripping book, Dan and Chip Heath examine what makes some moments memorable while others seem to slip by entirely unnoticed. In the book, the authors describe the four elements that create a special moment—elevation, insight, pride, or connection.
You can use the insights from Dan and Chip to create special moments for your subscribers, clients, or customers. These moments can strengthen and deepen your business relationships in exciting, new ways.
Permission to Screw Up by Kristen Hadeed
Kristen Hadeed’s book on how to fail is not only laugh out loud funny, it’s also authentic and inspiring. In Permission to ScrewUp, Kristen recounts how she began her business and the mistakes she made along the way.
But Kristen doesn’t just share her journey. She goes on to explain the mistake she made and what she should have done instead. This book will encourage entrepreneurs who are floundering in their business and give them insights into how to course-correct.
Ask by Ryan Levesque
Some entrepreneurs waste months or even years trying to guess what their community wants from their business. But with Ask by Ryan Levesque, you’ll be armed with the information you need to get real answers that can transform your business.
Ryan breaks down how to create surveys that give you valuable data about your customers and shows you how to create customized sales funnels that turn visitors into raving fans.
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
The One Thing is a short and simple no-fluff guide. The idea behind it is that you can only focus on doing one thing well at a time. So, the authors recommend cutting out many modern-day distractions so you can get the work done that really matters.
But if you don’t know what those activities are, the book will help you sift through and identify the activities that will give you the biggest return on your time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your business, this book is the essential guide you need to get back to basics.
Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller
One of the biggest challenges for an entrepreneur is defining their brand so that customers can understand it. With Building a StoryBrand, you’ll discover how to clarify your brand and share it with your customers.
The author gives clear advice on how to share the message that you’ve been struggling to communicate. Plus, he devotes plenty of time to the seven story points that allow customers to truly connect with your brand. If you’re ready to level up your marketing, grab this book today.
Don’t put off learning from these fantastic authors. Pick one book and get started reading today!
