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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Don't Be A Passive Reader: How to Retain What You Read


Regular reading is a valuable habit for solopreneurs. But it’s not enough to read a lot of books if you can’t recall anything about them. You need a system so you can track what you read, when you read it, and what you learned from it. Otherwise, you’ll be relying on your memory which may not always be accurate.

But that doesn’t mean that tracking what you read has to be boring or difficult. Here are the details you want to make sure you hold onto…

Start with These Facts

You want to record the basics first like the title and author name. You may also want the page count and publisher information. This can be helpful if it’s a resource you plan to recommend to friends or if it’s a technical book that may be updated by the publisher periodically.

Next, grab the book summary. You can write your own if you prefer to share your impressions of the book. But if not, then use the book blurb found on websites like Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Capture the Details

Now that you have the basics out of the way, it’s time to focus on recording details about the book you’ve just read. Note any quotes you loved or passages you want to remember. Be sure to add the page number or chapter title so you can find them again.

Next, rank the book. You can create your own ranking system if you like or you can keep it simple and use the five-star method that’s popular on Amazon. You may also want to include three to five tags to jog your memory later or help you if you want to recommend the book.

Take Notes

Finally, take some time to craft your own notes. These don’t have to be shared with anyone else and don’t need to be long or complex.

You can write 3-5 sentences talking about the book. You could say something like, “Great book. I love the points made in the first three chapters but the middle was a bit repetitive. I’d skim read those chapters on a re-read.”

Splurge on a Journal

Another way to keep track of what you read is to splurge on a reading journal. There are a plenty of journals available at a variety of price points, but one of the most popular ones is The Book Lover’sJournal. You’ll have plenty of space to record what you read and what you thought about it. It's the one I use and I love it!

Use an App
Some people prefer to track their reading digitally. If that describes you, then you might be interested in the Goodreads app.

You can post your own reviews and add books to your virtual shelves called tags. It’s part catalogue system and part social network so you can interact with other users and discuss your favorite books.


It doesn’t matter how you prefer to track your reading. It’s just important that you have a system in place so you can retain what you’ve read and refer back to it in the future.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Work Smarter: 5 Business Books You Should Read Right Now

Every entrepreneur has days when they don’t want to get anything done. It might be that you’re tired, stressed, or just plain overwhelmed. If that describes you, you’re not alone.


One of the best ways to overcome these emotions is to read a few pages of a book that you find motivational. Here are five books that won’t only inspire you, they’ll also help you work smarter, too…


Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T Harv Eker


If you’ve ever wondered why one person is financially successful while the other struggles for years despite having similar business models, this book is for you. In it, the author tackles the biggest predictor of financial abundance—your mindset.


With a down-to-earth style, T Harv Eker explains the importance of preparing your mind for success and anticipating big business growth. If you’re tired of struggling and need a motivational book, reach for Secrets of theMillionaire Mind.


Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo


Communicating clearly is an important part of getting what you want from your life and your business. In Talk Like Ted, you’ll learn the secrets of public speaking from some of the world’s most inspirational minds.


This book will give you the tools to improve your public speaking and you’ll find the more confident you become with your speaking, the easier it is to embrace other forms of marketing like video streaming and podcasts. If you want to refine your communication skills, grab this book today.


Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter


Drunk Tank Pink is a fascinating read that discusses why humans behave in certain scenarios. This type of behavior analysis can be helpful for entrepreneurs as they make everyday decisions like what colors to use in their branding and what words will evoke the best response on their sales page.


Although the book references numerous scientific studies, it never slows down or gets dull. Instead, the author deftly explains the results of these experiments in terms that every layman can understand. If you’re curious about what drives customers’ behavior, this is the book you’ll want to read.


The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone


Setting your goals too low is a common cause of mediocrity. In The 10X Rule, Grant Cardone focuses on the importance of setting big goals and taking action toward them every single day.


His high-energy style and enthusiasm for business have inspired readers around the world. The author also touches on why some people succeed in business while others fail despite their efforts. If you’re looking to be challenged to dream bigger, this is the book you want on your nightstand.


The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks


If you’ve ever felt like something was holding you back from hitting the next level, then you need to check out The Big Leap. In it, Gay Hendricks discusses the four false beliefs that can hold you back and sabotage from success.


As you examine these beliefs and how they’re formed, you’ll discover how to overcome them so you can live in your zone of genius. Be prepared to dig deep into your mindset to uncover the hidden obstacles that are keeping you from the life and business you want.
Make it a habit to take time to read each day. Doing this regularly refreshes you and gives you inspiration to work smarter on your business.