The most influential and successful people in the business world are – reading. To quote one of my favourite investors of all times, Warren Buffett, ‘the key to success is reading, as much as 500 pages per day (yikes!)’ According to Buffett knowledge builds up like compound interest over time. Makes sense if you think about it a bit doesn’t it? Someone like Bill Gates, for example, reads about 50 books per year according to the Business Insider South Africa. Now to be honest with you I’m an avid reader, however this year I’ve got a lot going on so I decided my reading strategy will entail reading a selection of just four books. One for each quarter of this year. I’d rather read less than the average Bill Gates and take the time to implement the knowledge which I’ve gained than reading 50 books without implementing anything useful in my business.
These Titles Made It Successfully onto My Reading List
#What Makes Them Great? 50 Ways to Become the Industry Leader
By Douglas Kruger
Now to be honest this was my first purchase for my collection this year. So far, I haven’t been disappointed. I’m sure you’ve also wondered what the differentiating factor between the icons of a specific industry and those that are just ‘good’ at what they do might be. Well, I certainly have. That’s one of the reasons I find Kruger’s book so helpful as it gives 50 practical tips on how to achieve just that!
#How to Win Friends & Influence People in the Digital Age
By Dale Carnegie, Brent Cole
Some of you or maybe all of you might have come across this book before. You might already know Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends & Influence People released in 1936. released in 1936. Yes, you read it right the first time… Since its release, it has sold over 15 million copies and has recently been adapted for the digital age. Now a book that endures the test of time certainly merits making my list.
#Beginner’s Pluck – Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now
By Liz Bohannon
In her book Beginner’s Pluck, Liz wants the reader to, ‘rethink everything you’ve been told about finding your passion and following your dreams’. Liz clarifies a whole lot in her book about the emphasis placed on finding your passion and instead focusses on the reality of building your passion and purpose as she puts it ‘actively, day-by-day’.
#Find Your Way – Unleash Your Power and Highest Potential
By Carly Fiorina
I recently listened to a leadership podcast interview with Carly Fiorina. Like most South Africans I’d never heard of her before then. However, her journey from secretary to becoming the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company sounded remarkable and I adding her book to my 2020 must-read list was a no-brainer.
Bringing it together
Dear reader, from experience I have seen first-hand what consistent reading, gaining knowledge and expanding your horizons can achieve for our personal and professional lives. I know that reading doesn’t necessarily come naturally to everyone, but I really want to encourage you to give it a try before reaching for the audio versions of the book. For the simple – in an era where communication is turning more digital by the second, it is imperative that we improve our reading comprehension and communication skills. I believe without a doubt that effective communication will serve us well while we actively grow our business’.
