Why Reading 100 Business Books Makes Total Sense

Have you ever pondered whether reading business books is really worth the time and effort? The answer, quite simply, is a resounding yes. Not only does reading business literature align with the best investment options, but it also opens a world of opportunities and benefits that extend far beyond the pages you turn.

The Cost of Reading a Book

Let's demystify the financial aspect of reading a book. For example, the cost of purchasing a physical book might be around $40, significantly more if it's a hardcover or even less if you're opting for an e-book version. However, the true cost of this purchase isn't just the money you spend; it's the time you invest in reading it. The average person reads at a speed of two minutes per page. Hence, reading a 300-page book would take about 10 hours (600 minutes).

If your hourly rate is $30, the time spent reading the book would cost you an additional $300 (10 hours x $30). Therefore, the total cost of reading a book, considering both the price and time, is around $340. That's a long-term deal, and one that's incredibly worthwhile.

The Infinite Potential

Imagine the potential benefits of reading books. When you read books, you're essentially accessing a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that other people took years to gather. For instance, a chance to sit down with a Nobel Prize winner or a billionaire like Warren Buffett, who charged $2 million for a lunch, might cost you only $40 if you buy a book or an e-book. Books serve as the equivalent of borrowing someone's brain, and at such a low price tag, it's an incredible deal.

For personal growth and professional development, reading business books has proven to be invaluable. I, for one, read around 40 books a year, with about 50 focused on business, and I've seen tremendous benefits in both personal and professional life. Reading 100 books like this would undoubtedly multiply the positive impact.

Reading Books vs. Any Other Investment

But business books aren't the only ones worth reading. Any book can be a powerful tool. Here are some of the key benefits:

Knowledge

Knowledge is the cornerstone of informed decision-making. The more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know. This epiphany helps you recognize the value of continuous learning. Having a basic understanding of business principles allows you to make informed choices rather than relying on random guesswork.

Moreover, the lack of direct advice in certain areas can be a blessing in disguise. Books often provide nuanced insights that might not be available through conventional channels, making you more aware of the subtleties and complexities involved in business operations.

Awareness

Awareness is key in making smart decisions. Books can help you become more aware of market trends, consumer behavior, or industry challenges. This heightened awareness is invaluable in navigating the business landscape and making informed choices.

In addition, books provide a curated perspective, often offering insider insights and industry predictions that can inform your strategies and planning. This awareness can translate into better decision-making, helping you stay ahead of the curve.

Improved Negotiation Skills

Books can significantly enhance your negotiation skills. While you can't learn the subjective nuances of a negotiation from a book, you can certainly improve your vocabulary, rhetorical skills, and strategic thinking through reading. Here are a few tips:

Domain Knowledge: Understanding the specifics of your industry can make you a more informed negotiator. Books provide a wealth of industry-specific knowledge that can give you an edge in discussions. Strategic Tactics: Learning from the successful negotiations of others can show you what works and what doesn't, allowing you to develop your own strategies. Gradual Improvement: Through practice and ongoing learning, you can refine your negotiation skills over time, leading to better deals and more successful outcomes.

While no book can guarantee a win, it can certainly help you close deals more efficiently and with better insights.

Personal and Professional Inspiration

Reading biographies can provide immense inspiration. These narratives offer a wealth of insights into the personal and professional journeys of successful individuals. They help you understand the challenges and strategies that led to success. Stories of perseverance, dedication, and innovation can ignite your own mind, motivating you to push harder and tackle your own challenges.

Moreover, the inspirational stories can offer you a roadmap to achieve your goals. When you read about others' struggles and triumphs, you can find new perspectives and strategies that might not be immediately obvious to you. This can help you overcome setbacks and maintain motivation.

Motivation and Resilience

Books can teach you to focus on what can be done rather than what might go wrong. They often highlight the importance of a positive mindset and the power of perseverance. For example, a book might emphasize looking for the single reason why a project would succeed rather than 100 reasons why it might fail.

This frame of mind is invaluable in any business endeavor. It helps you stay resilient during challenging times and focus on practical solutions. By continuing to read and learn, you can maintain a drive to succeed and keep pushing forward.

Some of the best business books that can inspire you and provide practical advice include:

Lee Ioccola: Alex Ferrari's biography, Lee Ioccola: The Billion Dollar Mind of the Dollar Shave Club, delves into the life and strategy of Lee Ioccola, a disruptor in the personal-care industry. Rich Dad Poor Dad: Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad offers a new perspective on wealth and financial literacy, challenging conventional wisdom. The Law of Success: David J. Schwartz's The Law of Success provides practical steps for personal and professional success. The Secret: Rhonda Byrne's The Secret explores the power of positive thinking and manifestation, a topic that encourages belief in abundance and personal growth. The Fifth Discipline: Peter M. Senge's The Fifth Discipline focuses on organizational learning and transformation, offering insights into fostering a learning culture.

In conclusion, reading business books is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Whether you're aiming to boost your knowledge, improve your negotiation skills, or seek inspiration, the benefits are undeniable. So, why not aim to read 100 business books? It’s a deal that will pay off in spades.