Tag: Reading

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Best Books for Business Owners

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.

Running your own business is hard. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for decades, you’ll need all the advice you can get. As an avid reader and business owner, I want to share some recommendations for books that are sure to help both new and seasoned business professionals alike.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

If you’re an entrepreneur just starting out, you’ll want as much guidance as possible on how to keep your startup from failing. This book details a different approach to building a company and launching new products and is sure to provide you with helpful guidance on how to adapt and adjust your business plan. If you’ve been in business for years, this could also serve as a helpful refresher.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

For a more optimistic take on building a business, Peter Thiel offers business owners a promising look at the viability of new ideas. It can often feel like there’s no original idea left in the world, but this book help you ask the innovative questions that get you your standout idea.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Other Don’t by Jim Collins

This book by Jim Collins builds of a study he conducted examining how businesses, good or bad, are able to find enduring success. Readers will benefit from understanding the kind of leadership success demands and the way risk can make or break a business.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

While this book isn’t necessarily focused on running a business, it’s an important resource for business owners to learn habits that help in their day-to-day lives. Professional lives are, of course, usually kept separate from your personal life, but building up healthy and effective long-term habits will ease both.

There’s no single way to run a business. The leadership style, industry demands, and risk factors can all change between each company, but there’s usually just enough overlap to figure out what does or doesn’t work. I hope these books can provide a helpful starting point so you can help your business achieve the success you’ve dreamed of. 

If you want to hear about some of my favorite books and bookstore recommendations, check out my blog for more.

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. Also, follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.

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How to Read More Often

Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here. 

Reading as a hobby can be difficult. For many such as myself, the main problem you face is simply finding the time. When we have other commitments to attend to, it can be easy to let reading fall to the wayside. I wanted to share some ways for you to make the time to pick up a book!

Make a list of books you want to read

It’s easier to make time for reading when you feel excited to read. Look up books in your favorite genre and make a list of books you can look forward to. I’ve found websites like Goodreads especially helpful when trying to narrow down my next read. 

If you’re looking for mystery and thriller novels, consider checking out my blog where I discuss some of my favorites. 

Start by reading a few pages each day

If it’s been a while, don’t be afraid to set a lower number as your reading goal. Try reading just 15 or 20 pages a night before you go to bed. It’ll be a great way to reduce your screen time before bed and ease yourself back into the habit. If you keep it up, soon enough you’ll be able to get through pages at a quicker pace. 

Listen to audiobooks. 

Many of us are leading busy lives and don’t often have the time to physically sit down and read a book. What I’ve found helpful is listening to audiobooks as I’m cleaning, exercising, or driving in the car. Audiobooks are a great, hands-free alternative. Audiobooks tend to be pricier than their hardcopy counterparts, so I suggest using a library app like Libby to get access and support your local public library. 

Use the Library

It can be hard to fully commit to buying a book when you’re first starting to get back into reading. Libraries will help save you money and give you a time limit. If you’re someone who’s motivated by a deadline, a library due date could be the perfect solution to get you reading. 

Join a book club

What might be holding you back from making more time for reading is not having anyone to talk about your book with. A book club can make your reading experience more engaging as many will provide their members with questions to keep in mind as they read. Whether you love or hate a book, you’ll have a group of people to discuss your thoughts with. 

Reading is a great hobby to cultivate but can be difficult to make time for. Once you figure out which reading methods work best for you, you’ll be zipping through your pile of books in no time. 

Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Also follow Michael on Medium, Twitter, and Xing.