One of the all-time best business practices is to read. Sounds simple, but how do we make time to read all the emails, newsletters, books, trade papers, newspapers and magazines that we need to keep up with our ever-changing environment? 
We need to learn to read differently! Here’s how.
First: Simplify. Assess the value you get from what you read, including email newsletters, blogs, everything! Determine what you really need and what you want to accomplish, and what you need to get there. Then objectively review what you’re currently reading, what else is out there, and eliminate what’s not helpful, add in what is vital, and then systematically read and learn.
Second: Assimilate. As you read this or anything else, consider this activity as a key to your continuing education. View each piece of reading material as part of your educational curriculum (which you designed, when you simplified and selected your materials above).As you read, whatever you read, ask yourself two questions:
- How might this apply to me and my business?
- How might this apply to my customers and prospects?
This diligence, practiced consistently, will ensure your creativity, innovative thinking while reading. You will stay ahead of the competition because you’re open to new ideas and information, and using it to your own best advantage.
When a new idea sparks a new direction or solution or conversation, go with it! Feed your curiosity…take action! And like a leader should, ask for the help you need to make it happen! By mentally creating an environment of productive and exploratory thinking as you read, you increase your ability to actually BE productive and exploratory – and that’s what taking risk is all about.
So on the topic of being extraordinarily productive as you read, do you think you can get through 1000 email in an hour? My special guest for the Workstyle Bootcamp, Carol Hagen has seen it happen and is ready to teach you how! Learn more about the Workstyle Bootcamp on May 20th here: http://lilliancoury.com/bootcamp/
So take the risk – learn something new from what you read, and apply it! Envision your workstyle (including how you read) really impacting your business, your profitability, your efficiency, your relationships…learn from what’s happening around you, and adopt it, adapt it, and allow others’ smarts to work for you. Reading is just a medium for your growth so keep on reading strategically!
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