Reading: It Does A Business Good

We’ve all heard the saying that reading is fundamental. Literacy forms the basis of any society, group or even business. We write memos, procedure manuals and even books in the hopes we can convey some meaning and knowledge to another person. Though the days of leafing through a hardbound encyclopedia are long past (sniff, sniff. Thanks, Google!), when we need to know how to fix something, find a resource or even make reservations for a business dinner, we read.

Reading opens gateways to new opportunities, especially in business. We read about the promotion of a business colleague, a new company opening up or a lecture we’d like to attend that could impact our business. As we head into the holiday season, consider sharing your favorite business books with friends, colleagues and employees. And consider these reasons why reading is important for anyone looking to open, grow or get a job in a business.

Reading Can Find You A Good Job. Reading job notices, filling out job applications, endless forms for benefits from human resources, finding your way to a meeting via GPS, or reading a map’s legend in an office building are all skills everyone needs in order to find a good job.

Reading Can Keep A Good Job. Many jobs require reading as a part of job performance. And there are reports, memos and emails to write, read, absorb and instructions to implement. Good reading skills open up unlimited doors to contributing to the workplace and moving up the career ladder. Your boss may love your idea to improve the business when you talk about it, but will want to see your idea fleshed out with an action plan – in writing.

Reading Develops The Mind. Thinking skills are like a muscle. The more you use them, the stronger they grow. Comprehending complex ideas is increasingly important in today’s work world – to understand how one’s job and company fits in the marketplace and to change with the times.

Reading Is How We Learn New Things. Books, magazines and even the Internet are great learning tools. They require one to read. And a person who reads is more likely to learn new things in any area they are interested in. Our world abounds with new information, and reading is how we embrace new ideas.

People Who Read Are Creative. The ability to take ideas from one place and apply them to another is a key success factor in business. So read that entrepreneur’s book, that profile of a business leader or thought-leader’s latest article. The creative juices will flow!

Reading Improves Spelling And Grammar. This is especially important in the business world. How can we trust an employee or company to pay attention to the details of our order when they can’t spell or their grammar is atrocious? We may say we don’t judge those with poor grammar and spelling, but really, we do. We assume they are unintelligent, inconsiderate and we don’t want to interact with them professionally.

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword. The saying is cliché, but great ideas, written down, have changed the world. By reading about the good ideas and exposing faulty logic, we avert problems and push forward plans that are beneficial.

Words – spoken and written – are the building blocks of business. You’re reading this article because you think I have something important to say. And because I write this regular column, you believe my business is worth your attention and consideration. Which it is, of course. But you may not have heard of me or my business without reading this column. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Nov/Dec issue 2014