Avoid the siren call of the latest and greatest business book! When you spot a book that calls out, "buy me, buy me," resist the urge unless you can use the book in your work right now. I own so many unread books! These ten tips will help you avoid the same needless expenditures or, at least, make you think twice before purchasing a "someday" read.
Read the Book Jacket for a Content Overview
When you find a title that attracts you, read the book review on the book jacket. A catchy title doesn't describe the real content. This additional information may target the timeliness of the book for your needs. Quotes from celebrities often don't tell you much about the book, just about their relationship with the author, editor or publisher. (They may also like the book; why risk it?)
Check Author Credibility
Read the author's credentials. I prefer business books by people who have earned a living in the "real world" as a business leader, consultant or owner. I have nothing against academics who also have spent time in the field. I am cautious about autobiographies of business leaders who must present the "perfect picture" of the "perfectly executed strategy." Wonderful hindsight.
Determine the Target Audience
Is it you? Check also to see if the target audience is everybody. Does "everybody" need the same information as you? Probably not! The needs of the audience often dictate the examples used to illustrate key book points.
Read the Chapter Titles
Is the content of the book obvious from the chapter titles? Sometimes, I find the chapter titles tell me all I need or want to know. As an example, if the ten key causes of communication failure are chapter titles such as "failure to listen," do you really need to read the book? Other times they pique my curiosity and beg me to read further.
Learn More From the Introduction or Foreward
In the introduction, authors frequently summarize the book, tell you why they wrote it and provide other information that helps you with your purchasing decision.
Look for Real World Examples
Open the book randomly to read a portion of a couple of chapters. Look for "real world" examples. Look for study results that represent the opinions of working people. You'll want to see theoretical points illustrated so you can apply them on the job.
Become Familiar With the Author's Style
Randomly read a portion of a few chapters; you should have a good feel for the writer's style. Do you find it interesting, upbeat and informative? There is nothing so deadly to your reading interest than a boring style. If the book is boring, it will sit on the shelf unread. Best books have a lot to do with personal taste.
Think About Whether the Topic is Timely for You
People frequently buy books expecting to read them later. Often, later never comes. Purchase books that will help you with a timely topic or a process you know you'll implement in a couple of months. I don't know about you, but I have so much to learn for each project I'm working on currently, I rarely have time to read about topics for my hypothetical future.
