Since launching Millennial Masters, I’ve read far more business books. I probably should’ve done more of that while I was running my earlier businesses.
It changed how I read them. Working through every page from start to finish isn’t always the best use of your time when you’re reading for something you can apply.
With a business book, I want to understand the main argument first, then find the parts that are actually useful to me. If something deserves more attention, I slow down there.
Once you read this way, getting through a book becomes much easier. 👇🏻
How to read a book a week
This is the four-step method I use:
1️⃣ Know who’s talking
Spend five minutes on the author first. Read a short bio or find a good interview. You only need enough context to understand what they’ve done and where their perspective comes from. That makes it easier to judge the claims that follow.
2️⃣ Get the argument quickly
Then get the argument before you start reading chapter by chapter. Check the contents page, then read the introduction and conclusion. In most business books, those pages tell you what the author is arguing and how they’ve organised the book. From there, you can see which chapters are worth more of your time.
3️⃣ Scan for what matters
Skim first, then slow down where it earns your attention. Read the opening paragraphs of each chapter and scan the subheads. Look for material that adds something useful. If a section repeats what you already know, move on. Spend more time where the argument gets stronger or the example helps you think differently.
4️⃣ Pull out what you want to keep
When you finish, go back to the contents page. Work out what each chapter actually added and write down the ideas you’d use or want to come back to. Add anything you disagreed with while it’s still fresh. That gives you something useful to return to later.
Read for what you can use
Finishing every page isn’t the point. You’re looking for the parts that deserve your time.
You can get what you need from plenty of business books in an hour or two this way. Some deserve a deeper read. Others have a few useful ideas worth taking with you.
Stay 📚 Booksmart
