Why Every Location Independent Entrepreneur Should Read More

I love books that can teach me something. Anyone that knows me well will be nodding their heads in agreeance with this, as since the age of about 21 I haven’t read any fiction whatsoever. Yes – that’s right, nothing. I used to love novels as a kid, but in the past few years I became bored with the imaginary and wanted to learn more about the world, about myself and be inspired. This is exactly what reading is for me now – inspiration, and the only way I can really connect with a book is if its informational, so its only natural that I’ve gravitated somewhat to the world of self-improvement and autobiography.

Looking back at my career, I can truthfully say it was a book that bought me to the place I am today. I was always a bit of a drifter when I was in my early 20’s – even though I went to university and graduated with distinction in science, it was never an area that I pictured myself in long-term. After a variety of jobs in the years to follow I had managed to work my way up into a fairly senior position, but found that although I was performing well, my heart was no longer in it.

I had no savings, no motivation and no real plan for the rest of my life – I felt like my destiny was sitting in an office cubicle for 8 hours a day and that scared the hell out of me. I knew I wanted more, I just couldn’t put my finger on it, so I started reading.

I’d always had an interest in starting a company and working for myself, but with little savings this seemed like a pipe dream – but after reading a book written by Scottish Entrepreneur (and multi-millionaire) Duncan Bannatyne, something within me clicked into place – I felt refreshed, motivated and from that day forward began saving money and planning my escape from the 9-5 once and for all.

Within 6 months of finishing the book I realised my dream of starting a property developing business with my partner Mike, and within another 3, this blog was born. And it whole-heartedly was because of reading that book. There’s a quote that I heard recently that I believe sums up my frame of mind at this time so well – ‘When you are ready to learn, the teacher will appear’ – and this was exactly it – I was SO ready to find an escape route from my drifting corporate existence and learn what I needed to do to make that happen. I discovered that I already knew what to do deep down inside, I just needed that extra push of confidence to kick me into gear.

Since then, I’ve been a huge advocate of reading as much as I can – books, online, the entrepreneur sections of newspapers – whatever I can find that will motivate me, I read.

It’s now been over a year since I put that book down and I’m feeling more inspired and motivated than ever. My blog is growing month by month, and I’m getting some great feedback from readers out there who are getting value from it and learning along side me each month. Mike and I are also about to enter into our second property development which is a lot bigger than our first, so I’m so excited to be building this ‘self-employed’  part of our lives that will eventually replace our  ‘employee’ ones. Not that there’s anything wrong with being an employee – if you love what you do that’s fantastic, but for me I know my heart will never be in another persons business again.

I don’t want to come across as bragging in any way about what I have achieved – I actually think what I have done anyone can do, so I want to share this story with people to  convince anyone out there who doesn’t know how to move forward or is wondering if they will ever get out of the employee rut, that they can, and its easy if you just start reading. I promise – if you read these books below your brain will be over-flowing with ideas and inspiration so much that you wont know what to do with it!

If I can do it, anyone can! Here are the details of the ‘magic’ book detailed above, along with a few others that have helped me build knowledge and confidence to follow my dreams.

How To Be Smart With Your Money – Duncan Bannatyne – An easy to read book that drove home that I needed to take control of my life and helped me believe in what I was capable of.

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway – Susan Jeffers – Confidence is a hugely important in business, so you’ll need lots of it. This book helped me to forget the doubts in my head and listen to my heart.

30 Day MBA – Colin Barrow – Quite a detailed and focused book on business skills which I refer back to at times when I’m not sure about something – it also includes some great case studies that will force you to dream big. 

Rich Dad Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki – A book that challenges the ‘go to school, work hard and save your money’ mentality – perfect for anyone thinking about starting their own business but lacks the confidence to get started.

What about you, has a book ever changed your life? I look forward to reading some of your suggestions!

Photo Credits – Thanks to Brian B (Attribution License)

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