There are countless pieces of advice on business out there, on pretty much every topic and every type of business. There are systems, get rich quick schemes, books, webinars, conferences, etc. I have invested my fair share into all of these things. A lot more than I really should have, to be honest, so I hope knowing that, I know a little bit about what I’m talking about.

So, what is this magical free investment in your business? What can make all your dreams come true (if you get of your own way of course)?

Simple. The library. Hands down, this has been the best investment in my time and education AND my business over the last ten years. The amount of knowledge you can gain from a library is staggering. And I’ll bet I have an answer for your most common “complaints” about it.

Whining excuse reasoning – I don’t have time.
I’m sorry, but yes you do. You have so much more time than you realize. When you want to check Facebook, read a page in a book. Even reading one page in a book each day means you read a book or two a year. You find time for the things that are important to you. Ask yourself if your business and making money is more important than Facebook/Candy Crush/Clash of Clans/watching TV/whatever. This is especially true if you are the owner of a small business – your family is counting on YOU to eat, don’t let them down.

Whining excuse reasoning – My library is small.
Sorry again, so is mine. You can reserve books online and send them to your branch. I would say I’ve requested hundreds of books since I realized I could do this. It’s so convenient to put in the request and pick it up from my branch when I can. I do this online, but you can get help at your local branch from your librarian. Full disclosure – I used to drive to multiple branches to get the books I needed. What a waste of time and gas.

Whining excuse reasoning – I hate to read.
Answer? Books on tape. Again, use that requests feature. There are a ton of books on tape, fiction and non-fiction. This is especially helpful if you have a long commute. You can also listen to these while you’re on the treadmill walking/running.

Whining excuse reasoning – Reading books won’t help my business.
Over the last year, I’ve read several books that have completely changed my mindset, my business and my life. Through the knowledge I gained, I made big changes in my business that have increased my productivity and helped me to bring in more money….to the point that we can actually look into ways to SAVE our money! What a change from 2 years ago when Bret lost his job and we were living paycheck to paycheck!

Whining excuse reasoning – Any other excuse reason you may have.
Running a business isn’t easy. It takes a great deal of work, time, sacrifice, blood, sweat, tears, fights with your spouse, money….and the list goes on and on. There is not “get rich quick” answer to cancel out the hard work. If someone tells you there is, be very very wary. You’re probably making THEM rich and not yourself. You have to put in the time in different areas of your business. You have to read and you have to actually DO the things that are suggested in those books….if they line up with your business model, brand and target clients, of course.

What about you? What’s your excuse and how can I talk you into reading and using your library?

Bonus – you can get NEW DVD releases at the library too….for FREE. There will be a waiting list for the newest stuff (unless you put in a request early), but hey, a free movies add up! Even if you’re using Redbox!

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