How To Focus On Reading in the UberInformation Era

As a self-made entrepreneur, I really believe in the power of reading, and wasn't surprised the other day when Amazon's Kindle book sales surpassed print books' for the first time. Information is always being changed and updated, and today the ways in which we retrieve information are following. So, how are people to choose the right way to get their news, books and journals in the current uber-information age?

The "Newsreading Theory" by William Stephenson Ludenic asserts that people don't merely seek information delivered via newspapers, but actually adhere to print-editions for another reason: they receive a certain joy from holding on to a newspaper.

A newspaper is a assortment of chosen happenings that informs you of "what's important" for that specific day. In addition, it puts, and keeps, things to ensure that its reader. It is limited to only probably the most relevant information, which means you know by enough time you're done reading, your "need-to-know" thirst is quenched, and you also are informed enough to be on with your day.

Digital readers, however, can only fit so much on their screens. You can't predict where you'll be; links in stories may lead you by far from your starting point. The coverage of a news item can consist of multiple links that, by simply clicking them, will delve deeper into the topic, but from the house page where other news is offered. In addition, the endless amount of sources online gives you a sense that there surely is an infinite amount of information to assemble - it becomes challenging. It is possible to spend days just gathering information online from various sources.

So why is this important? I want to relate it to the late President Ronald Reagan, of whom it is stated throughout his career he was always the best dressed in the area, whatever the social forum. They state he would stand out from any crowd by simply appearing because the smartest person there - again, whatever the issue at hand.

In order to stick out one needs to always have that extra little bit of information among his cards. By reading, you can know something more; share an insight others don't possess. Here are several personal guidelines that have served me well:

1. If you only have so enough time: Get the newspaper at your front door and read it very first thing; know what goes on around you (Essential for me as a PR firm owner). Enrich your engagements and opportunities will observe. Meet with new people, have discussions with colleagues and friends, and engage in business. Before long, uncertainties can look much different when you have the upper hand on the latest developments both locally and internationally.

2. The arena you play on: Often how mavericks differentiate themselves from the laymen. Your industry is a global story - that is clearly a fact now whatever field you're in. Are you familiar with the trends and transformations in your industry? In what direction may be the service/product/firm predicted to go and where should it try to reach? This information will be within trade magazines and analyses reports online. Ensure that you subscribe to several to have a wide and progressive perspective.

3. Global trends: Many within the last decade lost their jobs because they were "asleep" when global trends were shouting that jobs of these kind will be exterminated. They didn't listen. By following vital stories, pictures become clear and problems could be avoided. Recently, the Motorola Company sold major assets from its wireless division. This implies thousands of job cuts worldwide. Following news during the last 8 months, one would have observed Motorola gradually removing operations in its wireless branch; it could not need come as a surprise.

4. All the rest: Yes, this includes this article. The 2 2.0 era and the social media marketing environments have result in an unprecedented quantity of sharing. So, don't rule other people's advice. Read 5 random sites of one's choosing - if they are related to your field or not. Someone else's opinion can contribute to you in lots of ways, be it personally or professionally. Content like tips, motivational notes, how-to lists, and also personal obstacles are valuable. You won't ever know where your next idea may come from.

Communication is all over, and the wise will find enrichment inspiration, and strategy through their reading. Once you have developed a solid reading habit, take a few moments to write, too. Contribute back again to the places you've borrowed from, and share.

Create a strong impression in the next engagement. Show that you know.

Ronn Torossian

Ronn Torossian is president and CEO of 5WPR, among the 20 largest independent PR agencies in the U.S. Named one of the top 40"s Under 40"s by PR Week & Advertising Age, Ronn Torossian was a semi-finalist for the Ernst & Young 2010 Entrepreneur of the entire year Award, and may be reached online at http://www.5wpr.com.