If you’ve read a few of my posts, you know that I believe in constant, on-going self-education.
I don’t have many friends who are entrepreneurs back home, so in order to surround myself with great entrepreneurial minds I read books and if I’m moving and can’t read then I’m listening to podcasts or audiobooks.
In the past people would turn on the radio on the drive to work and listen to shock jocks spouting crap. Entertaining, fun, but not very helpful.
The beauty of the world we live in is that every niche can create their own unique content stream.
In my case, my main focus is on entrepreneurship, so I create my own unique and personally tailored “radio”, with the content I mentioned above.
Whenever I drive to work – I’m learning.
Whenever I drive home – I’m learning.
If I’m commuting on a bus – I’m learning.
At any rate, it definitely can’t hurt.
This is the next best thing to sitting physically in the same space as very smart people. By listening to successful people everyday, I’m gaining years of accumulated experience, street smarts and insight.
I love it.
Audible
I use Audible to buy and listen to audio books. I’ve only gotten into audio books relatively recently in the past year or so. Both podcasts and audiobooks have their advantages and disadvantages. I alternate between both.
If you’re new to audible, it works as a subscription service (or you can purchase directly). I upgraded recently to the 2 credits per month plan ($22.95 per month).
You can either purchase books on audible directly for cash OR you can use credits.
On my plan, each credit is work $11.48 per credit. So when you’re considering buying an audiobook if the book is priced less than your credit value, just buy it in cash. If its priced more, then use credits to purchase it.
I like the fact that it is a subscription service, because it “forces” me to invest in myself.
Like I wrote about previously, don’t think twice about purchasing books. These are the best investments you will ever make.
Some of my favourites so far:
Inside Delta Force – not a “business” book, but I’m in awe by the mindset of these top operators. Was very entertaining and very nicely related. Its also really long, so keeps you interested for a while.
On Writing by Stephen King – this was a real gem! Highly, HIGHLY recommended! On Writing is part autobiography and part creative writing tips, with the massive bonus that the book is related by Stephen King himself. I didn’t really know Stephen King’s story, which is really the story of an entrepreneur. I’m also fascinated by the process of writing, so it was an eye opener looking into the inner workings of someone who clearly has been amazingly prolific and successful in the field.
Anything You Want by Derek Sivers – Derek Sivers is very well known in entrepreneurial circles, having the street cred of building and selling his company CD Baby for over $20 million. Derek is the entrepreneur’s philosophers. His views go very much against the grain. Listening to Derek’s audiobook (also narrated by him) is like a guided meditation. Its short and to the point. This book is something I feel I could listen to over and over again.
Podcasts
I LOVE podcasts. Probably more so than audiobooks. I love listening to really smart and successful people share their stories and their insights.
If you’re using an iPhone, then you can listen using the Podcasts app (although its pretty shit and buggy). Stitcher is a good alternative and pretty much the only way to listen on Android.
Here are some podcasts that I really recommend listening to (search for these and subscribe on whichever podcast app you use):
Freedom Fast Lane – Ryan Daniel Moran is doing really well, recently clocking in over $1,000,000 in sales in one MONTH. What I like about Ryan’s podcast which differs from other podcasts is that he has his goals set high (owning the Cleveland Indians 🙂 ) and his mindset and podcast is geared to growing a MASSIVE business – not just reaching a “million” (that’s sooooo 80’s) or reaching 10k per month.
The Tim Ferriss Show – WOW is all I can say. Tim Ferriss helped thousands, maybe millions of people break out of the Matrix with his book. Now his podcast absolutely blows EVERYTHING else out the water with the PHENOMENAL guests he has on. I find myself learning SO much from his podcast, it really is THE shit. My favourite interviewees include Josh Waitzkin, chess prodigy turned martial arts prodigy. Derek Siver (mentioned above). Jamie Foxx (yep, the movie star). Joko Willink (navy seal). Robert Rodriguez (filmmaker, I think this episode helped solidify for me the need for journaling). The list goes on.
The James Altucher Show – James Altucher has a different take on life and interviews also some awesome guests who won’t be found on other podcasts. His interview with Marc Cuban was gold.
Foundr Magazine Podcast – Just started listening to this recently and I have to say hats off to Nathan Chan! Nathan and I started our paths at around the same time, publishing digital magazines to the iPad newsstand. He’s been super persistent and has managed to build a great business. He has some great guests on the show, and again, guests that you don’t often hear from on other podcasts. His interview with Steve Blank was awesome and I also really loved the session with Matthew Michalewicz, a truly smart dude. Nathan has a really nice and relaxed interview style and I often find that the questions I have in my mind he goes ahead and asks. Well done!
Other notables:
The Smart Passive Income Podcast
That should get you started! Now go out and LEARN!
BTW – If there are some awesome podcasts that I haven’t mentioned here, please leave in comments. I’m always looking for MORE!
