Reading, one of life’s simple pleasures. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll know just how a good book can add value to your daily life. Whether you choose to read to support your learning and development, improve wellbeing, to read to your children or simply unwinding after a hectic day, the power of reading has vast positive outcomes.
Working in the marketing and PR industry, reading should be something you undertake regularly, and the text you read should cover a variety of different formats. To progress in the industry, reading is an absolute must with research evidencing that regular reading;
- Widens your vocabulary
- Improves use of punctuation
- Increases analytical thinking
- Improves focus and concentration
In turn, this can help you to consider the best approach for telling a story. This isn’t about how you set out writing a novel, but from a PR point a view, can help you to plan out how best to approach telling your business story. Whether it’s announcing good news such as a client win, investment or recruitment or possibly dealing with a PR disaster, how you tell the story dictates what the outcomes will be.
Getting back to the joys of reading, The Reading Agency reports that adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction, with other sources citing that that regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.
A win-win situation all round!
I have delighted in reading from a young age, and I would often be found with my head in a book taking me away from reality and into a world of adventure, possibility, despair and hope. I don’t have a particular favourite genre, the type of book I read often depends on my mood or what I am looking to achieve either at that moment in time or in the future.
Having just enjoyed a fortnight’s annual leave, I had the pleasure and the freedom to get through six novels, so it’s quite apt that Read a Book Day has fallen the this week.
So on the subject of reading, we had a little discussion to find out some of our favourites. Read on for some inspiration.
Girl Boss by Sofia Amoruso.
I watched the Netflix series before making the book purchase. Girl Boss (the book) showcases the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey and Sofia has a knack for giving you a massive dose of inspiration in the process. This book appeals to readers of all ages, it is an easy read, and it keeps your attention. I’ve gifted this book many a time, and my now teenage daughter has read it twice! If you have a daughter and want to give her some inspiration she can relate to, this is THE book.
You’re a Badass by Jen Sincero
Since I founded KC Communications five years ago, self-doubt has popped up regularly. I read this book (again, on holiday) during quite a difficult period where I allowed other people’s behaviours to niggle away at me and affect my confidence and productivity. Even though the tone of this book is very American, there were moments where what Jen had to say just clicked. Calling out areas of self-sabotage but also highlighting where sometimes those issues might be projected on you from others (which is ultimately their issue to deal with). An important message just as I needed it!
I’m just about to embark on starting a new book ‘Being Boss’ by Kathleen Shannon and Emily Thompson after listening to some of their podcasts while on a car journey recently.
My all-time favourite book, however, is something which I can’t for the life in me remember the name of. It’s a book I read between the ages of 9 and 11 set in a magical world featuring gargoyles. However, the book was cleverly put together so you could choose how the next part of the story continued. I’m hoping one day the name of it comes back to me as my kids would love it.
Unbridled Success by Julia Felton
This is a great leadership in which Julia talks about how horses can help us become more self-aware and connected to ourselves and others. As a horse lover myself, I enjoyed reading it, and I can relate to many of the insights that she talks about. It brings it to life for me so much more than any other coaching book I have read before. I hope to put some of my learnings from it into effect to improve my leadership skills further and enhance my management and communication skills.
The Power by Rhonda Bryne
The power is something that has taught me that my dreams have always been closer to me than I thought or realised. It focuses on that the fact that the power to have everything good in your life is inside you and you create your own destiny. An excellent read to help in all areas of life – with both work and relationships!
Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change by Charles Duhigg
My absolute favourite learning/development book of all time! Apart from reading it in one go because the real-life analogies and examples behind it are so interesting, it also helped me cut out some harmful habits in my life. Not just things like smoking and alcohol that everyone assumes, but things like not driving on auto-pilot and being more mindful in day to day life.
Duhigg also discusses habits within organisations/businesses and society as a whole and how we can go about bringing change in deep-rooted ways of working together that might not be working anymore.
PR Masterclass by Alex Singleton
As a relative newcomer to PR, this book is informative and well written. Singleton is very concise and gives ideas for strategy, rather than telling you exactly what to do, which I found to be much more useful as the PR landscape changes continuously and often these types of books are out of day within a year.
Work Like a Woman by Mary Portas
I can’t say I have a favourite learning book. In my uni days, I focused on the different leadership styles between genders and Mary Portas’ ‘Work like a woman’ book is the one that most stands out. Relevant and educational for both women entering the workforce and women established in their roles who are likely to experience gender inequality at work still.
Happy by Derren Brown
This taught me the mentality of thinking yourself happy – a self-help book towards positive thinking, which I often tap back in to. Not to mention, I love Derren Brown!
We’d love to hear your what your favourite book is and why, so tweet us @kccomms