By Debbie Green

How much time every week do you devote to reading? To save time, reading has become a task that we often cut from our busy schedules. I am not talking about leisure reading, I am talking about taking time to read trade magazines, marketing books, email newsletters, online forums, etc. You don't have to read every article in a trade magazine or newsletter; you can develop skills to scan the first paragraph and see if an article is something that would be helpful to your business.

There was a time when I thought I didn't have time to read the articles that would come across my desk and I would instead use that time seeing more clients, doing paperwork, etc. I finally came to the realization that my clients will always be with me, but taking time to read and move my business forward will come and go.

When we do not make time to read we are only cheating ourselves. How will you learn more about computers? If you didn't read the article on "Microsoft's New Operating System - Vista" how would you know it might be a good idea to wait and purchase a new computer until after the first of the year when this new operating system will be included on every new computer? There are so many reading opportunities available to us. You just have to take advantage of them. I didn't take computer classes to learn how to use computers, I just started reading; in other words, I taught myself. Acquiring computer knowledge is not hard. If you want to learn, you just have to make the time. Here is one of the quotes I live by "If you don't make time, there will never be time."

One way to gain more knowledge is to sign up for free email newsletters. To learn more about computers, I subscribe to Kim Komando daily computer tips and Cool Sites emails. Some of her daily emails may not be of interest to you, so just hit the delete key. Some might be over your head at first, but read them anyway soon the pieces of the puzzle with start to fall in place. You will be on your way to becoming a computer geek! (Okay, that might be a stretch.)

Another great resource for knowledge is online forums. Forums are open 24 hours a day; you can learn about a new software program or connect with people that have a common interest i.e., The Lounge (Studio's online forum), The Minutes Matter QuickBooks Community (QuickBooks & Quoting 7.1 online forum - membership requires purchase) and association forums CHF, ProWin, DraperyPro or Window-Talk (forums for window treatment professionals.)