Not so much now, because we’re not quite living in a post-pandemic world yet. But when riding the subway in the past, you could tell which book was a bestseller because so many people were reading it. Up to about seven years ago, I used to be one of those people reading a bestselling book. I learned that because a book is a bestseller doesn’t mean it’s any good. It could be, but it could be that it has a great promotion engine behind it. I learned to read a few books off the beaten path.
I’ve always had a contrarian steak. So, if I’m being honest, I read a lot of books off the beaten path. But if you love bestsellers, I’d recommend that in addition to reading books, add some alternative reading materials. You start reading a few books off the beaten path, to see what they have to offer. Let’s say that most professionals read bestselling books, and you follow them. How will you get the winning ideas to drive the business, or even move your career forward? You’re unique, so why do you want to do what others are doing?
Not all books off the beaten path are great. But many of them are. You want to get different perspectives on a topic you’re interested in, so that you have to make up your own mind. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but when a certain topic is popular, many of the big name authors want to get in on the action. And they’re often saying the same things, sometimes in slightly different ways. Is that what you’re looking for, or would you rather have a contrarian voice that forces you to think. You don’t have to agree with the person, but it’s good if you at least listen to what’s being said.
Have you read?
Leadership Reading: Read to Learn What You Need to Know
Where Do You Find Books Off the Beaten Path?
There are a few places you can go to find books off the beaten path. Browse the related section (s) in your public library. Or you can call the library and ask a librarian for book recommendations. Talk to people who are very different from you to see what book suggestions they have. Find a group for authors on LinkedIn and Facebook, and ask for recommendations.
Where do I find books off the beaten path?
I’m on a lot of email lists and I often learn about books off the beaten path that way. Sometimes authors contact me, wanting to know if I’ll review their book. There are times I find books off the beaten path by accident, like when I’m interviewing someone and they mention a book.
Additionally, I subscribe to book promotion websites. And every day, they send me the books that are free and heavily discounted for that day. I’ve found some great books that way. Some unknown authors use the sites hoping to score big time, getting lots of readers for their books. I love free books, and I also love heavily discounted books. Many of them I abandoned because they weren’t that good. Some I’ll never bother to read. However, I found some gems, then I did research to see what else those authors wrote. I became a fan.
For the next three months, would you commit to reading five books of the beaten path? To get you started on your journey to reading a few books off the beaten path, here are five books.
- The MacGyver Secret: Connect to Your Inner MacGyver & Solve Anything
- Problem Solving 101: A Simple Book for Smart People by Ken Watanabe
- Decision Diagnosis: Seven Antidotes to Decision Procrastination by David Almeida
- Storynomics: Story-Driven Marketing in the Post-Advertising World by Robert McKee
- How to Write Manga: Your Complete Guide to the Secrets of Japanese Comic Book Storytelling by R.A. Paterson
After you’ve read the five books and you want more recommendations, please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help.
