Did you know that the number of new books published each day in the U.S. alone is in the neighborhood of 500? While many can quickly be eliminated from consideration (“The Art & Science of Dumpster Diving” ), there are scores of must-reads to help you in your business. If it seems like the number of these worthwhile books is growing in inverse proportion to your time available to read them, consider listening instead.
The audio book service Audible.com boasts a library of more than 3,700 business books among their total selection of over 40,000 audio programs. You’ll find 10 of the current 15 New York Times Hardcover Business bestsellers, as well as audio versions of articles from Forbes, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal.
I’ve been a subscriber to Audible.com for about seven years and am a big fan. The site is simple to navigate and a global search makes it easy to find a book by title or author. If you’re just browsing, you’ll find reader reviews and recommendations, numerous best-seller lists, sample audio, and personal recommendations based on past purchases.
I usually listen to books at the gym or in the car – occasions when I otherwise wouldn’t be able to read (because reading while behind the wheel can distract from texting 
). But unique challenges exist when listening to business books, as opposed to fiction, while multi-tasking. For instance, there are often key points you would normally highlight or take notes on. In this case, consider using the “bookmark” feature found in most portable MP3 players to mark portions you want to refer back to later. Another drawback to business or other self-help audio books is that they don't include the supplemental materials offered in the printed versions. It’s common for these types of books to include charts, sample forms, and reference materials. The good news is that publishers are becoming more accommodating to audio book listeners by placing these materials on their Web sites.
A $14.95-per-month Audible.com subscription includes one download each month, or choose two downloads for $22.95 per month. You can also purchase selections individually. Be sure to consider your purchase options as some books and articles are individually priced less than the cost of a single download on a monthly subscription. Audible also regularly runs sales that may make the individual purchase option more attractive on certain titles. Either way, you’re likely to pay a fraction of the price of those “old fashioned” CDs.
Mike Savory
Peachtree Product Manager
