12 Most Digestible Business Blogs

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I started reading blogs only about five years ago. I was always the magazine/academic journal type of person; you know, the type who believes that only those who write for magazines or get accepted for publication in academic journals deserve their readership. It never bothered me that most of those pieces didn’t really make a connection with me. In fact, most of the times I was left with the feeling of having consumed too much. Simply put, the content was too dense, the language too complicated and the ideas too complex.

I was happy to jump on the blogging bandwagon after being introduced to the likes of Seth Goden and Guy Kawasaki, people who write as if they are talking directly to you and whose ideas make you ponder AND take action.

Fast forward five years and I now read upwards of 20 new pieces, mostly blog posts every day. Each one of these gives a fresh perspective on business issues, all in crisp, easily comprehensible, bite-sized pieces.

1. Harvard Business Review Blogs

I know I know, anything Harvard is considered too academic and some may believe that it is not the most digestible read. I urge you to consider including it in your weekly reading list just because it is very very good. Harvard Business Review Blogs provide some of the most judicious analysis and the information is always cutting edge.

2. Seth’s blog

Seth Godin owns perhaps one of the most contrarian views on business and is also considered a guru of sorts. His almost-daily posts will make you question the status quo in a big way. Whether it is his books, his blog or the freebies on his websites, the content is sure to open your mind to new concepts.

3. Presentation Zen

Garr Reynolds is a college professor, designer, musician and author. Originally from the U.S. but based in Japan, he is one of the most sensible voices on making effective presentations. Finally, a blog that tells you more than just the latest PowerPoint templates and add-ins to deliver killer (read: killing) presentations. His focus on storytelling rather than only using the ppt template is what sets him apart.

4. Bob Sutton

In the words of Guy Kawasaki, “You have to like an author who has the testicles (or ovaries) to walk away from Harvard Business School Press because it wouldn’t let him use the word ‘asshole’ in his title.” Bob’s blog is quick witted, sharp and fun to read. His “No Asshole Rule” is perhaps one of the most candid summaries of people who make life hell for co-workers. For a quick insight into his wonderfully frank insights, don’t forget to take the “Are You a Certified Asshole Test?”

5. Tom Peters

In the words of CBS Marketwatch, “Tom Peters is the most provocative and engaging (as well as annoying and threatening) management guru running loose in America today.” He is one of the most generous people on the internet with a hoard of very valuable free books  and PowerPoint presentations . One of my favorites is the “Top 50 Have You’s,” which if you are an entrepreneur or a manager, you should read and live by.

6. Inc. Blogs

Inc. Magazine is a valuable resource for all entrepreneurs with its rich collection of videos, articles and columns, yet it is also one of the most under hyped blogs out there when it comes to business knowledge. The blog categories such as Girl power: Female CEOs and The Exceptional Workplace  speak for the content within. Geared at startups but a great read for all aspects of business knowledge, these blogs are a must read.

7. Fast Company

Content on Fast Company within the categories of Coexist, CoCreate, Co. Design and Co. Lead is some of the most cutting edge information available on the internet. Whether it is the skinny on the Supertrees in Singapore or the story about VHS art created from magnetic tape, Fast Company blogs have the latest in innovation and business to offer. I may be prejudiced towards this one, but you have to see it to believe how awesome this is.

8. Forbes Blogs

The blogs, like the magazine, bring the best of all things business. Enough said!

9. Mashable

Mashable is hands down the most extensive social media resource that you should subscribe to and read at least once weekly. It covers the gamut of social media news, tips, lists, and how-to’s. While Mashable is touted as a technology blog, I have found some of the best business stories in my feed coming from Mashable.

10. Daniel Pink

Daniel H. Pink is the author of one of my favourite books and a New York Times bestseller, A Whole New Mind, which reveals the essential aptitudes on which professional success and personal fulfilment depend. This book will change not only how we see the world but also change your definition of what success means. The blog, likewise is full of simple but profound knowledge that you will gladly welcome amidst the rat-race business culture.

11. Global Edge

Global Edge provides international business and trade information on over 200 countries, the 50 U.S. states, as well as nearly two dozen industry sectors, and many of the world’s trade blocs. You can sort insights by industry, country or trade bloc. An excellent place to catch up on general business happenings across the globe.

12. How to Change the World

Guy Kawasaki is the co-founder of Alltop.com, an “online magazine rack” of popular topics on the web, and a founding partner at Garage Technology Ventures. The blog is about his views on the latest thinkers in the field of business and social media. If you haven’t read any of his books or follow the blog, I recommend you read just one post and you will be hooked. Also highly recommended is this speech he gave at Palo Alto High School.

The above are some of my favorite blogs that provide fresh insights into the world of business and don’t leave you feeling overwhelmed, dazed and inadequate. Which ones are your favorites?

Featured image courtesy of hanspoldoja licensed via Creative Commons.

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Bushra Azhar

http://www.gbsense.com/

Bushra Azhar is the Founder of Good Business Sense, a Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Knowledge Advisory based in the Middle East. She is the author of a research study examining the growth of CSR in Saudi Arabia and is also responsible for developing 3 out of a total of 6 CSR reports released in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Her latest publication “The Concise Dictionary of CSR: Simple, Practical, No-Nonsense Introduction to the Main Concepts” is available for free on her company website. You can follow her on Twitter @bushraazhar.