How to improve reading skills for business success

Discover 5 smart reading strategies to help entrepreneurs read faster, retain more, and apply insights better for personal and business growth.

Apr 11, 2025 - 13:24

How to improve reading skills for business success

Entrepreneurs are some of the hungriest readers on the planet.

It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s top business leaders credit books as the single most powerful driver of their growth, mindset, and decision-making.

Reading is not only a habit for high-performers; it’s a daily discipline that fuels innovation, sharpens judgment, and opens up new ways of thinking. Whether it’s biographies, business strategy, psychology, or emerging trends, entrepreneurs treat reading as a strategic investment in themselves.

But let’s get one thing clear. Reading more isn’t the goal. Reading better is. Because what matters is how much you understand, retain, and apply.

Insight without action is wasted potential.

So, if you want to start turning pages with purpose, and walk away with ideas you can immediately use, these 5 strategies will help you level up your reading skills starting today!

5 Powerful ways to improve your reading skills fast

1. Master the SQ3R method for deeper understanding

The SQ3R technique is a proven system that helps you break down dense content and actually retain it. Here is how it works:

Survey: Quickly skim the material to get a bird’s-eye view of what you're about to read.
Question: Turn headings and subheadings into questions to guide your focus.
Read: Dive into the text, actively searching for answers to those questions.
Recite: Summarise key points out loud or in writing to reinforce understanding.
Review: Revisit the material to lock in the information and clarify any gaps.

This method turns passive reading into an active learning process. This is ideal for entrepreneurs who need to absorb and implement new knowledge quickly.

2. Make mind maps and ask questions

Before diving into any content, ask yourself: "What do I already know about this?" and "What do I want to learn?"—this primes your brain for deeper engagement.

As you read, create mind maps or outlines to visualise relationships between ideas and reinforce your understanding. If you come across unfamiliar terms, take a moment to define them. This extra step is essential when reading complex business or technical content.

3. Engage with active reading techniques

Active reading means understanding the context, not just letting it wash over you. Here are a few ways to keep your mind fully engaged:

Annotate: Highlight key ideas, underline phrases, and jot down insights.
Summarise: After a chapter or section, write a quick recap in your own words.
Discuss: Share what you have read with a colleague, mentor, or mastermind group. Teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding.

Making reading interactive helps your brain retain more and apply it.

4. Practice speed reading

Entrepreneurs juggle countless responsibilities, and time is always ticking. Speed reading techniques like skimming (grabbing main ideas quickly) and scanning (looking for specific info) can help you process content faster.

Try using a pointer, like your finger or a pen, to guide your eyes across the page. It minimises distractions and keeps your pace consistent. With regular practice, you will find yourself flying through books without sacrificing comprehension.

5. Expand your vocabulary to read with confidence

A richer vocabulary makes for smoother, faster reading. You won’t stop to look up words or get stuck on unfamiliar terms. Here's how to grow yours:

Read widely: Don’t limit yourself to business books. Explore biographies, psychology, fiction or anything that introduces you to a new language.
Use context clues: Practice guessing the meaning of unknown words from their context.
Apply what you learn: Use new words in writing, speaking, and thinking. The more you use them, the more natural they become.

An expanded vocabulary means you will not just read faster, but also understand and communicate better.

Final thoughts

Reading is more than a habit. It's a superpower for entrepreneurs. It fuels creativity, sharpens your strategic thinking, and gives you access to ideas that can transform your business.

By implementing these 5 strategies, you’ll turn reading into a high-leverage activity that drives both personal and business growth. Start today, and see how a few small changes can make a massive impact on your ability to learn, lead, and succeed. Happy reading!