Read What They Read

The best way to relate to senior executives is to read what they read.  I’m not talking about Wired, Glamour or Sports Illustrated, but business publications.  As you meet alumni on campus or interview for internships, you need to be up to speed on the top business topics and trends.  Even if you don’t interview or meet senior executives directly over the next few years, having context of their issues will help you be more prepared as you meet first line managers.  

By far the best overall resource for business and  management is the Harvard Business Review. I began reading their material 20 years ago and have found great ideas and articles.  I’m sure there is a nice student discount but there is plenty of free content to read once you register. 

Few action items: 
1.  Create an account on hbr.org and signup for at least 1 of their email newsletters

2.  Read a business blog 2x per week (see some ideas below). 

3.  Read 1 business book per semester. I know you have a lot of reading but this is light reading.

Some good business blogs to check out.  Most have RSS so you can have the latest posts delivered to your inbox.  Email inbox that is.  Old school, I know.

Marketing - Seth Godin or Digital Buzz
Management - Tom Peters
Entrepreneurship - Steve Blank (past colleague of mine)
Finance – Financial Executives Institute (FEI)

 I will publish a top 10 list on my next post.  Good luck with studies this week.