How Busy Entrepreneurs Can Read More Books in Less Time?

Running a business is like juggling ten balls while riding a unicycle—emails, client calls, product development, marketing, and a never-ending to-do list. For entrepreneurs, time is always in short supply. But here’s the thing: the most successful business leaders in the world are also avid readers. Warren Buffett reportedly spends 80% of his day reading, and Bill Gates consistently shares the books that shaped his thinking.

The problem? Most entrepreneurs barely have time to finish a cup of coffee and let alone read 300 pages of a business book. So, how can you keep up with your reading goals without sacrificing productivity? Well, there are simple hacks you can do to increase your reading habit in a short span of time.

This article breaks down practical, no-nonsense strategies on how busy entrepreneurs can read more books in less time.

Why Entrepreneurs Should Prioritize Reading?

Before diving into strategies, let’s clear up one myth: reading isn’t just a “nice-to-have.”

It’s a powerful tool for growth. Reading is one of the most powerful habits that is good for your brain and applies to your life. Here are the common reasons:

-Access to new ideas: Books can give you perspectives you won’t find on social media or podcasts.

-Better decision-making: Reading biographies, business case studies, or psychology can help you anticipate problems.

-Mental recharge: Reading isn’t just educational—it’s a way to de-stress. Even a short reading break can boost focus.

The benefits of reading for entrepreneurs go far beyond knowledge; they directly impact leadership, creativity, and even profitability.

1. Redefine What It Means to ‘Read’

The majority of entrepreneurs avoid books because they think they must sit down with a hardcover and dedicate hours. In reality, reading doesn’t always mean flipping pages from a book. Reading can be defined in a few ways:

-Audiobooks are books.

-Kindle samples are books.

-Summaries are books—just condensed.

The goal isn’t to “finish” but to consume knowledge in a way that fits your lifestyle. That’s the secret behind how entrepreneurs can read books without wasting time.

2. Start With Audiobooks

If you spend time commuting, walking, or even working out, audiobooks can be your best friend. Apps like Audible, Scribd, or Blinkist turn downtime into productive learning.

-Driving to work? Listen to a chapter.

-At the gym? Finish a business biography.

-Cooking dinner? Absorb marketing strategies.

Pro tip: Set the playback speed to 1.5x or 2x. Most non-fiction books are written in a way that’s easy to follow at faster speeds.

Looking for recommendations? The best audiobooks for busy entrepreneurs cover topics like productivity, leadership, marketing, and personal finance.

3. Use Book Summaries Strategically

Not every book deserves your full attention. Sometimes, a 15-minute summary gives you 80% of the key ideas.

Platforms like Blinkist, getAbstract, and Shortform offer thousands of business and self-improvement books that consist of in-depth summaries.

Here’s how to use them:

-Skim a summary first → If it resonates, dive into the full book.

-Use them for “trend” books that may not stand the test of time.

-Perfect for staying in the loop without drowning in information.

In fact, many entrepreneurs rely on book summary apps for entrepreneurs to save time and still gain insights.

4. Make Reading a Habit, Not a Marathon

Most entrepreneurs wait for a “perfect time” to read—a long weekend, a vacation, or a quiet evening. In reality, you will get those perfect times, but unfortunately, that never comes.

Instead, build micro-reading habits:

-10 pages before bed.

-15 minutes with your morning coffee.

-One chapter during lunch.

The math adds up quickly. Reading just 10 pages a day means 3,650 pages a year, or roughly 12–15 books. Small reading habits for busy professionals make a big impact over time.

5. Curate Your Book List

Entrepreneurs often waste time reading books that aren’t relevant to their current stage. Instead, choose books with a clear purpose that aligns with your aspirations.

Ask yourself:

-Is this book solving a current business challenge?

-Will this book help me grow personally or professionally?

-Is this book worth 6–10 hours of my time?

If your answer is “no,” just skip it without any guilt. The best business books for time-strapped entrepreneurs are the ones that align directly with your current goals.

6. Combine Reading With Networking

Here’s a hack: join a business book club or a mastermind group where reading is part of the culture.

When you know you’ll discuss a book with other entrepreneurs, you’re more motivated to finish it. Plus, you get different perspectives that make the book even more valuable.

If you can’t find one locally, there are plenty of entrepreneur book clubs online that bring together like-minded professionals from around the world.

7. Embrace Technology

Reading is no longer about diving into the hard copy. Now it's all about reading apps and applying them to practical settings. Modern tools make reading more efficient:

-Kindle highlights & notes → Save key insights directly to the cloud.

-Readwise app → Re-surface your book highlights so you don’t forget them.

-Speech-to-text apps → Let your phone read PDFs or reports while you multitask.

These apps that help entrepreneurs read more books ensure that the lessons actually stick, instead of fading away.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Quit Books

One of the biggest time-wasters? Forcing yourself to finish books you’re not enjoying.

Successful readers know when to quit. If a book doesn’t grab your attention by chapter three, drop it guilt-free. Time is your most valuable asset, so treat it that way.

This is a perfect example of how entrepreneurs can read faster and smarter—focus on value, not volume.

9. Mix Fiction With Non-Fiction

Entrepreneurs often stick to business and self-help books, but fiction sharpens creativity and empathy. It’s also a way to keep reading fun. For example:

-Science fiction → Improves innovative thinking.

-Historical novels → Offer lessons in leadership and resilience.

That’s why entrepreneurs should read fiction alongside their usual business titles.

10. Stack Reading With Daily Routines

You don’t need extra hours in the day—just habit stacking. Combine reading with activities you already do:

-Read for 5 minutes after brushing your teeth.

-Listen to audiobooks while walking your dog.

-Skim a summary during your lunch break.

This is one of the best time management tips for entrepreneurs who want to read without feeling overwhelmed.

The 80/20 Reading Rule

Remember the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule)? It also applies to reading. Usually, 80% of the value comes from just 20% of the content.

-Focus on chapters that are most relevant to your situation.

-Use tables of contents and indexes to find what you need.

-Don’t feel guilty about skipping filler chapters.

Once you learn how to apply the 80/20 rule to reading books, you’ll stop wasting time on unnecessary content and get straight to the insights.

Realistic Reading Goals for Entrepreneurs

Here’s a plan that works for even the busiest schedule:

-1 audiobook per month (commute/workouts)

-1 book summary per week (lunch breaks)

-1 physical/Kindle book every two months (bedtime reading)

That adds up to 24–30 books a year—without hindering into your business time. These are realistic reading goals for entrepreneurs with no time.

Final Thoughts

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean giving up the joy and power of books. With the right strategies—like audiobooks, summaries, micro-reading habits, and smart book selection—you can stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the game.

Reading doesn’t have to be a luxury. It can be part of your entrepreneurial toolkit, helping you grow your business while sharpening your mind.

Ready to get ahead in business without burning out? Start by adding just 10 minutes of reading into your daily routine—your future self will thank you.