I spend a ridiculous amount of time reading material that is related to public relations and social media because I love what I do. While constantly educating myself about what’s going on in my industry is extremely important, it’s also good to branch out and read material that’s interesting, but not related to my career.
My Google Reader is filled with a hodgepodge of blogs, so I thought I would share four that I find positive in nature, interesting and valuable. I hope you can add a few, if not all, of these blogs to your reading list so you can start learning from them, too.
1. My Escape Velocity – Chris Brogan’s human business and new media blog is wildly successful, and I learn a ton from it. But I like the new direction he and the other contributing writers are taking with this blog. My Escape Velocity is meant to serve as a resource to help people build skills in specific areas, such as self-improvement, business, money and books.
2. Productivity501 – Who couldn’t use some advice when it comes to beefing up productivity? There are a million and one distractions in this world that make it too easy to stray off course. The writer at Productivity501 is dedicated to sharing tips and tricks to help readers increase personal productivity.
3. Zen Habits – This is not an undercover blog by any means, and you may already read it regularly. But if not, you need to – especially if you lead a busy and stressful life. The tagline sums the content up perfectly – Smile, breathe and go slowly. The content on Zen Habits centers on the theme of finding simplicity in the chaos of daily life. Sometimes I seriously want to reach through my computer screen and hug the author (Leo Babauta created the blog, but he frequently features guest writers) because it has been “one of those days” and the post on Zen Habits brings me back to sanity. This blog is a bit off the norm because there are no comments, social sharing options or ads. Simplicity truly is a beautiful thing.
4. The Real Time Farms Blog – A few pals of mine in Ann Arbor, MI run Real Time Farms, which is a relatively new company that helps local consumers understand where their food comes from. People can discover fresh and local food near them and share pictures and information about local farms and farmers markets. So of course, the blog is full of scrumptious looking food. It also features stories and experiences that various writers share related to fresh and wholesome food. The photos on this blog are stunning, and you’ll find value in the content even if you aren’t from the Ann Arbor, MI area.
Your turn! What are some of your favorite blogs that have nothing to do with your work or industry?