Reading is educational, helps you improve your communication skills, and can even sharpen your emotional intelligence. Reading and learning from your peers allows you to grow as an employee, business owner, or industry influencer. And, if you don’t believe me, I’ve outlined 10 reasons how joining online book clubs can help you succeed in business.

I have found some great business book clubs to join. You should take a look at Read With Cynthia, Read With Murray or Read With Entrepreneurs. There are book clubs for whatever topic you want to know more about, want to improve your personal branding well there is a book club for that.

1. You’ll learn about topics you otherwise wouldn’t.

2. You’ll on new, interesting topics.

As mentioned above, book clubs give you the chance to hear what others think on specific topics. Whether you agree with them or not, this is a great opportunity to understand specific topics in more depth. These after-read discussions could also be an opportunity to meet thought-provoking authors and industry leaders online.

Related: 10 Books Every Leader Should Read to Be Successful

3. Reading challenges you.

4. A book club helps you get organized.

5. It’ll enhance your communication skills.

Practice makes perfect, and becoming part of an online book club means you are forced to discuss your views on a specific topic while listening to others. Being able to communicate more efficiently and cohesively will allow you to gain more confidence when speaking from a professional standpoint.

Related: 13 Tricks That Will Help You Read More Books

6. You’ll be a confident public speaker.

7. You’ll learn new writing techniques and approaches.

8. You can share your knowledge.

Every businessman or woman is required to teach an individual a new skill at some point in their professional lives. By reading, both topics you are familiar with and new ones, you become a fountain of knowledge for peers and employees. Sharing your observations and knowledge with others in your company will cement the lessons you have learned in your head while educating others in a more comprehensive manner.

Related: Reading Books Makes You Smarter, Richer and Surprisingly Healthier

9. You’ll improve your leadership skills.

10. You’ll gain valuable writing material.

If you are an influencer or thought leader writing a book, joining an online book club is the perfect way to gather new sources for your research while learning about people’s opinions on the topics you are planning to write about.

Finally…

For some, joining an online book club is a fun hobby and a good way to kill time. But, you’ll quickly notice that your communication, public speaking, leadership, and organizational skills will improve, helping you become a thought leader among peers and setting you up for business success.