Audio learning has been around for many years now, but thanks to the introduction of mp3 players and the internet, we are beginning to see an even greater shift towards this type of learning and training tool. Where previously the most common approach for studying was simply by reading lengthily and often time consuming books, individuals are now making the productive shift toward audio business books and video learning.

And even though video demonstrations do have their place, especially when they are used to provide detailed explanations using charts and graphs, they inevitably require the viewer’s undivided attention and this subsequently leads to them not being able to carry out any other tasks whilst the video demonstration is taking place. Needless to say, this drawback does not just occur when using stationary video playing devices such as PC’s and DVD players, but the same is also true when using portable types of viewing equipment.

So how can you rise above this problem to learn quicker and gain more knowledge?

Well, this is where audio learning is extremely useful and has many distinct benefits.

Compared to business books which inevitably require multiple reads to fully digest, business audio books are not only able to be played repeatedly over a short period of time, but thanks to the fact that they don't require your visual attention either, they also allow you to go about your day conducting many tasks which using books or video would simply not be possible e.g. whilst exercising or driving to the office.

After all, can you imagine tying to watch a video or read a book on economics whilst driving down the highway to work? Not only would this be near impossible, it would be highly illegal and extremely dangerous. But if alternatively you were to listen to audio business books whilst driving, then this would not only be highly possible but extremely beneficial. You would in effect be killing multiple birds with one stone!

And what's also great is that with business audio books being in the same range as normal business books if not cheaper, they double up as an affordable alternative. So I’m not suggesting that you should seek to cut out reading altogether, but I simply hope that you will at least consider adding audio learning to your learning portfolio as I believe you will be surprised at the benefits this type of learning can bring you in such a short period of time.

Particularly, if you happen to lead a busy lifestyle as many entrepreneurs do, then using business audio books as part of your learning portfolio is a great way to gain a competitive edge when other forms of learning would not be viable.

So in a time when information had never been as important as it is today, and using it is the only way to truly stay ahead of your competitors, I believe that audio learning is one of the best ways to give you that much needed competitive advantage. And after all, isn’t time not our most valuable resource?

I think Anthony Robbins put it best when he once said "You can always get more money, but you can never get more time Mindset expert Tony Robbins made a great point when he said "You can always get more money, but you can never get more time!".