First thing’s first.  If we start with the assumption that time is our most precious resource, then those new to blog reading may not know that there is a way to read more in less time.  As my father always says, “laziness breeds efficiency, son.”  So, if you don’t know what RSS is – you should know that any blog worth its salt syndicates its content so that you can aggregate the “news feed” that each blog produces so that it can be read efficiently without surfing to scores of separate web pages.  Being a Google fan, I use the Google Reader to aggregate the 50+ blogs I track to stay up on my industry and interests.  There are scores of other options – just google “feed reader” and you’ll see what I mean.

And now, on to the blogs!

1) Trust Matters – blog of Charles H. Green, author of The Trusted Advisor and Trust-Based Selling.  Green’s analysis of social media phenomena and the difference between linking to someone and connecting with someone is vital and very relevant.  There is no greater expert on the importance of trust in business that I have found.

2) 43 Folders – speaking of time being a valuable resource, David Allan, author of the landmark book on time and task management for the 21st century workplace has spawned dozens of blogs and communities online but 43 Folders leads the pack.  I’ve linked to the “getting started with getting things done” post that gives a great overview of the “GTD” method.

3) On Startups – despite its moniker, I believe even businesses that have been around for more than 20 years can benefit from the advice on offer here. This blog covers all sorts of issues affecting businesses today – to partner with larger firms or not, for example. Another offers analysis of a badly-written article that perpetrates myths about the value of Software as a Service (SAAS).

I know that only three gems (at least in the eye of this beholder) on business is just the tip of the iceberg. What business blogs that are off the beaten path of the big publishers do you read? Please leave us a comment – I’d love to see what I’ve been missing.