I could still remember that time when I was in high school when during one summer vacation, my parents enrolled me in typing class. It has probably been over twenty years since then, but that was probably one of the most productive summers for me, and my typing skills are still serving me to this day.

In this time and age, when I am asked the question– what is the best business to invest in these days, my answer is for you to invest in yourself, because nothing will give you more satisfaction, or returns than when you learn a new skill, or a new trade. Whether it is a new sales seminar, or a seminar on how to save on your taxes, it will give you some new insights or skill that could help grow your business. If you are in the real estate, it does help to set aside some amount of money or time to enroll in real estate updates, or if you are in technology, nothing will help you manage your business, or your career better than to occasionally go to technical trainings.

Other than your trade specific skills, there are some skills that you may want to work on. A certain knowledge on tax and accounting is always a big help to an entrepreneur, and a course on public speaking, or participating in a toastmasters club where you can hone and practice speaking in public would be a great investment. For me, and for scores of others who faced computers over 10 hours a day, one of the greatest productivity tools you can invest in is in your typing skills.

After over 20 years, I must have typed in millions of words, and it does make a difference whether you are speeding along at over 80 words per minute, or slugging along at 20 words per minute. If you face the computer 4 hours a day writing emails, and other stuff, it could save you two hours easy if you can type over 60 words per minute than if you chug along at 10 wpm. It is a great productivity tool if you can type looking at the screen rather than constantly on the keyboard. Being able to type really fast also gives your employer the impression of being able to think fast, an impression you definitely want to cultivate.

Over 20 years ago, I used to learn typing by practicing on a manual typewriter, but nowadays, typing is much more fun, and you don’t need a teacher, and you can do it on your computer at your own home. Just a few months ago, I decided that one of the greatest thing I can do for my kids was to have them learn to type properly, a skill that in this world where we constantly face computers would save him tens of thousands of hours over their lifetime in increased efficiency. There are numerous entertaining and best selling programs on learning how to type.

Software like Mavis Beacon are quite entertaining. It is easy for you to chart progress. There are ways to make typing look like you are driving a car, or playing the piano. Even better, there is immediate feedback as to your accuracy, feedback on which keys you are weak at, and immediate feedback on how fast you are progressing.

I am sure they will enjoy it as if it were a video game. Moreover, I am sure in the years to come, I am sure your kids will have been glad that they have learn this skill.