Some of us have had a real struggle when it comes to cozying up in our nooks and diving into a book digitally. Whether it’s the smell of the leather bounds we can’t say bye to or the love of flipping through pages, you might still be apprehensive when it comes to saying farewell to beloved physical books. Amazon is trying to change that hesitation with new software that may just carve out a happily ever after area in the digital world for hardcover diehards.
Amazon Kindle Convert is a digital software by the e-commerce company looking to take over yet another part of our lives. The software’s process seems super simple in theory, but it sounds like it would take an awfully long time to get those books from the shelves to your e-reader. Basically, after purchasing the software for $19 the time consuming work begins: You convert your physical copies of books and documents (from hand-written notes, to autographed pages + pictures) to Kindle eBooks by scanning them page by page. Yes, page by page.
Once uploaded, the digital book is preserved for free in your Amazon Cloud Drive and can be enjoyed on any of your connected Kindle devices or apps across your smartphones or tablets connected to the specified Amazon account. Additionally, you can use Kindle features like Whispersync, notes, highlights and the Kindle dictionary like you would if you bought a book straight through the Amazon service. Remember though, the perks come after the long upload process.
While this idea is super cool in concept, we’re hoping Amazon gets enough feedback about the product that the company will eventually allow users to scan a few essential pages (like the publishing page + barcode) as a proof of purchase and then the digital book will automatically be uploaded to your digital library. Because who honestly has the time to scan 448 pages of Homemakers when there’s so many projects to complete ;)
Do you have the time to scan an entire book using Amazon Kindle Convert? Let us know in the comments.
(h/t TechCrunch)
(Featured photo via Amazon Kindle Facebook)
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
