Nicole Williams (2) (1970–)

Maybe if I were younger, more sophisticated, or more trendy, “Girl on Top” would have resonated more with me. Part of it was the language … if you’re not accustomed to rough language, this book is going to hit you right between the eyes. And part of it was that the books is rife with poor copyediting --- my pet peeve. There is no excuse for mistakes like “callused heals.” The coarse language and the misspellings detracted from the book’s message.

The basic premise of “Girl on Top” is that “The Rules” (a popular guide to dating success) can be translated to apply to career management, providing just as much success in the field of business as the original book did in the realm of relationships. Williams covers twenty rules --- including “follow your heart,” “don’t bash your ex,” don’t waste the pretty,” and “be willing to walk away” --- explaining exactly how each rule should be applied in the corporate arena. Williams illustrates her points with interesting anecdotes, sometimes pointed, sometimes humorous, always highly relevant. And throughout the book are “Tricks of the Trade,” little tidbits of common-sense advice centered upon the theme of the section.

Overall, the advice is good and there's a lot of real substance to the recommendations. I just wish the packaging had been a little more polished.… (mehr)

"Some people search their whole lives and never find a career they love, some fall into love on day one and are committed for life, and still others fall in love8 over and over again. I've come to believe that just like in our relationships, loving your career has a lot to do with expectations - ultimately you get the love (and the career) you think you deserve."

This is an Early Reviewer copy that I received from LibraryThing.

The book is divided into sections that each address certain aspects of work life, some that fall by the wayside if an employee is inexperienced or shy when it comes to asking for what they deserve. The book has a flow, making it easy to read and includes several visual aids, from appearance to how to ask for a raise. Interestingly Williams' no non-nonsense advice can be applied to both the workplace and in relationships for a variety of situations. For example, Williams writes on loyalty, how it's important to reward it, that trust be earned through action and to believe in your instincts, all qualities that can apply to both.

Williams made the read enjoyable by peppering the book with humour, separating it from other career success books that can often read more like wheat germ.

One drawback I did find was that the guide seems tailor-made for a very specific job type, such as a media/PR person. I'm not sure how this advice would work outside the corporate world. As well, some of the advide seemed more common sense than anything, telling the reader things they would already know.… (mehr)