Bleeding Espresso

16 December 2009

Book Giveaway: The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide by Debra Shigley

Debra Shigley is a journalist, speaker, and author of the book The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide: Get What You Want in Work and Life (and Look Great While You’re at It). Debra went to Harvard undergrad and then got her law degree at Georgia State–and now she writes books and, not surprisingly, looks great doing it.

The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide is a comprehensive resource for career women who want to succeed in the workplace but not lose their own sense of self. The book covers strategies in the following areas, among others:

Cultivating mentors
Handling office politics
Schmoozing
Dressing for Success
Maintaining a Healthy Physical and Emotional Lifestyle

Debra sent me a copy, and I flew through this book. It’s full of great advice for women in all stages of their careers, but especially for those just starting out, which makes this a fabulous graduation gift — or, of course, Christmas gift. On top of all that great advice, though, you’ll find the reading easy and enjoyable with Debra’s casual, funny writing style.

And it really does cover so much of what women should know before stepping foot into a workplace; one of my favorite parts is about tips on how to ask for a raise. Many, many of us women struggle with that, but Debra makes it look easy peasy. And it is, once you learn how it should be done.

Now, I’m going to give you a chance to win my copy of the book; all you have to do is comment on this post by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 20, 2009. I am, though, limiting the contest to those with shipping addresses in the United States or Canada.

If you live abroad, why not enter and then have the book sent to an American or Canadian friend or relative as a gift — or you can even pick it up sometime on a visit? All you need is *some* address in the U.S. or Canada; it doesn’t have to be yours!

Now, here’s a guest post by Debra to give you a taste of her writing:

I’ve been thinking about some new studies that suggest women are gradually becoming unhappier than we were 40 years ago. Of course, the research reflects a snapshot and not the complete picture of modern women’s experiences. I’m happy, and I speak to women all the time who are living happy and fulfilled lives, personally and professionally. But, I think the research prompts us to consider a few things.

First, happiness is such a relative term, and how you personally define it — e..g, ‘feeling good’; joy; fulfillment; professional success; being in love; even having a good hair day!– affects whether you feel you’re achieving it in your life. But second, women fundamentally have more opportunities than we did 40 years ago, and I think with so many options and choices, happiness can also become a choice. Happiness—however you define it– doesn’t just happen by accident! It’s something I became very aware of interviewing so many women who are making their dreams happen (and looking great too!)—Go-Getter Girls, as I came to think of them. These are women who are fun, sassy, savvy—and who are also generous and want to share their advice on everything from finding your perfect job to your perfect pair of jeans.

As a women, I think we almost have to ask ourselves on a daily (hourly?!) basis, am I doing things in my life to make me feel happy? Do I even know what will make me happy? Am I taking ownership of the choices I’m making—whether it’s my relationships, career, health? Am I traveling? Trying new things? Working out? Treating myself to a manicure? Creating joy in my own life, and others’ lives? Finding fulfillment sometimes takes a lot of work! That’s sort of the essence of Go-Getter Girl-ness: taking charge of and responsibility for your life and career—instead of waiting for life – and happiness- to just happen to you.

Now, get after it!

———-

Thanks Debra! I’m definitely a fan of not waiting for life to happen…go ladies go!

And remember to comment for your chance to win a copy of the book!

34 beans of wisdom »

34 beans of wisdom to “Book Giveaway: The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide by Debra Shigley”

Cherrye at My Bella Vita on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:48 am #

I have a shipping address in the US that I’ll be visiting very soon!
Cherrye at My Bella Vita´s last blog ..Travel Tip Tuesday: First Five Things To Do When Planning a Trip to Italy
Loulou on 16 Dec 2009 at 1:29 pm #

Looks like a great book! I have a shipping address in the States I can give you if I’m chosen.
Bonnes Fêtes!
Loulou´s last blog ..La Fête du Fromage – December Round Up
Amy on 16 Dec 2009 at 2:39 pm #

I’m a Go-Getter wo would love to read this!
ally bean on 16 Dec 2009 at 3:12 pm #

This sounds like a great book. I could of used a practical, inspirational book like this when I started out in the work world many years ago. If there were any women who were “fun, sassy, savvy—and… generous” they were in a different city and state than I was in. Back then it was all about being as male as possible. This translated to “serious, sneaky, condescending– and manipulative” and included wearing wool suits with oxford cloth blouses and little silk bows (ugh). I was, and still am, none of those things, so as you can imagine I went nowhere fast. Today’s perspective, which respects the feminine in things and includes joy, is so much more balanced and better. I’m happy that things have changed for the better.
Sarah on 16 Dec 2009 at 3:30 pm #

I’d love to win this book!
AppleTree on 16 Dec 2009 at 3:36 pm #

I need to get my “go-getter” chi back, so I believe this book would be a good start.
Esme on 16 Dec 2009 at 5:19 pm #

Thanks for this giveaway. Happy Christmas
Esme´s last blog ..Christmas Cake by Lynne Hinton Review
Danielle on 16 Dec 2009 at 7:20 pm #

Sounds like an awesome book! Would love to read it!
Danielle´s last blog ..The Vatican
susan on 16 Dec 2009 at 9:15 pm #

I would love to be a better go-getter!
Angela on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:07 pm #

this looks like a great book!! sounds perfect for a girl like me trying to get my career started!
Bren on 16 Dec 2009 at 11:50 pm #

i’m so getting this for my sister if I don’t win. She would appreciate it and it would be useful in her new career. thanks for introducing Debra and her tips to us!
Miranda Allen on 17 Dec 2009 at 12:30 am #

This book looks great,I have a shipping address in the US
Lawgirl on 17 Dec 2009 at 3:05 am #

Oh yes, would love to have a copy. If I don’t win, I think I will buy it.
Lawgirl´s last blog ..Christmas for Your Insides #16
Cecilia Escobar-O'Dell on 17 Dec 2009 at 3:10 am #

Looks like a great book, it would be helpful to me because I will be re-entering the workforce after 3 years in Italy! Good luck to all!
Anza on 17 Dec 2009 at 4:00 am #

Looks interesting. I might be more in the market for the book titled “From go-getter girl to going-to-get-the- kids(from daycare, ballet, wrestling….): A guide to keep going.”
nyc/caribbean ragazza on 17 Dec 2009 at 7:58 am #

Sounds like a very useful and fun book!
nyc/caribbean ragazza´s last blog .."If Madonna can still bust a move at 51, I can make through this class."
wendy wallach on 17 Dec 2009 at 8:42 am #

I love the theme and would love to win it!

madamerkf at aol dot com
Debra Joan on 17 Dec 2009 at 12:43 pm #

Ciao Bella….I’m the 50 yr old matriarch of my family. My mother & younger sister are gone so I pray and look for other women to be my “sisters” and give me strength and inspiration. I’ve happily raised >7she is strong and has what it takes and I hope she lives to 120! “-*
Jill on 17 Dec 2009 at 1:49 pm #

I really enjoyed this post and would love to win this book!
Marla on 17 Dec 2009 at 2:25 pm #

Debra’s last sentence really says it all, “That’s sort of the essence of Go-Getter Girl-ness: taking charge of and responsibility for your life and career—instead of waiting for life – and happiness- to just happen to you.” As women, we are ingrained to help others and think of others first. We leave ourselves only what is left which at the end of the day may be little. I think this book will be a great read!
Courtney on 17 Dec 2009 at 3:57 pm #

I rarely enter book giveaway contests but I am actually interested in this one – great review! I am in the US…
Laura on 17 Dec 2009 at 3:58 pm #

Every girl needs a little “go-go” in her life.
Victoria on 17 Dec 2009 at 6:50 pm #

I could definitely use this book! I finished school a couple years ago and can’t seem to kick start the life I envisioned. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
Michelle G. on 17 Dec 2009 at 10:20 pm #

The book looks great! I would love a (free and) inspiring book like this!
Michelle G.´s last blog ..To-Do List Tuesday: Projects For Next Year
Catherine on 18 Dec 2009 at 7:40 pm #

This book would be a great additional to my book collection, and probably the first ‘help’ book I would own. Right now I am currently looking for a new job – for a new start. What I am doing currently does not seem to have any future potential. It has been quite difficult finding the job I would like to have since there are so many unemployed persons out there and fewer jobs. So any help in my search would be greatly appreciated!

Good luck to all of those entering the contest!
Catherine´s last blog ..San Marino
Mystica on 19 Dec 2009 at 3:18 pm #

I live in Sri Lanka but have a niece in America who would love this book. Please count me in.
Lan on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:09 pm #

this would make such a great gift!
Susan on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:18 pm #

Sounds like a great book- I would love to win it!
Susan´s last blog ..Winter Snow
Karina on 19 Dec 2009 at 7:30 pm #

It sounds like a great book! I’d love to read it!
Seattleite on 19 Dec 2009 at 8:49 pm #

Oh, I have been wanting this book!! I’ve heard many fabulous reviews!
Ellon on 20 Dec 2009 at 2:09 am #

this book sounds like just what i need to get a new career started!
Ellon´s last blog ..I’m your chocolate connection…
Sandy on 20 Dec 2009 at 3:13 am #

Considering I am laid off, I’m going back to school after 20 years of being out, this book might really do me some good!
JennyK on 20 Dec 2009 at 5:40 pm #

This looks like a great book. I’d probably give it to my daughter who is a senior in high school and no wanting to grow up.
Chrissy on 21 Dec 2009 at 12:46 am #

This sounds like a book I would love to read. Thanks for a chance to win it