Lifetime Moms

Are you sitting next to the girl that always gets to work before you and, no matter what time you need to leave, she’s still busy working? You know, the one who's perfectly dressed with the perfect hair, the one that captures everyone’s attention in the meeting and that always gets the bonus or promotion? She’s the go-getter that everyone loves.

Do you wish you could command the same attention and sport the cooperative hair and wardrobe that she does?

In Debra Shigley’s book “The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide,” she teaches us how to get what we want in work and life and look great while we are doing it.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to review this book, because the stories and scenarios Debra Shigley mentions really hit home. I am by trait an introvert, so networking and schmoozing are a challenge. I love her straight-to-the point solutions to everyday problems, from dressing for the part to networking.

"The Go-Getter Girls Guide" is an empowering career and lifestyle handbook that draws on experiences from top women in their fields. You will read tips from award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, designer Tory Burch and bestselling novelist Emily Griffin.  In the book, Shingley teaches women how to work smarter at the office, improve their schmooze factor, dress to impress, and find a mentor.

Here are some pockets of wisdom from the book:

* 80% of success is just showing up. Make it your mission to (almost always) show up, even when you don’t feel like it – whether it’s a professional or social event.

* Not every person is going to like you in every place you work. That’s okay. “Fake it till you make it!”

* In work and in life, getting what you want often requires reaching outside your comfort zone.

* It’s not always easy to get motivated to work out. Yes, sometimes you will just have to force it.

* You know the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? Believe it.

* Don’t be afraid to aim high when you seek mentors. Consider reaching out to someone you really admire – even if they are high profile. It’s quite possible you’ll get some life-changing advice.

* Recognize that in any job situation, certain aspects will be negotiable, and others may not be.

The Author
A graduate of Harvard University and Georgia State College of Law, Debra Shigley is a journalist who completed her J.D. while working full time as a senior editor for Atlanta magazine. She has appeared, as a lifestyle expert, on such national television programs as ABC’s “The View” and TBS’s “Movie and a Makeover,” and has written for numerous publications, including Allure, Fast Company, Daily Candy, and Neiman Marcus’s “The Book.” She lives in Atlanta with her husband.

You can find "The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide" ($16.99) at your local book store or online.