5 Steps to Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work

Rating:
Summary: Nope
Review: A receptionist told the authors that a woman was so engrossed in her Stephen King book that she didn't see two vice presidents walk up. And she was embarassed. Why? Because she really enjoyed the author she was reading. People get engrossed in a book--it happens. We're human. My boss wanted me to look over some books to see which ones I wanted to keep and I'm definitely telling her to return this one. I'm a HUGE novel reader and I feel telling someone to not read through a novel while they wait (who knows how long those v.p.s were taking?) is petty. I don't even like Stephen King, but I can already tell this book is going to be anal.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended if you DON'T own "Professional Presence" already
Review: I'm certainly NOT knocking this book, you'll find highly valuable info in here. BUT, it should have just been a revised version of "Professional Presense" (Which is out of print for some odd reason) since it's almost the exact same book! Even the first chapters have the exact same stories, with just some words changed here and there. So, if you already own "Professional Presence" there's really very little updated info to justify buying this book as well. It's just a restructured version, that's really all it is. For those being exposed to Susan Bixler's spot-on knowledge of presenting a professional presence, I have found NO OTHER expert who simplifies it as well as she does! This book WILL live up to it's title, provided you actually apply and immerse yourself into the materiel. I took one star away, only becuase it's a new title on virtually the same book.

Rating:
Summary: 5 Steps to Great First Impressions
Review: This book starts with a self-examination. I like the opening quiz, because it turns this book from a simply good book into a valuable reference tool.

By determining up front what your particular personal weaknesses or areas of concentration should be regarding professional presence, you can skip through chapters and find exactly what you need. It's enabling you to 'write your own prescription' with regard to professional presence.

I especially liked the chapter on virtual presence, since our world is becoming increasingly e-based. As an Image Consultant, I often consult on verbal and non-verbal communication issues with individual clients and companies, and it's surprising how much of the 'high tech' in our world decreases the 'high touch'. It's also surprising how many people inadvertently violate what should be common sense rules with regard to phone presence, email and more.

The chapter on business etiquette gives great basic knowledge, not the 'flavor of the day' in important situations like business travel and office romances.

All in all, this book has a good blend of basic knowledge, updated rules for use in our e-world, and savvy advice from two people who definately know what they are talking about.

If you are working in a business of your own or in corporate America, this is a great reference book to add to your library. It will definately help you identify areas of concern and make interaction with a coach or consultant more productive, as you can show them the results of the initial quiz and use that as a starting point for discussion.

I'll continue to use this book in my coaching practice and with both individual and corporate clients. Great tool!

Rating:
Summary: Not bad.
Review: While the book is called "Professional Presence," it should more properly be titles "Positive Professional Presence" because it provides advice on how not to be a jerk in your on the job interpersonal relationships (live and mechanical interaction with employees, bosses, clients). I bet everyone works with a couple people who are desperately in need a book like this. Others can probably still pick up a few tips.

I don't think there's anything ground-breaking in here, or that can't be found in other books. But still, it's well organized, clearly written, up to date, and there's a good balance of straight-forward advice and illustrative anecdotes (which are reasonably entertaining). This is probably a good choice if you haven't already bought other similar titles, but may be superfluous if you have.

Rating:
Summary: Not bad.
Review: While the book is called "Professional Presence," it should more properly be titles "Positive Professional Presence" because it provides advice on how not to be a jerk in your on the job interpersonal relationships (live and mechanical interaction with employees, bosses, clients). I bet everyone works with a couple people who are desperately in need a book like this. Others can probably still pick up a few tips.

I don't think there's anything ground-breaking in here, or that can't be found in other books. But still, it's well organized, clearly written, up to date, and there's a good balance of straight-forward advice and illustrative anecdotes (which are reasonably entertaining). This is probably a good choice if you haven't already bought other similar titles, but may be superfluous if you have.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing New Here
Review: While the topic is enticing, "5 Steps to Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work", by Susan Bixler and Lisa Scherrer Duga, fails to deliver. The (extremely obvious) tips that are given are fine if one endeavors to be an 'empty suit', as none go to the root of honest and actual confidence, competence, and credibility at work -- all of which require actual knowledge and capability. Skip this one and try one of the 1000s of books out there that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals, such as Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" or Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

Rating:
Summary: Nothing New Here
Review: While the topic is enticing, "5 Steps to Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work", by Susan Bixler and Lisa Scherrer Duga, fails to deliver. The (extremely obvious) tips that are given are fine if one endeavors to be an 'empty suit', as none go to the root of honest and actual confidence, competence, and credibility at work -- all of which require actual knowledge and capability. Skip this one and try one of the 1000s of books out there that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals, such as Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" or Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".