101 Ways to Boost Your Performance

Performance is very critical to individual and corporate survival and progress. Therefore, any individual or corporate organisation that wants progress needs constant performance assessment. Regular performance assessment is also important for people and organisations that are already ahead, because complacency is very dangerous. This is why we are examining this book "101 Ways to Boost Your Performance."

John Fenton, author of this text is one of the greatest salesmen the United Kingdom (UK) has ever produced. Fenton is the creator of the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management. He is also the architect of the 'Year of Selling' national campaign which helped 47,000 salespeople fight their way out of the 81/3 recession.

Fenton is the leader of ten UK National Sales as well as the president of the Institution of British Engineers. He is the founder of the Institute of Continuing Performance Development.

In this text, the author provides a catalogue of management techniques to help you improve your skills and achieve your ambition. He shows you how to cut to the bone of marketing, communication and administration, and offers a new insight into the processes of staff management, recruitment and development.

The author X-rays concepts such as shortcuts to knowing your product, your market, your competition and salesforce; how to cut paperwork by half and manage your time better; how to motivate your staff to even greater achievements, etc.

As far as structure is concerned, this text is segmented into 13 chapters. Chapter one is entitled "Foundation stones for effective management". According to Fenton here, it is a glaring glimse of the obvious to say that no amount of production is of the slightest value unless the products are sold for cash. He adds that selling is the very crux of any commercial or industrial enterprise.

Fenton says personally, he loves signs, and there are a lot of them in this text. "Try placing some of them strategically around your place of work - they remind people why they are there. Without reminders, they quickly forget, and allow their personal priorities to take precedence over the priorities of the business," says this author.

He adds that his favourite sign comes from ex-Avis chief Robert Townsend thus: "Is what I'm doing, or about to do, getting us closer to our objective or making us money?"

Fenton educates that a lot of companies do not see selling as the be-all-and-end-all of their business. He says they make things, or set up as experts in providing some kind of service, and then sit back and wait for the customers to come to them, which of course they do not.

In Fenton's words, "The result is failure, unless they have enough personal contacts to keep them struggling along as a small company. If the product is good, professional sales promotion can turn any small struggling company into a large and prosperous one." He says customers are the business, adding that the customers come first, not the products or services, or the factory or the corporate image, or the founder or owner of the company.

Chapter two is interrogatively entitled "Is marketing bunk?" Fenton educates that marketing is fashionable, and as soon as anything becomes fashionable, all sorts of 'creative' types move in and make ludicrous claims for their own magical powers. He adds that there are grains of truth in all their claims, but there is also a lot of flannel as well. "So let's define what marketing should be about: 'Marketing is the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably'," says Fenton.

This author adds that without marketing, all you can do is to keep on selling the same products and services to the same customers. According to Fenton, inevitably that will lead to your going out of business, because you are standing while the world outside moves on.

Using the principles of marketing, however, you adjust, amend or change the products or services and the ways in which you sell them, in order to suit the changing needs of your changing customer base. In other words, you react positively to the constant evolution of your marketplace.

According to Fenton, marketing is only bunk when it is applied incompetently. He adds that it is also bunk to call your Sales Manager a Marketing Manager, and your Sales Office a Marketing Services Department.

The author examines concepts such as the competitive edge; improving performance; watching the bottomline; and cutting down the administration, in chapters three to six.

Chapter seven is based on finding and keeping the best people. Fenton educates that the snag is, of course, that without people there is no business. He advises that the first thing to do is to ensure that you get the best people possible in your team. The right people will be the ones who work for the furtherance of the business before their own self-interests, expatiates Fenton.

This consultant educates that if your business is to succeed, you have to be able to pick winners and avoid losers. He says he has two pet systems for picking winners, both very simple.

In his words, "If you are interviewing for a sales position, all the applicants will probably be clever enough to give you the answers you want to hear to the usual run of questions. If I am looking for experienced people, then they have to prove that all their experience is worth something. So I challenge them to prove how good they are."

Fenton analytically X-rays concepts such as communications; management techniques; time management; leadership and motivation in chapters eight to 12.

The last chapter, chapter 13 is tagged "Unlucky for some." According to him, there is nearly always a difference between what we are and what we are perceived to be. "Have you, for instance, got any of the nasty little habits which annoy you in other people?... Think of all the things that drive you mad in other people, and then see if they apply to you," guides Fenton.

As regards style, one thing that is really conspicuous in this text is generous employment of graphical embroidery for emphasis and visual reinforcement of readers' understanding.

Fenton uses detailed illustrations to ensure easy understanding on readers' part. The language is comprehensible and the ideas logically presented. What's more, the title of the text is catchy. The author also uses accurate quotes to embellish concepts.

However, the layout of the book needs improvement to make it (more) eye-friendly. On page 114, the expression "...the best people possible on your team", which is Standard American English is used instead of the Standard British English version "...the best people possible in your team" ought to be used because Fenton is a Briton.

Finally, if you are ready to enhance your performance and rise to the top through excellence, then this text is a must-read for you. It is highly fascinating.

GOKE ILESANMI, Editor-in-Chief/CEO of http://www.gokeilesanmi.com/ and Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is a Certified Public Speaker/Emcee, (Business) Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker, Career Management Coach, Renowned Book Reviewer, Corporate Leadership Expert and Editorial Consultant.
Tel: +234(0)8055068773; +234(0)8056030424
Email: info@gokeilesanmi.com; gokeiles2010@gmail.com

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Extra Time Well Spent - Life As a Film Extra

If you've ever been to watch a television show being recorded, you'll have seen what goes on behind the glamorous facade - lots of people dressed in black, running around, muttering into the kind of face microphones singers wear these days, while gently but firmly keeping you, the audience, in your place. Now imagine being part of the show, on camera, but without having to learn any lines. That's a partial description of the film or TV extra's job. You might occasionally be given a line to act, but that's unusual. You might be asked to do something on your own - walk across the shot, sit in a railway carriage next to a principal character, or walk out of a shop - but for the most part you will be in a group of people mingling at a party, dining at a restaurant, drinking at a pub, walking purposefully down a hospital corridor, strolling through the park...you get the picture.

Extras - or 'background artists' - provide colour, noise, anything to give the shot more authenticity - whatever the director needs to tell the story. In the United States, in fact, film extras are called 'atmosphere'. Make of this what you will!

Some would say extras don't need to be able to act, but there's nothing more distracting than some guy in the background who looks so awkward that your eyes are glued to him and before you know it you've missed vital dialogue, and then you've lost the plot. It's actually quite difficult to act as though the camera's not on you. Most often, though, you're filmed in groups or crowds and that makes it a lot easier than, say, sitting alone, in shot, at a cafe table, endlessly stirring your coffee and waiting for your fictitious date.

Established extras casting agencies are the best way in, so try and register with several of them. They have a particular time of year when they accept CVs and photos -read their websites and follow their instructions. They're bombarded with applications and they're busy people. It also helps if you have an interesting skill or three, like horse riding, cycling or CPR. Some extras even maintain a wardrobe of uniforms and specialised work clothes. But tell the truth about skills: it's easy to get caught out, and you will not be popular.

Film extra work is never steady - you might be out of work for weeks or months and then get a three-week job on a feature film. The agency isn't interested in how you pay the rent in between; it's not their job. You could be working days or nights. Very often you won't know when you'll be finished, so you can't make plans. Most of the time you'll be on location and you'll usually have to find your own way there, often in the early hours. You will almost always miss breakfast, or be in wardrobe, or hair or makeup when it's being served. Take something with you to get your blood sugar up and running. Just don't eat it on set.

If all this sounds like hard work, which it often is, it's offset by lots of good stuff: dressing up in ll sorts of costumes, watching films being shot, making friends and generally being part of the action. Extras are usually treated (and fed) well, even if sometimes, of necessity, they're herded around. Sometimes you'll be treated less professionally, but if you treat your environment and your co-workers with respect, listen to instructions - and most importantly of all, you don't chatter on set while the cameras are rolling - you should be respected in turn. And as most people know by now, you need to possess a healthy dollop of patience. Filming is a painstakingly slow process. You need to love being there...because you will be there for hours...and hours...and hours.

One small health warning: if your heart's desire is to become an actor, film extra work is not for you. It may look like a way in, but generally it isn't, and it could do you more harm than good. Extra work is for people who want to be in the background, and stay there.

Christopher Spiers founder of Interesting Jobs, the web's premier resource for interesting jobs & fun jobs.

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Lines From Barnabas

This book is thematically about how managers and leaders can motivate employees in the workplace. The use of the word "Barnabas" in the title is just to stress the need for every organisation to have corporate catalysts that are like the Bible Barnabas. Corporate catalysts are those who influence others to think effectively and generate positive results in the workplace. Therefore, this text entitled "Lines from Barnabas" could not have come at a better time.

Alex Okoh, author of this text is the managing partner of Ashford & McGuire Consulting. Okoh has diverse experience in banking and consulting. He was the managing director/CEO of NNB International Bank Plc, Nigeria from 2001 to 2005. Okoh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria and Master of Science degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Programme.

Okoh says challenges of life require more than just physical attributes and capacity to overcome. He adds that he has discovered that motivation or emotional composition is also a critical factor in successfully navigating the undulating terrain of life, in a way that brings about internal harmony. Okoh stresses that, however, it is surprising that this intangible but critical element is not accorded required attention to underscore the immense catalytic role it plays in bringing issues into the relevant perspectives for appropriate action.

This author says when he was appointed managing director/CEO of NNB International Bank Plc that was in need of urgent turnaround in 2001, he soon discovered that the more he gave to achieving success, the more frustrated he became, to the extent that he felt like giving up. As a way out of the seemingly insurmountable challenge, he says in 2002, he started sending electronic inspirational messages to the entire staff of the bank every Monday morning. Okoh adds that this strategy worked wonders as employees were extremely motivated to work for the organisation.

This author says in 2004, he extended the audience beyond the organisation and modified the text messages accordingly as he realised (and still realises) that issues that many people had (and still have) to contend with were (and are) beyond professional vocations and engagements. He expatiates that as the text messages started posing the challenge of storage, he had no option but to quickly document them in a book form. The result is this book.

Structure-wise, this text is segmented into 100 chapters. Chapter one is entitled "challenge the challenges". Here, Okoh asserts that calm seas never produce good sailors. He adds that for a good reason, he believes that because easy circumstances hardly produce tough competence. The author expatiates that brilliant military commanders are usually those who have handled arduous engagements and have many times overcome them. Okoh emphasises that the key distinguishing factor is that irrespective of the outcome of the engagements, they come out of the experiences with lessons that are valuable for future occasions.

The author says naturally, we mostly despise discomfort or any harassment of our pleasant spaces, preferring the softness of the calm to the rugged aptitude that is endowed as we acquire the capacity to deal with the turbulence. In Okoh's words, "The creeks may be calm, but they can only produce canoe paddlers. The tough ocean is the crucible where rugged sailors are groomed."

Chapter two is based on the subject matter of staying motivated. Here, the author says you probably have seen the television commercial showing a toddler taking her first unsure steps in life in response to the fascinating attraction of a ringing phone. Okoh educates that this is motivation. He stresses that this is emotion generated and which leads to efforts to do something otherwise thought to be impossible or not previously attempted. Okoh adds that motivation gives people the impetus to walk away from their fear towards their desirable destiny. The author illuminates that God also places mobile phones with fascinating ring tones urging us to walk away from our fears.

In chapters three to twenty, Okoh beams his analytical searchlight on concepts such as keeping on; standing strong; being refreshed; will and ability; turning the tide; positive attitude; being renewed; just moving on; and getting purpose-driven. Others are: picking your reality; pushing the lid; joyous melodies; flowing with his tide; getting persistent; staying occupied; being expectant; source of greatness; and words capable of commanding destinies.

Chapter 21 is christened "lean on Him". Here, Okoh says every event in life portends a potential learning experience. He adds that even the ones that are not so pleasant still help to bolster our preventive or defensive mechanisms to handle similar situations in the future. A new day therefore presents a fresh platform for reinforcing one's positive experiences while seeking new ones, stresses the author. He says as we progress in life, our sorting mechanisms become sharper tending to spot issues that portend possible negative outcomes before they bud.

In chapters 22 to 40, Okoh X-rays concepts such as slowly steadily; existential questions; it is your script; only His time matters; feeling unsecured; opportunities within thorns; setting aside excuses; waiting for destiny; and importance of today. The remaining concepts are: keying into His grace; being led; at your pace; beyond your experiences; He is always persistent; tuning upwards; stepping off; restoration time; seeing the positives; and God is everywhere.

Chapter 41 has the thematic focus of optimism. Okoh stresses the need for you to be looking forwards to an exciting future with a lot of optimism. He adds that this is the frame of mind that looks beyond any difficulties because as the saying goes, "an optimist looks for the opportunity in the difficulty, whilst a pessimist looks for the difficulty in the opportunity". Okoh asserts that it is quite rare to see an opportunity presenting itself alone without being clustered by perceived difficulty.

In chapters 42 to 60, he examines concepts such as it is over; strength for the race; riding the flow; nesting in His ability; it is just around the corner; winning attitude; seizing the season; desiring success; and working for good. Others are: pursuing the dream; a life of service; failing to plan; divine tools; choosing your growth; your heart; being diligent; soaring on hope; making the immediate count; and pressing forwards.

Chapter 61 is entitled "go after the goal". According to Okoh, it is a new opportunity to engage your aspirations. He stresses that someone said the American constitution only guarantees pursuit of happiness, but that you have to catch up with it yourself. The author asserts that this is a situation that many people can identify with and he guesses this is as much why you are up in the morning, trotting your path of endeavour. Okoh says for as long as there is movement along the right direction, success is a matter of time.

Okoh discusses in chapters 62 to 80, concepts such as the verdict being yours; starting out; challenges building you; sharpening your vision; all capable of getting well; assurances of replenishment; remaining upbeat; it is pouring; and walking with insight. Others are: idea capability; listening attentively; simply trust enough; sustaining tempo of aspiration; stepping over temporal bumps; God as being faithful; things not yet seen; reaching for the jewels; it is all in your hand; and living your potential.

Chapter 81 is based on the subject matter of vision and dream. Okoh says the future is pregnant with a whole new set of possibilities. In his words, "People talk about vision and objectives sometimes with the perspective of some utopian, unachievable ideals. I think that is not the purpose of the exercise because any dream that cannot be realised is probably not worth having. It may actually produce more emotional pain than relief and cause what you may call negative motivation."

In chapters 82 to 100, Okoh examines subject matters such as age and mileage; the treasures being within; hope sustaining life; appreciating life; finding your turf; unfolding His awesome; envisioning the future; the learning curve; and preparing for opportunity. The remaining are: victorious disposition; your talent; in the midst of uncertainty; importance of His report; tough times; opportunity in disguise; defeat starting from thinking; regardless of your experience; taking the positive; and His reverence.

By way of stylistic appraisal, this text is unique. Okoh employs the literary technique of de-familiarisation otherwise called metaphor as a technique in the book title. Through this, he is able to create suspense, arouse curiosity by referring to a corporate catalyst as Barnabas and sustaining reading interest. The title also passes for biblical allusion. By using this biblical allusion, those who are already familiar with the story of Barnabas in the Bible will clearly understand the message of the book. Also, the print quality very high and the layout very eye-friendly, especially that only two pages are accorded each chapter. And each chapter is embroidered an illuminating quote. The cover design of the outer front cover is simple and communicative of the fact that motivation is a silent and strategic effort.

The author is able to lend credibility to the book and challenge readers because it is predicated on his own personal experience. Because it is based on his personal experience, he is able to naturally combine Autobiographical and Eye-of-God narrative techniques, and assume the role of an omniscient narrator to offer details. Also the language is mature.

However, some errors are noticed in the text. These are "Acknowledgment" instead of Acknowledgments" (page iii); "masters degree" (outer back cover) instead of "master's degree"; "live your potentials" (page 159), instead of "live your potential". Note: "Potential" is an uncountable noun and the lexicographical symbol showing its grammatical behaviour reads "U", that is, uncountable noun. Also, even though the title of the text creates suspense and arouses attention, it would have been better to use a direct or literal title so that it can appeal to a wider audience that may not be Christians or may not know anything about the life story of Apostle Barnabas. This is especially so because titles are most times points of attraction or unique selling propositions of books. Generally, this text has commendable intellectual depth. It is a must-read for managers, entrepreneurs and organisations that are prepared to achieve results through effective strategy of employee motivation.

GOKE ILESANMI, Editor-in-Chief/CEO of http://www.gokeilesanmi.com/ and Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is a Certified Public Speaker/Emcee, (Business) Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker, Career Management Coach, Renowned Book Reviewer, Corporate Leadership Expert and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: +234(0)8055068773; +234(0)8056030424

Email: info@gokeilesanmi.com; gokeiles2010@gmail.com

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The Career Fix-It Book - How to Make Your Job Work Better For You

"The Career Fix-It Book: How to Make Your Job Work Better For You" by Diana Pace is a workbook designed to help you think about the concept of career in your life. The book is full of exercises to make you think about those things that are really important to you and to evaluate just where you are and where you want to go in terms of your career and life. It really is a book to be used, not just read.

The book begins with a chapter on clearing out the cobwebs, for as the author puts it, in order to take a fresh look at what's wrong or right in your work life, you must first clear out the old misconceptions. There are then a series of exercises which are as good as the work you put into them. These focus on remembering what you wanted when you were young, recognizing the influences of your past and present, what career means to you, and exploring traditional versus nontraditional paths.

The book progresses in a similar manner with short chapters and many exercises and questions to ask yourself. The author suggests in chapter two that you choose your career as you would a lover. Not bad advice really. The book continues with chapters on being stuck, parts of the job such as co-workers, environment, and the transition between home and work to determine the areas you are happy and not. Chapter five was interesting because it talked about standards, but also had an exercise to help determine if you are a workaholic or not. Sure, a simple little quiz does not tell everything, but if you are honest, these quizzes and questions just might bring answers out of you that will surprise you, and if they do, that will be the start of your journey toward something better.

Maybe it is time to move. Chapter six explores this possibility. The next chapter looks at financial matters, while chapter eight takes account of your life outside of work. Volunteering fills a void for many people and chapter nine looks at this. Chapter ten discusses being prepared with the right skills for the career you desire. Next, the author addresses career development and then looks at jobs are just jobs. The last two chapters are on the free agent concept and putting it all together.

This is a short book and very easy to read. However, if you take the time to really think about the questions Pace asks throughout the various chapters, it could take quite a bit of time, and that time would be well spent, because the questions are aimed at determining just what you want out of life and your career. The more you put into answering the questions, the more you will get out of this book, and the more you will expand your thinking to areas not covered here. If you are feeling lost in your career, this book just might provide the questions to help you find the answers.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a writer, speaker, and mediator who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. He is an expert on conflict and mediates and teaches conflict resolution and negotiation. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results, as well as resolve conflict and negotiate. Additionally, he teaches physical conflict skills in his Hapkido and Self-Defense courses, lectures, and seminars. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles and reviews and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/ and http://www.yourwarriorsedge.com/

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New Book Provides Women With Formula For Unstoppable Success

Britt Santowski is the voice of the new Unstoppable Woman. Bridging the gap between women of the past and present, from women who were victims to women who are successful and empowered, Santowski uses her personal story and that of many other successful women, along with practical examples, inspirational stories, and a good dose of shrewd common sense to enlighten women about the requirements for success. "The Three Strategies of the Unstoppable Woman" is that book women have long awaited-a surefire guide to finding the required balance in life that leads both to goal-achievement and happiness.

Having experienced violence and abuse, and having seen it in the lives of the women around her, Santowski makes a strong point early in the book that while violence exists in our world, women cannot accept the role of "victim." Santowski has no problem taking on what does not work for women. While education is fine, she points out the educational system's limits, and she provides practical ways for women to determine what is the right goal, field of study, or career for them by exploring their passions and natural inclinations rather than doing what other people or society at large expects is best for them.

At the heart of "The Three Strategies of the Unstoppable Woman" is the invaluable point that women need to support one another. Santowski encourages women, once they know where they want to go in life, to collaborate with each other rather than simply envy one another. She teaches women to transform their envy into the fuel to ignite their dreams. "Envy is not a bad-news indicator that reflects something awful about you. Rather, it is a great-news indicator, telling you that you too can achieve this particular aspiration. All you have to do is to step out of your comfort zone and start moving toward it."

One of my favorite sections of "The Three Strategies of the Unstoppable Woman" was the discussion of forming mastermind groups with like-minded women. While I have heard of mastermind groups before, I appreciated Santowski's simple guidelines for creating such circles, based on her own experiences participating and forming mastermind groups. As a male reader, I felt this information and so much more in the book was directly relevant to my own desires and goals, so I did not let the book's title stop me from absorbing all the priceless information included.

Another favorite piece of advice I found was Santowski's statement that we need to change "if" to "when" in terms of what we desire. We need to assume something we want will happen and then imagine and plan for it. I especially appreciated her example in this case because she helped one of her male clients believe he would receive custody of his child, a situation that did become a "when" not an "if" and it illustrates that Santowski is understanding of men, rather than seeing them as the enemy. She makes a point of saying that she did truly believe in this particular situation that the child would be better off with the father. There is no man-bashing (or woman-bashing) in this book, but rather a sense that people can work together, regardless of sex or background, to make what they want into reality.

Throughout the book, Santowski provides "Call to Action" sections to challenge the reader toward becoming unstoppable. The end of the book is filled with several excellent appendices, not just the usual list of references, but also inspirational quotes from such women as Eleanor Roosevelt and Helen Keller. My favorite appendix is the "Famous Failures" section that illustrates how people (men included) like Walt Disney, Betty Grable, Joan of Arc, and Benjamin Franklin, might have experienced perceived failure but still succeeded. As Santowski points out, failure only really happens when you give up. Everything else is merely a setback.

So, what are the Three Strategies of the Unstoppable Woman? I'm not giving anything away by stating that they are Accountability, Collaboration, and Initiative. It's learning how to apply those strategies that makes this book worth reading. Let Britt Santowski teach you, male or female, how to become unstoppable.

Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family's long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit:
http://www.marquettefiction.com/

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Salary Negotiation Guide Reveals Social Media Effect Between Bosses and Their Employees

Let's face it. In the business and corporate world, the customary practice of ethical distance has always been part of the internal code of conduct. As a matter of integrity, you have to behave in a manner that is above suspicion and beyond reproach. Too much familiarity is discouraged. You don't mix business with pleasure, and the personal has no effect on the professional.

However, with technology racing at top speed and communication zooming alongside it, the concept of distance has changed. Business has turned to e-commerce. Through the worldwide web, bosses and employees alike now connect in real time and we even interact on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Instead of going the distance to your boss's office, you can now exchange instant messages and tweets with just a few clicks on your computer in the privacy of your office or in the comfort of your home.
Does this really mean that you are only a few clicks away from getting your job promotion or your salary increase?Can you work on it in your pyjamas at home?Can you do the shortcuts and fast-track your way into these goals by inviting your boss to be your Facebook friend?

When you're looking forward to moving ahead in your career or finding a new job, then personal connections via Facebook can become one of your major assets.

The more successful you are in connecting, interacting, and socializing with all kinds of people, the more your boss will perceive you as someone who can manage employees at all levels. The more your boss knows that you haven't been corrupted by all the tempting offers and unscrupulous practices on the web, the more your boss will understand how credible you are and how well you fit into the job.

In the end, just make sure of two things. If you have been made the exception as a Facebook friend, see to it that you are just as exceptional in your work such that no one can be snide about it. Another is to make sure that when it comes to business, you share something more in common with your boss than being Facebook friends.

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Get Ahead By Going Abroad -- A Woman's Guide To Fast-Track Career Success (Book Review)

Could Rhonda Byrne be wrong? Could there really be another Secret? According to C. Perry Yeatman and Stacie Nevadomski Berdan, the authors of Get Ahead By Going Abroad: A Woman's Guide To Fast-Track Career Success, there is indeed another secret: working abroad gets you up the career ladder faster -- especially if you are a woman struggling to break through the proverbial glass ceiling at home.

Perry and Stacie are living testimony to the power of working abroad. Perry was a 25 year-old account executive making US$25,000 a year when she moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Singapore to accept her first job overseas. Ten years later, with additional stints in Moscow and London, Perry catapulted to earning US$500,000 per year and found herself touring exotic cities with global CEOs and former heads of state like Margaret Thatcher. Today, Perry is one of the top fifty executives at Kraft Foods, the second-largest food and beverage company in the world.

Stacie moved to Hong Kong the day after her wedding, at age twenty-seven. She took up a vice-president position at Burson-Marsteller -- a leading global PR firm. Upon her return to Washington, D.C. only three years later, Stacie became a global managing director. By the age of 34, she was named a partner in WPP, parent company to Burson-Marsteller, and ranked in the top 1 percent of the largest communications conglomerate in the world. Today, Stacie is a successful author and a sought-after speaker and consultant.

But it is not just Perry and Stacie who have shot ahead by going abroad. To prove their theory, the authors conducted a global online survey of more than 200 women who had spent significant time abroad. A convincing 85 percent agreed that going overseas had accelerated their careers. Now that is a figure not to be scoffed at.

As a former expat in Indonesia and Mexico, I loved reading Get Ahead By Going Abroad because it took me up close and personal with Perry, Stacie and other similarly successful expat women -- who share insights never normally offered to anyone outside their trusted inner circles. I also enjoyed the fact that the book is written differently from your standard how-to fare: it intersperses advice, checklists and get-ahead tools with loads of quotes from the 40 women the authors interviewed in-depth to make their material real.

Whilst aimed at the niche female market, this book is a must-have for anyone wanting to: land an international assignment; negotiate the best possible contract; know what to expect when they arrive; and strategically transition themselves into a premium position upon repatriation.

If you fancy a stab at accelerated success, doused with the excitement of living in a foreign land, Get Ahead By Going Abroad is definitely one of those books you should Google today.

Copyright belongs to Andrea Martins.

Reprints welcomed.

First published by The Telegraph (UK) online on 14 May 2008.

Andrea Martins is the Director and Co-Founder of ExpatWomen.com (http://www.expatwomen.com/) -- a global resource site full of inspiring features to help all women living outside of their home country. Visit ExpatWomen.com today as your first-stop website to get inspired, share stories, network globally, develop personally and find the best resources.

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