Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

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".

This book provides real gems for conducting one's self in a professional manner. It also manages to do it in a way that it is actually enjoyable to read.

It pays special attention to gender roles and a woman's place in business. It was written by two female authors, so I guess that makes sense.

Susan Bixler is president of the Bixler Consulting Group (formerly The Professional Image, Inc), an image-consulting, executive coaching, team building and leadership workshop firm that specializes in areas including nonverbal communication, wardrobe, social skills, networking and e-etiquette. The Atlanta-based company's clients include Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Deloitte & Touche, Merck, and MetLife. Bixler founded the firm in 1980, after the idea came to her while she was working as a regional sales director for Bonnie Bell Cosmetics. Lisa Scherrer Dugan is the vice president of Bixler Consulting Group.

This book explains how to project confidence, competence, and credibility at work; how to make a great impression; polish your communication skills; demonstrate your mastery of business etiquette; build instant rapport with clients; put your social skills work for you.

I am a partner in an accounting firm. We bought a copy of this book for every member of the firm and use it as a discussion aid. One morning each week our staff meets to discuss one chapter. The author has some unique insights and some just common sense concepts. Our staff appears to embrace the book as well. I recommend this for every serious business professional.

Authors Bixler and Dugan do a nice job of taking the reader through a simple five step plan designed to maximize career success for anybody interested in climbing their company's ladder.

The key seems to be conveying a sense of competency without posing a threat to upper management, and without coming across as some creep who everyone avoids at any company function. It's interesting to note--- concepts that worked nearly 120 years ago are still quite relevent in today's high tech society---as each chapter begins with a quote from "Manners, Culture and Dress", published ten years before the start of the 20th Century, and less than 120 years after America declared its independence from the Mother Country.

Or to put it in modern terms from one of my favorite movies---"Pulp Fiction"---personality (still) goes a long way. That's why dogs are considered to be nice pets, and pigs are filthy animals, with no upside career potential.

This book cleverly guides the reader through the creative process known as charismatic competence. Don't go to work without reading about it, because your career is riding on it now, more than ever.

Much of this book covered general good sense and manners, which I suppose can be a problem for some. Television, I think, takes care of manners these days.

That said, there were times when I thought to myself, "Oh, I wish I'd known that before I started my job." For that reason, these gems are worth looking into, though I am sure there are more useful books on the market.

This book has terrific information and also supplies practical ways to encorporate the information into your life. Any professional will benefit from learning & practicing the things taught in this book.