Career and Corporate Cool (TM), by Rachel C. Weingarten   [Hardcover 2007]

Favorite

Rave Reviews (15)*

• 1) A Must-Read Resource and Icy-Cool Confidence-Booster

  by Susan T. Lennon on August 02 2007
    30+ helpful votes

  This book is a fabulous resource no matter where you are in your career (or life). It's fun, funny and informative. I love the tone, the "entre nous" feel of it and the literary references. I tossed all my other books aside to read it last night. Kudos to Rachel for a masterful combination of solid research and credible, compelling personal experience.

• 2) A Fun-to-Read Book that's Chock Full of Information

  by Stephanie D. on August 11 2007
    30+ helpful votes

  Reading this book is like finding a new best friend. A very cool best friend, mind you, who will share her tips on everything from understanding corporate culture to hosting a successful event. Weingarten details how to turn up the volume on your career savvy quotient without getting lost in the shuffle. This book is fun to read and chock full of information.

• 3) Great resource for both men and women

  by Christopher L. Simmons on August 03 2007
    30+ helpful votes

  What a refreshing book for those who want to be their own boss by starting a business, or those who live to be a super-cog in the great wheel of corporate empires. Really entertaining, witty, and insightful. even though I am one of the "experts" found in the pages of the books for my own snappy thoughts, I hadn't known anything else about the book until my pre-ordered copy arrived last week. (I had to finish Harry Potter's finale first ...) -- loved it!

• 4) Finally- a career book that gets me

  by Brianne Carneck on August 14 2007
    30+ helpful votes

  If you're looking to be bored senseless or to read a rehash of the same tired business rhetoric- this book is not for you. If you're looking for snappy writing, an understanding of what women working their way up in the workplace face on a daily basis, and some advice that is easy to integrate into your life- then this is the book for you.

• 5) More tips than you can imagine to improve your work life

  by J. Silber on August 17 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  I should re-read this because it was written in such an easy to read fashion that I breezed through it without really studying the great advice the way I wanted to. (I don't think I've ever read a business book in one sitting before LOL) I also liked that each chapter was great as a stand alone. I find myself picking up the book and reading at any point and getting something out of it. I also really enjoy reading memoirs so I was delighted to see all of the personal anecdotes that describe Weingarten's road to success. There were so many situations touched upon that affect women in the work world. I think next I'd like to read certain situations discussed more in depth- like how she talks about doing damage control.

• 6) A business book that doesn't feel like work

  by MJ on August 15 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  After a long day at the office the last thing that I want to read is a career book that sounds like my boss wrote it - Career and corporate cool felt more like an email from my best friend telling me about her day. I work with some very stylish women and always feel out of the loop but now I see that I have a very cool style of my own. I really loved this book not just for the advice which is great, but for the confidence that it gave me.

• 7) Cool is the new Black

  by Sam Harvey on August 15 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  I love great book covers and liked the book in advance and knew it was written for someone like me. Also, I don't believe the get rich quick books or the ones that try to shock you into freaking out your boss. This book was not what I expected though because I almost felt like Weingarten let you into her life to see how she learned a lot of lessons about business but very importantly how she learned as a woman in business. I work almost exclusively with men and they just slap on a tie and head itno a meeting. This was one of the first books I read that not just talked about the differences of women at work, but didn't make me feel self conscious about trying to figure it out. So it was a really good read and made sense to where I am in my career which is not to say that I won't be getting a copy for my cousin who just finished grad school.

• 8) From borrowed copy to desk side favourite

  by Louisa Parker-Grant on August 15 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  My friend reviews books and urged me to read this. Since I do not care for most books geared to those "you go girls" I initially refused. I finally read it and loved it so much that I immediately ordered a copy. That's how good this book is. I'm newly transplanted in the States and still on the job hunt and feel a bit out of sorts and this book helped me realize that if I really stress what I've got instead of drowning in insecurity I'll be going in the right direction. The tips on emergencies were genius too, as were the He/Says/She/Says. I had a great laugh reading this- both at the sharp but gentle humour but also at the tough and sometimes embarrassing work and life lessons that she shares. And I love Ben Deilly- an original Lemonhead now an advert guru -who knew?

• 9) Increase your Cool Quotient

  by Constance Myers on July 31 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  Reading this book is like chatting with a girlfriend - a very wise and incredibly cool girlfriend who knows absolutely everything about both fashion and business life. You'll find yourself making lists - the basic items you want to add to your wardrobe, or the new styles you want to try. You'll also gain insight into the dynamics at your office and learn the best approach and attitude for every business situation.
  
  The takeaway on this book is confidence. You'll see exactly how to apply Weingarten's ideas to your profession and to your wardrobe. You'll also learn to recognize just how cool you really are.

• 10) Can't put this book down... its like talking to your best friend.

  by Ann G. on July 20 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  The book is wonderful, I'm only through chapter one, but the whole section of "cool" was fabulous. Immediately I was impressed by how well every point was communicated and really made me feel as though I was having a conversation with someone. (haha I kept wanting to turn to a friend and say, hey look at this, but all I had were three 80 year old women next to me!). There are so many anecdotes that I think all ages can relate to and of course the fashion trends. Whether you're 20 or 50, so far this book reaches every nook and cranny of the generational spectrum. Can't wait to read more.

• 11) It Doesn't Get Any Cooler Than This

  by Sharon A. Waldrop on July 27 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  Reading this book should be a prerequisite for anyone entering, staying in, or leaving the workforce. The advice and practical tips can help all of us in our personal lives as well. On a professional note, the dozen or so years that I spent in human resource management would have been so much easier if everyone knew how to dress and behave. Where was this book then? Weingarten tells readers everything they need to know about business etiquette from head to toe, in the office or out, and she does it with a style that is entertaining and enjoyable to read. This book would make a perfect gift for the cool who want to get cooler as well as an irritating co-worker who can't take a hint. I loved the Day to Night transition that begins on page 117. There's nothing like leaving the house at 7:30 a.m. and coming home after midnight and still looking good. This book will help readers look and act their best around the clock.

• 12) Finally- a business book that gives you the inside scoop

  by Jill Prescott on July 22 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  I will start by saying that I am not a fan of business or self help books in general, but feel compelled to always read them- the pressure of trying to be better at work (and thinner, and better dressed) is tremendous. I also tend to really not like people like Suze Orman, I know that I should because she's so popular and Oprah gave her a stamp of approval- but maybe that's why I don't like her. Anyway, this is the first book that I've read that didn't talk down to me, but talked to me as a friend and colleague. I can't believe how many small details there are to making up your personal brand, but this book really covers it. I was nervous to get it at first, because I work at a smallish office, not really corporate world, and not the most exciting career and earth, but anyway, Weingarten really makes you feel like whatever your career, it can be fun and exciting and you can be better at it and just better and cool in general. I know what I will be buying my friends for their birthdays this year. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book.

• 13) I already feel cooler!

  by Susannah Finch on July 21 2007
    20+ helpful votes

  It's so rare to find a business book that doesn't make you feel inept or doesn't bore you to tears, and a fashion book that doesn't make you feel frumpy. I will admit that I never thought I was a cool person, I now see that a lot of what I do might be considered cool by others, and that's a really great feeling. I would like to reread the book because there was so much information in it, and it was just so fun to read that I don't think I paid proper attention to all of the juicy info. I loved the emergency help out of baaaad situations, and the etiquette tips. The quizzes were hilarious. This is a great book for people who are just starting out, or trying to figure out their career.

• 14) LOVE IT!!!!!!!

  by Gina Roberts-Grey on August 20 2007
    10+ helpful votes

  I loved this so much, I gave a copy to a friend who needs the guts and gumption to become a business owner. It's got something for every women thinking about, or already in the business world1

• 15) Highly Recommended!

  by Reader Views on August 24 2007
    10+ helpful votes

  Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/07)
  
  Rachel Weingarten's bio is impressive. It is obvious she knows what she is talking about when it comes to looking and dressing the part in a career. As a previous workshop instructor of creating a successful outside appearance, I was very interested in reading Rachel's book to see if there have been any changes in the years since I taught classes, or if she had any new information. I must say, I was not disappointed!
  
  My first glance at the book, I thought it was geared for women. This is not so. The content of the book relates to both genders and rightly so. Rachel covers aspects ranging from corporate culture, to attitude adjustments, to climbing corporate ladders, to social rules, to dressing away from the office, to being on the road, and to handling family emergencies. These are only a few - I'm sure Rachel didn't miss a thing.
  
  As you can tell, dressing the part is not the only aspect that Rachel covers. She also delves into communication skills as well as networking, and how to generate success in both. "Career and Corporate Cool(tm)" shows us how to express ourselves, not only from the outside but from the inside as well.
  
  Personally, Rachel's book was a refresher for me. Being I have spent the past several years in an internet-based company, my "outings" with other executives are limited. However, Rachel covers many sections for us too. The chapter, "The Best Guest or Hostess with the Mostest" was enlightening. Even though I pride myself in creating a party without losing my sanity, it was great to read Rachel's tips and acknowledge why my parties are so successful.
  
  The other area that I found of interest that applies to an internet-based company is her chapter on presenting oneself in phone messages, e-mails, and instant messaging. I laughed and nodded profusely as Rachel covered some of the aspects of what's not cool and professional.
  
  I particularly found her section of "hall of fame" interesting. For one, the style of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis keeps living on. Right now, the sunglasses she was so famous for are vogue. Another is David Letterman and his sharp suits, and then there is Martha Stewart, who retained "dignity, class, and decorum" during her trial. These are only a few of the people that represent what is "cool" in our society.
  
  Rachel's guidance is not to be taken lightly. She provides imminent advice and wisdom to keep us one step ahead by developing our own style and redefining success based on "Career and Corporate Cool(tm)."