6 Steps to Win the Job You Really Want!

Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Mary Foley shares her vast corporate experience on how to successfully win the job you truly want.  She carefully takes you through the “6 Steps to Win the Job You Really Want!”  Ms. Foley has authored other career books.  She is a former employee of AOL, having started as a customer service rep and worked her way up to the head of Corporate Training.

In Step 1 author Mary Foley interviews Mary Saily concerning reasons why employees want to leave their jobs.  She discusses each of the reasons in depth. “Most Americans don’t like their jobs. For most people, it’s the drudgery and they’re just in it for the paycheck.”   But why do they dislike their jobs.  “The two biggest reasons that come up with are dissatisfaction with the manager, dissatisfaction with the nature of work and then, a close third is lack of career opportunities.”  Ms Foley continues to share 10 reasons people want to leave their jobs.

Step 2 assists you in identifying the job you really want.  Ms Foley feels you need to love what you do.  She states that those who love their jobs are happier and more successful.  The 3rd step is identifying the organizations or company that has the job you really want. Step 4 is convincing the company that you are just what they are looking for.  Step 5 is negotiating salary and benefits.  Step 6 is getting started in that new job successfully.

Mary Foley’s experience shines through in this tele-seminar.  She successfully shares 6 steps to support employees in searching for an employment that will be meaningful and fulfilling.  She has included a workbook that is invaluable.   She clearly states her plan in terms that everyone can understand.  I highly recommend “6 Steps to Win the Job You Really Want!” to anyone wanting to change employers.  I think this book would benefit all high school and college students.

Make comment on weblog

BONUS PACK INCLUDED:

10 Bodacious Ways for a Bodacious Career
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)

Mary Foley has extensive experience as a motivational speaker and former employee of AOL.  She worked her way up in the company, along the way she gathered the knowledge of how to acquire more than a job, how to achieve a career.

Ms. Foley recognizes that we tend to take things too personal and warns against it.  “Amazingly my personal experience has shown me that through out my work day people aren’t going around all day thinking about my feelings.”  Another suggestion is to get to know the people in your organization that can help you in your career.  The key to networking (meeting and getting to know people) is to have some key phrases memorized to open the door to conversation.  The key is to make them feel good about themselves. We need to know how we want to be treated and have the language skills to speak up for ourselves.  Know what you are going to say and how you are going to say it.

“10 Bodacious Ways for a Bodacious Career” covers several different topics that you will need, like how to cope with a layoff or how to quit your job.  Most of us resist change but change is inevitable and how we react to it determines our success. 

One of the most important features of this book is how to interview for the career you want.  Interviewers are looking for people who are self confident.  Ms. Foley assists us in answering those tough questions that interviewers tend to ask, such as:  “Why did you leave your last employer?”  “What did you like best and least about your last position?”  “What is your experience relevant to this position?”  “What motivates you?”  “What do you consider to be your greatest strength (weakness)?”  “Why should we hire you?”  Ms. Foley steers the reader through those tough questions that can make or break an interview, and she’s provided an area for you to plan your own responses.

“10 Bodacious Ways for a Bodacious Career” by Mary Foley is a must have for anyone looking for a position or considering a career change, or desiring to advance in the position they currently hold.  Her writing style is crisp, yet humorous.  She has made her book easy to read and understand. She has extensive experience and it shows throughout her book.  I would like to suggest that this book be required reading for all high school and college graduates.  I highly recommend this book.

How to Accelerate Your Next Promotion (CD)
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Motivational speaker, former AOL corporate training manager and author, Mary Foley interviews Christine Newman in “How to Accelerate Your Next Promotion.”  Do you want to quickly move ahead in your career?  If your answer is yes, then this book is for you. Christine draws on her experience to enlighten the listener in how to get the promotion they’ve always wanted.

Christine describes herself as impatient and ambitious.  She was determined to move up in her career.  She thoughtfully prepared a plan to reach her goal.  It worked and Mary Foley has asked her to share it with us.

There are 14 steps to getting that promotion you want.  Several of the steps are related.  Christine begins by stating all of the steps and then explains each one in detail.

Several of the steps involve a mentor.  You should request a specific mentor.  Work actively with that mentor.  Ask your mentor to be your boss.  Most of the steps involve networking.  Networking is important. Develop and work with a good team.  You need to be patient.  Apply for the position you want with your boss’ knowledge, get that second interview, and accept that promotion.

Mary Foley once again presents her fans with the tools leading to success.  Both Ms. Foley and Christine Newman are interesting to listen to.   They come across as being lively and are excellent speakers.  They present their information in a concise manner.  I was fascinated with their view of office politics, which is usually viewed in a negative way.  I highly recommend this CD, “How to Accelerate Your Next Promotion,” to those desiring to advance in their career.

How to Thrive on Shift & Change for Your Career
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

In “How to Thrive on Shift & Change for Your Career” Mary Foley shares her personal story of dramatic changes in her life.  Ms. Foley began her career at AOL as a customer service representative.  Later she was promoted to trainer, followed by training manager, and then to call center manager.  She was very focused on her career when she realized that she needed to shift some of that focus to her marriage.  Her experiences are invaluable in guiding others through the process of change.

“After 10 years and more than 12,000 employees, the company still had no management training program.”  Ms Foley approached the vice president of HR and laid out her proposal. “So, courage in hand, I asked for a new role, one I hoped would continue to further my success.  He offered me a job offer:  corporate Training Manager.  My Bodacious Career took another turn.” 

We are required to make constant changes and decisions.  Sometimes it seems like too many decisions.  At one time what you could produce, education and hard work were sufficient for forming a career.  Today it requires much more. “Education, knowledge, experiences, analysis and good decision making are now the keys to success.” 

Ms. Foley discusses in detail the steps in breaking down a problem and finding a solution.  “1. Define the problem or situation.  2. Determine what you already know.  3.  List your options.  4. Choose the best option for you.  5. Go for it!   6. If needed, fail fast, learn and move on.”

The arrival of Mary Foley’s book, “How to Thrive on Shift & Change for Your Career,” was with perfect timing for my husband and I.  He is researching his options, contemplating a career change or retirement.  Changes didn’t come easy for Ms. Foley any more than it does for any of us.  However, she successfully walks her reader through the process using her experience and knowledge.  She easily convinced me that with change can come with success.  I highly recommend this book to all considering making changes in their life.  Whether the changes are personal or professional this book will be of benefit.

Power Networking (CD) 
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Motivational speaker, former AOL corporate training manager and author, Mary Foley interviews Ardell Fleeson in “Power Networking.” The pair coach listeners in the art of Networking.  They explain why it’s important and share many tips.

Ardell Fleeson is the Director of Federal Bureau of Business Development at Appiam Corporation.  Her experience is vast.  She shares the answers to several of the questions she is routinely asked.  Why do I have to network?  How do I behave when networking? 

Ardell addresses many aspects of networking including being comfortable with it.  You must determine how many hours you need to devote to networking a month and where you will network.  There are two types of networking.  Horizontal networking is networking with your peers, friends, and other people just like you.  Vertical networking is networking with people that can hire you.

Be prepared when you walk into a room full of people you don’t know.  Don’t fumble.  Have some questions ready.  Use questions that connect to the point or immediate environment.  Be able to easily hand out your business cards.  When you talk about yourself give out brief bits and allow them to digest.  Begin by saying something witty.  Allow people to talk in between the bits. 

When you network have an agenda.  Know what you want.  Network with friends, then put your plate down, go to the bathroom and check for food in your teeth and then meet people you don’t know.  Don’t overindulge in alcohol.  However, carrying a drink in the hand (cola, seltzer water, etc) makes most people more comfortable. 

Mary Foley does it again!  This is another great CD that assists people in their career.   Ardell Fleeson is a very good speaker.  She makes her points in interesting and witty ways.  I particularly took note of “what to do if someone hits on you.”  The question and answer segment added a lot to the session.  I highly recommend “Power Networking” to anyone that cares about his or her career.

Basics for Navigating Job Change
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Former AOL Corporate Training Manager Mary Foley walks readers through the process for a job change.  Among the topics she discusses is surviving a layoff.

Ms. Foley assures us that being a victim of downsizing doesn’t have to be a negative experience.  Her advice is to recognize that it’s not about you, don’t sign anything, don’t be afraid to negotiate, use company sponsored outplacement service, get out and meet people, and stay in touch with former coworkers.  If you’ve given a company your best then a layoff is not your fault.  Many times a company will negotiate your severance package.  Most companies now offer career counseling.  Take advantage of it.  The counseling will help you to evaluate your aptitudes.  Networking with other people will keep your spirits high and who knows they may be able to assist you in your next career move.

Today’s economy is one of constant changes.  Corporations in financial trouble downsize or simply close.  This is not your fault.  This can be a unique opportunity to stretch your wings and expand your horizons.

If you do lose your job, do so gracefully.  “Quitting well is an art.”   Ms Foley suggests   leaving on the best of terms; don’t try to solve any negative emotions through the quitting process and plan for individual partings. 

“Basics for Navigating Job Change” by Mary Foley is an invaluable tool in today’s economy.  The job market is up and down, constantly changing.  I enjoyed her book and intend to share it with my husband.  I highly recommend reading this to all employees.

Power Networking (CD) 
Mary Foley
Bodacious Ventures (2006)
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

Motivational speaker, former AOL corporate training manager and author, Mary Foley interviews Ardell Fleeson in “Power Networking.” The pair coach listeners in the art of Networking.  They explain why it’s important and share many tips.

Ardell Fleeson is the Director of Federal Bureau of Business Development at Appiam Corporation.  Her experience is vast.  She shares the answers to several of the questions she is routinely asked.  Why do I have to network?  How do I behave when networking? 

Ardell addresses many aspects of networking including being comfortable with it.  You must determine how many hours you need to devote to networking a month and where you will network.  There are two types of networking.  Horizontal networking is networking with your peers, friends, and other people just like you.  Vertical networking is networking with people that can hire you.

Be prepared when you walk into a room full of people you don’t know.  Don’t fumble.  Have some questions ready.  Use questions that connect to the point or immediate environment.  Be able to easily hand out your business cards.  When you talk about yourself give out brief bits and allow them to digest.  Begin by saying something witty.  Allow people to talk in between the bits. 

When you network have an agenda.  Know what you want.  Network with friends, then put your plate down, go to the bathroom and check for food in your teeth and then meet people you don’t know.  Don’t overindulge in alcohol.  However, carrying a drink in the hand (cola, seltzer water, etc) makes most people more comfortable. 

Mary Foley does it again!  This is another great CD that assists people in their career.   Ardell Fleeson is a very good speaker.  She makes her points in interesting and witty ways.  I particularly took note of “what to do if someone hits on you.”  The question and answer segment added a lot to the session.  I highly recommend “Power Networking” to anyone that cares about his or her career.