Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success

Though branding expert Schawbel's (Me 2.0: 4 Steps to Building Your Future) latest book comes packaged with abundant praise from personal-improvement experts (Stephen Covey, Jack Canfield, Gretchen Rubin), his own advice, while reasonable, doesn't contribute much to the existing conversation. At the age of 26, Schawbel had had success with his "Personal Branding Blog," which led to a Fast Company feature, a book deal, and speaking and consulting jobs. This book is aimed at newly-graduated or early-career millennials. Schawbel sympathizes with young people, who are not, he claims, being effectively prepared by their schools for the real world. But companies need young entrepreneurial types%E2%80%94collaborative, passionate and smart%E2%80%94if they're going to succeed; and young people need to make themselves indispensable. In a colloquial, buddy-to-buddy tone, Schawbel covers topics including: using your existing job as a springboard to a better one; understanding the new rules of the workplace; pursuing continuing education; using social media appropriately; and getting promoted. He stresses the need to work within the system, focusing on ways that corporate life can be used to your advantage. While encouraging, the dull tone and familiar advice will make this book a tough sell. (Sept.)