Reader’s Corner: Great advice in a small book

The saying “Good things often come in small packages” can certainly be true for books! At a recent Concerned Women for America prayer/action chapter meeting, I picked up a copy of “Seven Rules for Success in Business & Life: A Woman’s Guide,” by Penny Young Nance. It can be read in an evening, but the advice will be helpful for a lifetime. 

This book will help any woman unlock her God-given potential and step forward into a successful future, but young women will find it particularly helpful as they finish up college or career training. As CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, Nance frequently finds herself in the limelight, interacting with the President, members of Congress, international leaders and the media. In the book’s introduction, she expresses her gratitude for women who spoke into her life in practical ways during her youth, giving her a basic foundation for confidence at events such as White House dinners that she never imagined herself attending. 

Over the past 30 years, Nance’s experience in Washington D.C. has increased her practical and spiritual wisdom. In the book, she shares tips ranging from professional etiquette to avoiding common social pitfalls that can stem from growing up in today’s more casual culture or perhaps in an unsupportive home setting. 

Whether it’s a job interview or a high-level dinner, this book presents simple rules, with examples, like “Be Prepared” and “Be Graceful,” to help women shine in any setting. Most importantly, Nance stresses the importance of being rooted in faith and embracing God’s plan for one’s life with purpose and grace; I was particularly impressed with her remarks about practicing proper conversation skills in order to make the most of opportunities to speak up about key issues impacting Christian conservative women. 

With graduations happening recently, this book is a perfect gift to show the young women in your life that you believe in them as they enter the professional world; but older women can benefit from the reminder as well, especially anyone who has been through a life change or decided to pursue a new career. For a suggested $20 donation per copy, you can get this resource for yourself or the women in your life; visit https://concernedwomen.org/seven-rules-for-success-in-business-and-life-a-womans-guide/.