“Tell me About It” advice columnist and Go-Getter Girl Carolyn Hax got her start at the Washington Post as a copy editor.  After moving up the ranks in copy-editing, she was searching for a career path that she found more meaningful.  One day, after chatting with an editor about an existing advice column that could use some edge, Carolyn took it upon herself to write up some sample answers.  Her samples were circulated among the top editors, and within weeks, she found herself in a new role of copy editor-slash-advice-columnist (which became full-time columnist over time).  

When we chatted last year for the book, our conversation covered everything from how she decided to become a journalist (law school wasn’t for her) to whether cleavage is appropriate for the workplace (“It depends,” said Carolyn. “We have breasts and I don’t think you have to deny that for anybody… But if it seems like you’re just hanging it all out there, you look like you have issues!”).

Known for her witticisms and spot-on advice, Carolyn has just a few hundred words each column to deliver her perspective on any order of life’s conundrums– and she was kind enough to share some insights on how she does what she does, including tricks she uses to tighten up her writing. Take a listen below for what are great tips any young professional can use to be a better writer– whether you’re drafting a memo, an article, or just an important email. 

[audio http://thegogettergirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/carolyn_short_2.mp3]

And just for some context, you’ll notice there’s some music playing in the background of the clip. We were chatting at the famed Mayflower hotel in D.C., seated unfortunately close to the pianist– but I think it gives it ambience!!

Thanks so much, Carolyn!

[photo: Washington Post]

I am so thrilled that Nancy Lublin, the founder of Dress for Success and now the CEO of Do Something, Inc., wrote the Forward for The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide.   Nancy founded DFS when–as she often says– she was bored to tears in her first year of law school, and needed to throw herself into something exciting and tangible.  Armed with just an unexpected $5,000 inheritance check, her ideas, and a little help from three nuns in Spanish Harlem, she founded DFS– an organization that provides work-appropriate clothing for low-income women trying to get back on their feet.  Within three years, the organization had outposts in more than 30 cities nationwide.

One particularly inspiring Go-Getter Girl Nugget of Wisdom that Nancy shares in the Forward is something she learned from this experience: “Every time you want to say the word ‘but,’ switch it for ‘and’ instead.”

In other words, change your mindset so that instead of thinking “obstacles in my way” think “tasks I need to accomplish.”  For example:

• “Oh, I would love to open my own business, but I don’t have any capital” becomes “I would love to open my own business and I need to get capital.”
• “I’d love to get an interview at this company, but I don’t have a contact” becomes “I’d love to get an interview at this company, and I need to find a contact there.”
• “I’m dying to switch careers, but I have no experience in X field”  becomes “I’m dying to switch careers, and I need to get some experience in X field.”

You get the idea Such a simple but oh-so-useful nugget of wisdom from Nancy– and she shares so many more in the book!

Go-Getter Girl Jaci Effron always knew she wanted to open a boutique . . . someday.  An Atlanta native, Jaci graduated from the University of Michigan, and worked as a style and travel editor in New York for several years.  Then, she got married, relocated back to Atl, and decided it was time to pursue her dream. But how to get started? Research, of course!

Jaci started by pounding the pavement– going into dozens of stores she liked to check out everything from what lines they carried, to how they merchandised the clothing, to the customer service.  Listen to Jaci explain her stealth m.o.– and taking the next steps to learn how to run a boutique:
[audio http://thegogettergirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/jaci_14.mp3]

Jaci says in a way, as a fashion lover whose closet is always packed to the brim, she’s been doing research for the boutique her whole life– but yes, it can be overwhelming to take the plunge to launch your own business. Says Jaci, ““The hardest part is always getting your feet wet.  But if you just focus on each little task at hand, all of a sudden the big picture goal manifests soon enough.”

Jaci’s boutique, Jac., and website carry an expertly-edited mix of boho-chic women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and specialty goods.

Jac. a boutique, 245 North Highland Ave. Space 120, Atlanta, GA 30307,  (404) 681-4696, www.dearjac.com.