Book Review: Little Black Book by Otegha Uwagba

A toolkit for working women. This is something that I think all of us would like: a handbook to tell us what to do and how to do it. Sounds divine. Written by Otegha Uwagba, the Founder of Women Who, writer, brand consultant and powerhouse of the creative sector, Little Black Book* is a best-selling career guide for a modern working woman. Whilst it is pitched as a book for women in the creative sector (so PR, Marketing, Design, Communications, Advertising) don’t let that put you off. It is suitable for anyone that is looking to make an impact on their career and has the added bonus including some essential lessons learned and tips for those considering going out as a freelancer or consultant. In fact, I don’t think the advice is just applicable to women.

It covers all the areas that you should consider when developing your career: productivity, personal branding, public speaking, and networking, but also covers the areas not spoken about enough in career books: protecting yourself in your business affairs, being paid your worth and overcoming creative blocks.

The part that really struck me is the final chapter, covering words of wisdom from some inspiring women; as Uwagba states “Because you deserve better than made-up Marilyn Monroe quotes.”
This section is the one that really sets the books a part, I feel, as it’s like having mentors in your pocket at all times – when you have questions such as “How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance”, “What day to day essential do you rely on?” and “What maxim’s do you rely on ?” you get some honest, insightful and sometimes, hard-hitting answers. They ALL make you stand up and listen.

In usual Clara Cliff Notes style, here are the key things I took away:

1. Protect yourself
Too often, in employment or self-employment, we rely on goodwill and trust. However, there will be times that anything from miscommunication to downright double-crossing can occur. So, get your “house in order”. From creating processes, developing documentation to having a contract, it is essential that you have these in place BEFORE you need them!


2. Find your niche
So often we try to be all things to all people, but what helps with your personal brand (as an employee or business) is having your “thing”. Me, I’m known as the career coach for parents – drilling it down, it’s all about returning to work. Before I went self-employed, I was known for support SMEs in the West Midlands with higher level talent. It doesn’t mean I can’t or won’t do other things, but this is my work identify and personal brand. What is yours?
As part of this, make sure you have an up to date CV and / online profile (such as your website or LinkedIn profile) – you never know when you might need it (nice to see someone else backing up my view!)

3. The power of silence
When negotiating a pay rise, new role or client pitch, after prepping your position and value, it’s easy to keep talking. Here we learn more about the power of silence – to stand your ground and let the offer be processed and reviewed. You CAN walk away if you don’t get what you want or deserve.

It’s a quick read (I got through it in just over an hour – it’s 129 pages long), and some of the areas I grazed over. Not because they weren’t important, but because they made sense to me. Maybe, several years on in my career and self-employment journey, this is showing me I have some things in place and sorted! The resources section in the back, from books to great places to work from, will be accessed on a regular basis and I imagine when issues or new situations arise in my working life, I will tap back into the book (it’s on my kindle) and see what advice I can take on board.

So, is this a toolkit for a modern working woman? No, it’s a toolkit for every working person!
What do you think? Have you found the book useful?

Read the other book reviews here.

*This link is an affiliate link; if you click through and buy I may get a few pennies, but it won’t cost you anything extra!