Brag to many of you would be considered a four letter word that is considered not one you want to be associated with. But take a look at the full title before you start to judge.

The great thing about this book is that it's all established from a point of authenticity, very much like the personal branding approach. It is not about being BRASH or BOASTFUL , in the current climate you can probably not afford to be those either.

If a company has not made any downsizing announcements yet, you can be 99.9% sure that the senior team have had those discussions. The conversation that is included in that is looking at an employees value to the organization.

The harsh reality of todays workplace and career management in general is that you cannot rely on others to keep an watchful eye over your career - they are too concerned with their own and after all you know yourself best and what you are good at.

Enter some of the great suggestions from the BRAG! book. This book is one of my recommended reads for those looking in to the whole concept of personal branding and if that type of approach sits comfortably with them, it's a start , by no means a definitive piece but a good start. What I really like about this book is that it has some great suggestions for people in just about every eventuality - even if you are not working or looking to return to the workforce.

Start off by looking at the "Take 12" Self Evaluation - which can actually be downloaded from the book's related web site. This evaluation gets you to look at what you have done in terms of development, are good at, known for and remembered.

This is the basis for formulating your 'brag bites' and 'bragalogues' - sound bites or taglines and mini elevator speeches that can be used at various 'bragging' opportunities with different target audiences.

A shortfall of the book (or at least my copy!) is that because it was published in 2003 it is a way behind the times with regards to the advances in social networking etc. The Techno-Brag certainly needs updating - but makes some good solid points about having a clear plan.

For those of you in more active job search the book is also relevant and has a chapter devoted to the Job Interview and bragging your way in the door . Also speaks my language in not relying on the resume to do the talking for you - Peggy Klaus talks about once you are in the door - I believe this has equal merit well before that too.

And for those happy where they are and looking to get along internally the chapter around Performance Reviews is also another good example of using the brag to great effect.

A quick pick up and read book, likely can be finished in a couple of evenings - after all how many more series of Survivor or 24 are going to be that different?

At least this book will give you some practical skills and ideas that apply to the real world - not those of fiction or reality TV.