Toot Your Own Horn - Improving Your Image

Donna Cardillo spoke about how to improve the image of the library in the community. This was not one of those presentations about how you dress, although that subject was touched upon. She referenced the book entitled Six Steps to Free Publicity 2nd ed. by Yudkin. She urged that we

• Monitor the media
• Write letters to the editor
• Develop media relations (reporters, TV and radio stations, etc.)
• Get media training
• Become a resource to the media

On networking, her suggestions were to

• Get out of the library and into the community (Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, etc.)
• Stay in touch
• Use business cards
• Start shaking hands to establish a personal contact and develop relationships
• Learn to make conversation

I loved this last bullet because it is not one of my strengths. She commented that you don't want to approach people with a barrage of questions starting with "What is your name?" It can put people off. Instead, she suggested that you start off with comments like "What session did you go to?" "Have you been to Chicago before?" or "Where are you from?" She also suggested wearing a small pin that reflects your profession or interests. People will often notice and ask about it in a casual conversation.

Donna also spent a lot of time talking about handshaking. A handshake is a very important social convention in the US, and is a sign of respect and suggests that you are on an equal footing. She mentioned that a handshake has three components, a complete hand grasp (none of those wimpy fingers).

In terms of staying visible, she urged us to write columns and offer to speak at local events. The power is in the doing...we spend so much time and energy worrying about the outcome that we forget that it is the trying something new that creates positive energy. Write about what you know and love, and develop relationships with someone who will read your writing critically and make suggestions.

Donna also urged us to develop speaking skills. Practice, preferably in front of a video recorder. Master appropriate audio visual skills. Speak on a regular basis to keep your comfort level as high as possible. In practical terms, she suggests that you think of your core message in the least number of words, say it, and stop talking. If you babble on, you lose attention from your audience. Be sure to include pauses and slow down. The pauses may be uncomfortable for you as the speaker, but they allow the audience to absorb your message.

This was a wonderful presentation on raising the visibility of the library through your own efforts and willingness to be the face of the organization.