You’re in library services and want to stand out. How can you build a personal brand that makes an impact?

2 Create your platform

The next step is to create your platform or the online and offline channels where you will communicate your personal brand. Depending on your niche and goals, you can choose from various options, such as a blog, a podcast, a portfolio, a newsletter, or a social media account. Your platform should showcase your work, your insights, and your personality in a consistent and professional way. You should also use your platform to network with other library professionals, influencers, and potential collaborators or employers.

4 Showcase your value

The fourth step is to showcase your value or the benefits and outcomes of your work and ideas. Your value should be aligned with your niche, your platform, and your audience. It should also demonstrate your skills, your achievements, and your impact as a library professional. Your value should be measurable, tangible, and relevant. You should also use your value to highlight your goals, your challenges, and your solutions. Your value should be compelling and attractive, but not exaggerated or unrealistic.

5 Update your brand

The final step is to update your brand or the process of reviewing and improving your personal brand over time. Your brand should be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the changes and opportunities in library services. It should also reflect your growth, your learning, and your feedback as a library professional. Your brand should be dynamic, current, and fresh. You should also use your brand to explore new niches, platforms, and voices. Your brand should be evolving and improving, but not inconsistent or confusing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?