In an earlier post on library advocacy, I’ve suggested to take Dale Carnegie’s advice: Instead of promoting your library or librarianship to others, instead of claiming how crucial the library is, become interested in the other’s needs and ask what your library (or you as a librarian) can do for the other.
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” (Dale Carnegie)
I want to complement this post with a TED talk by Omar Ahmad, former mayor of San Carlos, Ca. In his talk on “Political change with pen and paper“, he highlights how the “political animal” works and how you can arouse the attention of your local politician.
His main point is: Don’t try to write an email, don’t try to give them a call, but write a letter instead, a good old fashioned handwritten letter.
Write at least once a month. Make it evident that you appreciate his work and that he can benefit from your expertise and network. He will appreciate it and give you a call. (Sooner or later)
This six minute talk is worth watching.
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