I love public libraries for many reasons…including the librarians.

Libraries are home to an incredible variety of resources and services and are very much online. Besides books or DVDs, libraries offer entertainment, guest speakers and artists, computer use and techie programs, help with finding a job, programs for kids, teens, and other unique groups, and dozens of possibilities that open new doors.

As librarians answer your questions and introduce you to previously unknown resources, they are the face of your community’s public library. Or, as explained in This Book is Overdue!, Marilyn Johnson’s book about librarians:

“Those who predicted the death of libraries forgot to consider that in the automated maze of contemporary life, none of us – neither the experts nor the hopelessly baffled – can get along without human help. And not just any help – we need librarians, who won’t charge us by the question or roll their eyes, no matter what we ask.”

Our public libraries are more popular than ever, given our economic challenges and their targeted marketing savvy. Patrons are discovering a library experience that engages and resonates with them.

Sometimes, when I want to get away from my office to focus on a project, I head to my local public library. While I’m working, I occasionally tune into the librarians helping visitors with a broad range of questions, interests and concerns. The one-on-one conversation usually leads to new resources, perspectives and a rewarding experience.

Big or small, public libraries are community centers that attract diverse constituencies. Their librarians connect with you by offering responsive customer service and first person PR. Check them out.

A photo is a powerful way to introduce yourself to current or potential connections, especially when you may never meet them – even if you do business together.

Before getting in front of the camera, however, think about what you want to say in your picture.

“I always start a photography session with a conversation about the person’s expectations,” says Karen Kring, professional photographer and co-founder with Joel Lerner of the Kring Lerner Group. “What do you want to convey about yourself?”

“Once we clarify your photographic purpose, we start taking photos that reflect you and engage others,” Karen says. “The context can express your personality, lifestyle, professionalism, interests, and accomplishments.”

You may need a business headshot or business image that could be used in many venues. Or, if appropriate, you could present a broader perspective that might include playing a musical instrument, serving a customer, speaking before a group, or running in a marathon. Where will this photo be used –online or in print? What messages do you want to send via the photo and content? You might want different photos for different purposes.

“Some people, however, may not want a photo but are required to submit one for work-related or professional reasons,” Karen notes. “They may be comfortable meeting others personally, face to face. But they are not comfortable with the way they think they look in a photo…even if everyone else thinks it is great.”

Others may agree to photography but do not want their faces to be the primary focus of the image. “In one situation,” Karen explained, “a journalist wanted the photo to reflect her work, so we used a creative approach to typify what she does.”

As you look at photos of people you know, do they ring true, accurately reflecting the person? When it is someone you do not know, is it the image or the content or both that encourage you to follow up?

By collaborating with your photographer, you can represent the real you. Remember the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

When visitors click on our web sites, they want to know what services, products, expertise or information we offer them. Our home page is their first impression.

But if you think that just means web design, then consider what Christopher Merrill, web designer, says. “Before you launch your web site, start with content, not design. Then, when it’s time for design, make sure that first impression reflects the real you.”

When we meet someone personally through one-on-one networking, our “on site presence” and interaction can offer rewarding communication and opportunities. Given all the factors that affect 1st person PR, however, we either connect or we do not connect or we don’t know yet. A similar phenomenon occurs on our web site. A big exception is that, in person, we cannot hide behind a site construction.

So when first starting a site, think content. What do you offer your targeted visitors: services, products, experience, credentials, integrity, professionalism, passionate interest, authenticity, unique voice? As Christopher points out, our site’s design can be visually interesting and dynamic, but its first goal is to engage visitors in the substance of who we are and what we can do for them. “Do not send mixed messages because you want to reassure them that they have come to the right place. If your graphic presentation conflicts with who you really are, it can work against you,” Christopher adds.

Once you’ve established your “self” through informative content, it’s time for web design. It can include photos, testimonials, links to social media and other resources, feeds, downloads, newsletter, releases, blog, and other possibilities. Choose what works for you, understanding that it will evolve and change over time.

Whether entrepreneurs, international corporations or nonprofits, we are all works in progress with possibilities.

Great, isn’t it!