Linda Stopforth - Business Development Customer Specialist, Wellington City Libraries
Tell us a little bit about the job. Where is it? What does it entail?
I was just beginning to find my feet when lockdown added a new dimension - but basically the purpose of the WCL Business Development Customer Specialist is to engage with the Wellington business community and promote the research services and resources we offer to assist them. Be they start ups, not-for-profits, consultants, or commercial entities we would like to be part of the team that helps Wellington based businesses succeed in a challenging climate.
Why did this role interest you?
I have a background in special libraries with experience in commercial organisations and understand the different aspects of business. In my previous role I was doing a lot of business intelligence gathering and identifying leads that our sales team could follow up. I have also run my own business for over a decade. Add to that I am a long-time resident of Wellington, enthusiastic about what this city offers and this role brings all that together into one place.
What exciting projects will you be working on within your role?
I’m excited about reaching out to the Wellington business community, raising awareness, and creating use of the wide range of resources (including a great team of very knowledgeable staff) available to businesses, when those businesses may not have thought about the library being able to assist them.
In the future, what do you hope to achieve in this role?
An increased uptake of our online learning resources including business databases like Katalyst and the training resources available through LinkedIn learning would be great. I’d also like to work with the library team to develop guest speaker events where people in the community can share their business journeys and experiences with others.
What does a fun working day in your new role include?
As I write this we’re still in L4 lockdown. The highlight of my day is the 11am Dom-Post quiz via Teams with my colleagues. Its great technology can allow us to connect each day in this way.
What advice do you have for someone aiming to progress their career in libraries?
Don’t stop learning and developing new skill sets. Make the most of professional development opportunities offered at work or by LIANZA but also develop general skills and experience that is transferable. Sign up for a first aid course, or to be the union rep, or volunteer for the social club and help organise the Christmas party. Don’t forget that skills learned through volunteering in the community also help develop you and can usually be applied to the workplace.
A bit more about Linda
I am a librarian with several decades of experience across the special library world and have worked for private and public organisations. These days I wear several hats and divide my time between my new role, my own business interests and doing the administration work for a small charitable trust, YETI Nepal.
I came to Wellington in 1995 for a couple of years and never left. The city, and all it offers, grew on me and I love living here. In my spare time my partner and I are developing a small organic orchard just south of Levin and at weekends. I may be found undertaking a range of less than glamourous roles far from city life, but always within easy access of coffee.
Tell us a little bit about the job. Where is it? What does it entail?
I was just beginning to find my feet when lockdown added a new dimension - but basically the purpose of the WCL Business Development Customer Specialist is to engage with the Wellington business community and promote the research services and resources we offer to assist them. Be they start ups, not-for-profits, consultants, or commercial entities we would like to be part of the team that helps Wellington based businesses succeed in a challenging climate.
Why did this role interest you?
I have a background in special libraries with experience in commercial organisations and understand the different aspects of business. In my previous role I was doing a lot of business intelligence gathering and identifying leads that our sales team could follow up. I have also run my own business for over a decade. Add to that I am a long-time resident of Wellington, enthusiastic about what this city offers and this role brings all that together into one place.
What exciting projects will you be working on within your role?
I’m excited about reaching out to the Wellington business community, raising awareness, and creating use of the wide range of resources (including a great team of very knowledgeable staff) available to businesses, when those businesses may not have thought about the library being able to assist them.
In the future, what do you hope to achieve in this role?
An increased uptake of our online learning resources including business databases like Katalyst and the training resources available through LinkedIn learning would be great. I’d also like to work with the library team to develop guest speaker events where people in the community can share their business journeys and experiences with others.
What does a fun working day in your new role include?
As I write this we’re still in L4 lockdown. The highlight of my day is the 11am Dom-Post quiz via Teams with my colleagues. Its great technology can allow us to connect each day in this way.
What advice do you have for someone aiming to progress their career in libraries?
Don’t stop learning and developing new skill sets. Make the most of professional development opportunities offered at work or by LIANZA but also develop general skills and experience that is transferable. Sign up for a first aid course, or to be the union rep, or volunteer for the social club and help organise the Christmas party. Don’t forget that skills learned through volunteering in the community also help develop you and can usually be applied to the workplace.
A bit more about Linda
I am a librarian with several decades of experience across the special library world and have worked for private and public organisations. These days I wear several hats and divide my time between my new role, my own business interests and doing the administration work for a small charitable trust, YETI Nepal.
I came to Wellington in 1995 for a couple of years and never left. The city, and all it offers, grew on me and I love living here. In my spare time my partner and I are developing a small organic orchard just south of Levin and at weekends. I may be found undertaking a range of less than glamourous roles far from city life, but always within easy access of coffee.