Tag Archives: crisis communication

Effective Crisis Communications

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No company can go through its existence without being in involved in some sort of a crisis. However, a single incident can destroy years of strong customer and shareholder relations. Competitors will also take full advantage of the situation. While it’s tough to predict when a crisis might occur, it is critical to plan for one in advance. Companies that incorporate effective crisis communications strategies into their disaster recovery plans have a greater chance of mitigating negative media and public perceptions and enhancing their long-term credibility. Tips for designing an effective crisis communication plan:

Determine in advance who needs to be involved:
The plan should include two spokespeople and two assistants to handle media issues, which will ensure at least one person is always available. The plan should enable the team to quickly and systematically increase the number of key people involved in case the crisis should escalate.
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Gaining Recognition as a Thought Leader

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Many of today’s top business leaders are successful at getting media coverage simply by stating their opinions of the market.  They talk at length with reporters about industry trends and make predictions about what the future might hold, but they never pitch their new product or company specifically.

It’s a Subtle PR Ploy:
The fact is, these executives are promoting their companies, just in a very subtle manner.  Positioning a company as a thought leader can enhance credibility and establish a reputation as an industry expert.

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Flexing your PR & Marketing Muscles for a Successful Product Launch

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Like the seasons, product announcements can move in like a lion or out like a lamb. Some bound out of thin air, leaving marketers and PR pros with little time to prepare; others trudge on and on, extending the deadline for weeks on end. How can you prevent a sneak attack and ensure that you are ready for the next major product announcement? Here are some tips to make sure your kickoff kicks butt.

Staying ahead of the Curve:
Timing is the hardest, yet most critical part. With long publication lead times, it is easy to underestimate the amount of time needed to make a splash. Executives in your organization may have no idea, and it’s your job to tell them, that some magazines require as much as six months advance notice. With three months for monthlies, two for bi-monthlies and one for weeklies plus the time it take to get information ready and build relationships with reporters, the more time, the better.

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Skillful Interview Techniques

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Although interviews are an important part of the public relations process, they can sometimes be a challenge. You might walk in for a scheduled interview, confident you know your company and marketplace, and before you know it, the reporter starts asking you questions that you’re not prepared to answer. If you handle the situation successfully, you can go far in promoting a positive corporate image. A negative interview, however, can hurt the perception of both the company and the spokesperson. To be effective, adhere to the following:

Be Prepared:
Gather background on the journalist (previous experience, recent articles written, etc.), the publication (circulation, target audience), and the topic of discussion prior to the interview.
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