Crisis Communications
Crisis Communications
When a crisis hits, good planning can help you take control of the narrative.
Sometimes, things go wrong. When they do, the best organizations and leaders know they need to step up and respond as best as they can. We’ve counselled clients through extremely difficult situations from natural disasters and industrial accidents to coroners’ inquests and hostile reporting.
We’re calm in a crisis—and well-practiced. We know what we’re doing. And we can help you through it.
Being proactive in a crisis can help you act fast.
Here’s how to prepare:
Avoiding Crisis
The most successful companies build goodwill through positive PR campaigns during good times.
The most successful companies build goodwill through positive PR campaigns during good times. We can help you build a voice for your company in the media while also enhancing the relationships you have with key stakeholder groups.
If a serious crisis threatens the reputation of your company, you will almost certainly need to get a statement out very quickly. Staying silent can be deadly for your brand’s integrity if you’re being attacked and defined by others. The best way to ensure you’re ready for a crisis is to have a crisis communications plan in place. That’s where we come in—we’ll help you create a plan in advance, so you’ll know how to respond when a crisis hits.
Ransomware and other cyberattacks are depressingly common issues these days. We have a network of expert legal consultants to support in those specialized crisis cases.
When Crisis Hits
During a crisis, it’s vital to respond quickly.
Our team will be there to support you in getting your messaging out to the public—the quicker you get a message out, the better you can control the narrative. This prevents others from defining your organization in its most difficult moment and puts you in an empowered position.
Crisis Communications Principles
Be fast: For most genuine crises, you should aim to have your first statement out to the public within an hour (sooner, if possible). The first organization reporting an incident has a disproportionate influence over how it is framed and how reporters will later tell the story.
Be honest: Report the facts. Don’t speculate on things you can’t confirm.
Be credible (and predictable): Crises create chaos. One of the main priorities in a crisis is to regain control of the situation. We can reestablish a sense of control by following a predictable and clearly communicated process. Show your audiences (internal and external) they can trust your leadership. Tell your audience what they can expect from your organization and then follow through.
Lead with empathy: Even though the crisis may be causing you and your organization pain, we first want to show our empathy for others who may have been impacted.
Do the right thing: Most organizations that do the right thing in a crisis (regardless of the cost) are rewarded while those that hesitate are often punished.
Interested in learning more about our Crisis Communications services?
Let’s get in touch!
Call us: 431-478-1473
Send us an email: [email protected]
Schedule a low-pressure, no-obligation meeting with us.
