Crisis Communications
It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” a crisis will occur.
A crisis is an event that affects short and long-term credibility, financial stability, or safety. If your situation meets this definition, it’s a crisis. Keep in mind that reputations take years to build but only seconds to destroy. That’s why it’s important to control, resolve, and contain any crisis within 4 hours of occurrence.
However, facts alone aren’t enough to build trust in today’s media landscape. Companies often risk losing market share, competitive advantage, and even their reputation.
Crisis Communication & Response
A crisis can be either internal (contained within the organization) or external (involving outside parties and potentially the media). It’s crucial to have strategies in place to address both proactively.
While keeping a crisis internal is ideal, it’s challenging in today’s connected world. We recommend implementing a strict policy prohibiting employees from sharing any crisis-related information with anyone outside the company. If an employee violates this policy, swiftly terminate them.
If the crisis is life-threatening, contact law enforcement to ensure safety. For non-life-threatening crises, first assess whether internal resources are sufficient or if external help is needed. Be sure to address any crisis with a written statement to staff and/or stakeholders within 4 hours, or 2 hours if possible.
Crisis Plan Development
If you’re lacking a Crisis Communications Plan, we’ll create one tailored to your needs. A well-defined plan, including an Employee Crisis Communication Policy and a 24/7 Emergency Directory, is essential for effective crisis mitigation. We’ll also provide media training to equip your staff with the tools to professionally handle media inquiries and on-site presence. This will safeguard your reputation and minimize any potential damage.
Crisis Training for Senior Management
Our 4-hour crisis training seminar is nationally accredited and equips owners and senior management with the skills to effectively navigate a crisis. Through real-life case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll learn essential strategies for internal and external crisis communication, media management, and proactive problem-solving. You’ll also receive a comprehensive crisis communication handbook and a sample Crisis Communications Policy when you sign up.
Imminent Threat Management
We offer customized training in imminent threat assessment and workplace violence prevention to fit your organization’s specific needs. With our help, your staff will be able to identify and effectively respond to threats as well as safeguard lives, and mitigate risks in the workplace.
Litigation & Regulatory Communications
Leveraging decades of national media experience, we partner with law firms to develop strategic communication protocols for companies in litigation. Specializing in media relations, we understand the media landscape and can influence public opinion to support your legal position.
We can also assist companies under regulatory oversight, ensuring you’re prepared for any negative media attention that inspections or audits can bring. Our expertise will help safeguard your reputation by proactively managing any unfavorable narratives that may arise.
Online Reputation Management
If you’re online, certain individuals can damage your personal and professional reputation by posting harmful content. Whether it’s a disgruntled former associate or even an unknown entity, their attacks can lead to significant consequences.
This is because every potential interaction begins with an online search. Prospective clients and employees will form impressions of your organization based on reviews and online content they find. This can lead to them choosing competitors with a better online image over you, negatively impacting both your reputation and revenue.
While removing harmful content is challenging due to legal limitations, pushing it off the first page of search results significantly reduces its visibility.
Media Response Training
When facing media scrutiny, high-risk industries require effective crisis communication strategies. Ignoring the media can lead to negative coverage and reputational damage, while proactive media training empowers your team to control the narrative and protect your company’s image. That’s why mastering media interviews and news conferences is essential for preserving public trust and mitigating potential legal repercussions.
