If PR Analytics are Everything, IPv6 is Something You Need to Understand… Now

If PR Analytics are Everything, IPv6 is Something You Need to Understand… Now
As a public relations and marketing practitioner, I’ve spent a year learning about something called IPv6, why it’s necessary and how it could impact everything we do. IPv6 is not new. It’s been planned for decades, but it’s being deployed now. And the impact on analytical and demographic reporting for marketers could be profound, if not ruinous. And that’s just... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – An Introduction

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – An Introduction
A crisis is the ultimate test of a company’s reputation and competency with the potential to jeopardize corporate identity and interrupt business operations. The response will obviously include communication. Investigations could ensue, victims and their families of whatever went wrong will likely require answers, and the media will ask tough questions - all reasons why handling a crisis properly is vital.... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – Facing a Crisis – Triage and Prevention

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis - Triage and Prevention - Facing a Crisis
For businesses or organizations facing a crisis, there are just two outcomes – success or failure. And the failures seem to take on a life of their own, supported by insatiable conversation, usually involving all the wrong people. We’ve seen these communications failures time and time again: Sports franchises. Investment firms. Auto, food and CPG manufacturers. Restaurant chains. Most often,... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – Responding to a Crisis

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis - Responding to a Crisis
Responding to a crisis requires a crisis response team, not merely a person. And while communication is essential, activating this team must come first. Communication with specific audiences comes last. Initial steps are key and, because of the rapid pace of new and emerging media, these initial actions should occur fast enough to allow for your first public communication to... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – Talking to News Media

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis - Talking to News Media
If you're planning on talking to news media, please understand: Contrary to belief, reporters are usually not “out to get you.” They’re not approaching the telling of your story with the specific aim of ruining your reputation, damaging your organization or portraying your industry in a negative light. The media are, however, looking for a good story. Unfortunately, good news typically centers on... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – Communicate Internally First When in Crisis Communication Mode

The importance of emotion and addressing it in crisis communication is underscored when we consider communicating internally. Emotion guides most all of human behaviors involving choice. The most notable choice in crisis is loyalty – among employees and other stakeholders. Preserving and fostering loyalty requires information and predetermined, pretested channels of message delivery. Without information, loyalty erodes rapidly. Employees’ needs... Read More

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis – Crisis Messaging

Special Blog Series: Communicating in Crisis - Crisis Messaging
Predetermined crisis messaging should serve to begin your response to a crisis. Still, the messaging may require fine-tuning to be applicable to the situation confronting your organization. A message, or key message, is a thought that supports what you are saying and reinforces your point. A key message ultimately makes it clear what you’re asking people to do, how you... Read More