We understand that bad things happen to good companies and unfortunately, negative publicity can eliminate years of profiling and establishment of your brand. Being prepared for unforeseen issues can help to ensure they do not escalate into a crisis.
Develop comprehensive issues and crisis communication plans that provide your organisation with the tools to manage scenarios as they occur. Planning is the most important phase of crisis preparedness. This is where you need to spend the most time – it pays off in the long run.
Ensure your team know how to handle a crisis by simulating a real-time scenario. Stress test your processes. Where are you vulnerable? Where are the gaps in your planning, protocols, and training? What is your capacity to respond should the worst happen? Here's your opportunity to find out.
Facing the cameras can be daunting at the best of times. It's infinitely more difficult during a crisis when emotions are running high. Prepare your spokesperson to keep their cool and convey the facts to the media.
Trouble rarely strikes during office hours. A crisis has broken, and you must respond. Provide your business with a 24/7 hotline for crisis support.
Once the immediate crisis has passed the really hard work begins. Start rebuilding your reputation and making amends, keeping stakeholders informed, and demonstrating what you have learned from the crisis.