On our blog, the Red Banyan Group often stresses the importance of effective and well-executed communications strategies during crisis situations. However, it is also important to engage in proactive PR to help create a positive public image for your company that promotes your products or services.
Here are 10 steps that will help you propel your company to new heights:
1. Define Your Values
Clearly define your brand, your organizational culture, and your values. Adhere to these standards and remain consistent with them in your internal and external communications.
2. Have a Plan
Formulate both positive and crisis PR plans. A positive PR plan will outline your proactive communications and outreach efforts. A negative PR plan will help you identify threats and create plans for reacting to potential crisis situations in an effective and timely manner.
3. Develop a Communications Policy
Identify the main channels of communication and the dedicated person(s) who will speak on behalf of your organization. Ensure that all of your staff is aware of this policy and how to implement it.
4. Keep Your Employees Happy
Reward your employees for their hard work and create a positive workplace culture. Not only are happy employees more productive, but they also serve as the best advocates of your company’s reputation.
5. Maintain your social media accounts
Reach out to your customers on as many levels as possible. In many cases, social networks have become the preferred medium of communication between companies and their customer base.
6. Stay in Touch with Your Community
Know what is happening in your community. Remaining in touch with the businesses, people, and events around you will provide you with important information that will allow you to establish better communication and relationships, and will potentially generate PR opportunities.
9. Give Back
If you’re able, donate to charities and causes that speak to you or your customers. Sponsor an event or coordinate opportunities for staff to volunteer. This is one of the most effective ways to showcase your brand’s ethics and true values.
10. Stay Out of Trouble
Be extremely thoughtful about everything you say in public or post online on behalf of the company or on your own accounts. Avoid controversial topics. Before making a statement, ask yourself: can this post be interpreted in a negative way? If there is even a shred of doubt in your mind, it’s probably not a good idea.
Maintaining a positive public relations strategy is extremely important to building a credible and positive image of your organization. Following these steps will help establish a solid foundation for your company.
Have more questions, or looking to engage experts to build a more detailed PR campaign? Contact Red Banyan Group today!