When a crisis hits, having the right help can make all the difference. Every business and organization, regardless of the size, needs a plan in place to deal with incoming or unexpected events that could put their hard-earned public reputations—as well as their revenues—at risk.
There is a saying that is often alluded to within the world of crisis PR and reputation management: “A reputation takes years to build, and just minutes to destroy.” This rings true today more than ever. Businesses that plan in advance and ones who deal with their crisis in a hands-on, assertive manner are in a much better position. By acting swiftly and decisively, they can effectively reduce poor exposure in the form of negative media coverage, avoid vulnerability when it comes to reputation protection, and also mitigate the fallout that comes with asking the question: “How to respond to negative media coverage?”
Whether you are a government institution, a high-profile individual or executive, CEO of a Fortune 500 company, or a partner at a reputable law firm, Red Banyan is specialized and equipped to put out the fires or take a proactive approach to prevent harmful publicity when a crisis hits.
In today’s media landscape, controversy, speculation, outrage and negative media coverage can be unleashed and spread out of control with even the simplest misstep.
Time and again we read in the news about awkward, unfortunate or misinterpreted comments by a CEO, mistakes made by a corporate shareholder, or even perfectly innocent actions that are simply perceived poorly by the public. In short order, a crisis PR situation can morph into a national or global scandal in just the short time it takes to send a tweet.
This is why crisis management is critical. A public crisis can damage the reputation or even cause the downfall for an individual, businesses or organization that finds itself in the line of fire.
REBUILD AND REPAIR
Crisis management is a specialized form of public relations dedicated to helping individuals or organizations who are experiencing a crisis. These scenarios, including a social media crisis, can harm public reputations and put good companies in a negative light. An effective and experienced crisis PR team helps clients strategize under pressure to ensure that their side of the story is told and that they are able to get out their message to the general public.
To do this, our team of crisis experts at Red Banyan works with our clients to clarify the facts and determine how best to present those facts to the right audiences. We take steps to secure media opportunities, provide consultation and formulate consistent messaging that controls and shapes the narrative and repairs damage to your good name.
PROACTIVE AND PREPARED
In addition to crisis management, our team of professionals works with clients to develop crisis management plans. Too often, companies are left vulnerable to crises that can damage their reputation, destroy their legacy, or hinder their overall progress. The recovery process can be long and arduous, but with a plan in place ahead of time, these crises can be avoided altogether.
Business owners and shareholders should work with a team dedicated to helping them prepare for the worst and develop a concrete, intelligent crisis management plan to be fully prepared in the case of a crisis.
BENEFITS OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLANNING
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
We often hear from individuals and companies that it is nearly impossible to plan for every potential crisis. In fact, many people believe that there is no point to crisis management planning. This is simply foolish thinking.
All businesses should have a crisis management plan in place for the sole purpose of having a system to direct their resources and energies to the correct place as fast as possible when a crisis inevitably strikes.
In addition, crisis management plans are not only about ensuring that you and your team are ready to effectively respond to specific situations. This type of planning also helps you take a proactive approach to identify a wide range of possible threats to you or your organization. While you come up with the different tasks, information, and communication that must take place during this planning phase, you will be able to focus on any foreseen issues that could damage your reputation. It has been proven time and time again that planning ahead of time will yield much better results when a crisis does occur.
If you or your company has been hit with a crisis, give our crisis management experts at Red Banyan a call immediately to ensure we get on top of the issue at hand as quickly as possible. If you or your company is looking to create a crisis management plan, then you can contact us to set up an initial consultation.