PR Defensive Playbook: When Crisis Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

For most of us, the word “crisis” brings to mind something on the scale of Hurricane Katrina or September 11th. For businesses and the public relations professionals who advise them, a crisis can be anything from a disgruntled customer or former employee to a product recall, nasty blog post or negative publicity in a news story. (Read more…)

Disaster Preparation Tips for PR Firms

On the eve of the year 2000, I was working for an internet company which hosted over 1,000 websites. I was lucky enough not to draw the short straw, which would have meant spending New Year’s Eve 1999/2000 at our hosting center. Back then we were worried about Y2K glitches. These days, terrorist attacks and natural disasters are more likely culprits for causing a company-wide crisis. The following list of disaster preparation tips should ensure your public relations firm can handle a wide range of possible disasters. From computer security to employee security, keeping your PR firm up and running in the wake of disaster could be the difference between having a business and having to look for a new job once the disaster has passed. (Read more…)

Three Public Relations Pitfalls to Avoid

1. The Friday Afternoon Bad News Press Release

For decades, the White House has used Friday afternoon as a time to release bad news to the media. The rationale is that the media is wrapping up a busy week, Saturday newspaper circulation and readership is lower than any other day of the week, and the public is just plain tired and ready to relax. The linchpin to this strategy has been the newspaper. Times, however, have changed. (Read more…)

Bracing for a PR Season of Discontent

The summer is coming to a sad end as the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina is felt across the Gulf Coast. The headlines will, no doubt, be dominated by Katrina-related news for the next few weeks. (Read more…)

Katrina’s Public Relations Aftermath

The September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City made Rudolph Giuliani a hero. The then Mayor of New York City, Giuliani displayed the kind of leadership that enthralls people. He was a mesmerizing force, a steady hand during a time of uncertainty, and a leader willing to get into the trenches with his soldiers. Giuliani’s response to the devastating events also led many people to forget his misgivings. (Read more…)