Planning Ahead is Key to Managing a Crisis

Are you prepared for the critical first 24-48 hours of crisis when it happens? A crisis often hits without warning and demands a well-choreographed response to mitigate damages that can be far-reaching to one's business. An effective crisis communication effort can actually reduce or eliminate legal actions and protect your reputation and brand when facing angry customers or media backlash.

In a well-publicized case involving a hospital in California, our senior media consultant worked with the client to manage their messaging during the discovery of an employee who had been euthanizing patients. Throughout and in the aftermath of the crisis, no lawsuits were filed—largely thanks to decisive, consistent and well-managed crisis communications. The hospital maintained its reputation despite the potential for damage.

If you're interested in an audit of your organization's crisis plan, media training, or help creating a plan to handle a crisis, contact me at DeLona@CMBell.com.