Lizzie Shannon-Little MCIM’s Post

If you don't yet have a plan for handling a social media crisis then check out this guide I've written to help you prepare for the worst (which hopefully will never happen!)

In today’s digital age, a PR crisis can unfold within moments on social media. An insightful article from Agility PR Solutions highlights key strategies for managing crises effectively, including transparency, timely responses, and monitoring public sentiment. One standout tip is the importance of maintaining consistent messaging across all platforms to ensure clarity and avoid further confusion. Additionally, crafting a genuine apology and outlining corrective actions can go a long way in rebuilding trust. This is a great read for anyone in PR or communications! https://lnkd.in/gzT2sQUG

🚨 Why You Need a Crisis Comms Plan for Your Social Media Crises can happen anytime. Is your organisation prepared? Discover why having a crisis communications plan for social media is crucial and how to create one with Tech Champion Nicola Barratt #CrisisCommunication #SocialMediaStrategy #DigitalPreparedness #CulturalSector https://lnkd.in/e7aCMR6H

As communication professionals, we've all heard the age-old adage that there's no such thing as bad publicity. However, this misguided belief is precisely why many companies engage with the media haphazardly, often to their own detriment. In times of crisis, strategic silence can be a powerful tool. It allows you to assess the situation, gather facts, and craft a thoughtful response that aligns with your values and goals. Rushing to respond or engaging with every media request can lead to missteps, contradictions, and ultimately, a loss of public trust. See more here. #PR #wastewatermanagement https://lnkd.in/gcgF5Hbg

On the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)'s PRSay blog, Inspire president Hinda Mitchell explores the "Stealing Thunder Theory" of crisis communications. "Owning the story and the crisis narrative and delivering that message to the right target audiences while decreasing reliance on third-party sources like media to cover the crisis is key," says Hinda, who is nationally recognized for her crisis communications expertise. "This is how communicators can ensure that the thunder, ahead of the ensuing storm, is only heard by those who matter most." https://lnkd.in/euWC_X7C #CrisisCommunications #CrisisComms #CrisisManagement

How social media can be used for crisis communication

This week a former client called me with a crisis. A big one. They had decided several months ago to work with a social media team that only focuses on social media, no PR. They wanted to pay less. I completely understood that, and we ended our short contract. Fast-forward to this week's crisis. They didn't know what to do. Their current social media team hadn't caught any mentions of them on social media. They had no PR messaging prepared. No one monitored media mentions. No one was on-call to field reporters calling their businesses. PR is more than ensuring we get the fluff pieces out there. Which we do. PR is having someone on call and in your corner when a crisis, big or small, occurs. If the pandemic taught us anything, it was that communication is EVERYTHING when it comes to how we navigate a crisis. PR is having a plan in place so that you're prepared with what I call 'if this, then that' in our crisis communication planning. Instead of thinking about whether or not you can afford a PR and Social Media team, think about if you can afford NOT to! Your business, your work, your mission are worth protecting and planning to take care of in any situation. If you don't have a Crisis Communications Plan, what are you waiting for? #CrisisPR #PR #ShareYourStory

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes when a public safety story hits the headlines? Dive into “Beyond The Headlines” and get the insider's scoop! Wayne A. Delk, with his rich 26-year history in law enforcement and a pivotal role as the public information officer for the Cobb County Police Department, pulls back the curtain on the intricate dance between public safety agencies and the media. In our buzzing digital age, where a tweet can spark a wildfire of reactions, public safety agencies are walking a tightrope. On one side, there's the incredible opportunity to connect directly with communities; on the other, the challenges of misinformation and the 24/7 news cycle. Wayne breaks it all down, sharing both the highs and the lows, and offering a front-row seat to the evolving media landscape. Branding isn't just for big corporations. Wayne dives deep into why public safety agencies need to think about their brand. How can a consistent image boost community trust? Why does a tweet matter? And how can agencies turn the media spotlight to their advantage? Packed with actionable strategies, “Beyond The Headlines” offers a treasure trove of insights. For those in the driver's seat of public safety, Wayne's got your back. From mastering the art of the on-camera interview to the delicate dance of "off the record" chats and the ins and outs of social media, he shares invaluable nuggets of wisdom. And he doesn't stop there. Wayne delves into the heart of agencies, emphasizing that what goes on inside is just as crucial as the external image. Crisis communication? Wayne's been there, done that. In “Beyond The Headlines”, he shares a blueprint for navigating the stormy seas of emergencies with grace, transparency, and trust. “Beyond The Headlines” isn't just a book; it's like having a coffee chat with a seasoned expert. It's a call to action, a guide, and a friend for anyone keen on understanding the world of public safety communication today. Whether you're deep in the field, just starting out, or simply curious, this book promises a journey that's enlightening, engaging, and downright essential.

Trust is the cornerstone of any effective crisis PR strategy. Yet, I’ve seen situations where clients—desperate to salvage their reputation—distort the truth, thinking it’ll help. But in reality, it only makes things worse. One case, in particular, sticks with me—a client who spun an elaborate story to gain sympathy, but the truth I uncovered was far from what he had claimed. In crisis PR, lies have a way of unravelling everything. Once trust is broken, not only does it complicate the entire strategy, but it can also further damage the client’s reputation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eVAmpNks #CrisisPR #PRStrategy #ReputationManagement #CrisisManagement #PRLessons #HonestPR #Transparency #TrustMatters #CrisisCommunications