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Crisis Management
You Can’t Escape Stupid: Progressive Insurance, Allstate Insurance vs Ernst & Young
July 5th, 2022 by Katie PaineThis month we compare two crises. In both cases, the actions behind the crises had people wondering: What were they thinking? In one case, though, fast action protected the brand and helped make the issue go away. In the other, the crisis is at the very core of the business. Implications for the brand are much longer lasting.
Jif Stuck in a Recall Jam Demonstrates a Teachable Moment
May 23rd, 2022 by Nicole SchumanTransparency reigns as one of the pillars of good PR, so it only seems natural to lean into rather than run away from a recall.
Bad Facts Hound Parliament, Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns
May 18th, 2022 by Seth ArensteinSome PR crises spring from bad facts, elements in a situation that are difficult to deny. We examine how they influenced two crises.
Starbucks Labor Controversy Sparks Discussion About Unionizing and Company Reputation
May 17th, 2022 by Andrew ByrdStarbucks Workers United made claims against Starbucks in Buffalo, N.Y., that accused the company of interfering with employees working to unionize.
Reach Out Now to Unusual Sources of Help for a Crisis
May 17th, 2022 by Brett BruenThe friends and relationships needed during a PR crisis often are far different from the partnerships you focus on when operating at normal times. Often, the individuals and institutions that are best positioned to provide support when you have problems are quite different from those you and your company engage with on a day-to-day basis. The problem is most companies not only fail to build those bridges, but they also do not even know who these entities are or where to start.
Acknowledge Mistakes Promptly, Then Issue an Authentic Apology and Action Plan
May 16th, 2022 by Seth ArensteinToo often, what many perceive as the end of a PR crisis, the apology, seems formulaic. The company or person admits they’ve done something wrong, issues an apology and all is forgiven. We discuss whether an apology remains important in PR crisis work with Nicki Gibbs, chief strategy officer, Beehive Strategic Communication, and Dr. Kerry O’Grady, faculty director and associate professor, Georgetown University School of Continuing Education.
Financial Industry Free Fall Engages the Communicators’ Cavalry
May 10th, 2022 by Nicole SchumanCommunicators, once again, will answer the call and serve as the cavalry in a sea of confused and worried financial clients.
McKinsey, Balfour Beatty: Is it so Hard Coming Up with a Good Excuse These Days?
May 3rd, 2022 by Katie PaineSeveral congressional hearings prove companies aren’t heeding crisis communication basics. The results are awful.
PRNEWS Crisis Summit Mixes Global Scenarios with Reality
March 10th, 2022 by Seth ArensteinSome industry conferences are insular, oblivious to external events. That wasn’t so at the recent PRNEWS Crisis Management Summit in Miami Beach.