Planning for Crisis

If there's one thing you can always count on, it is the fact that something, somewhere, at some point is going to go very wrong.

A lawsuit, an employee acting inappropriately, an accident, a major product flaw, a fire, a bomb-threat ... you name it. No business is exempt from the possibility of a crisis. 

How you manage yourself and your business in the first hour or two of a crisis, is critical. Yet most of us don't have any idea what we would do and instead of putting a plan into motion, we just react. Unfortunately, our first reaction may not necessarily be the best course of action.

It may seem like a stretch, but planning for a crisis situation really is a part of marketing and public relations, because it has to do with the way the public views your company.

So, sit down today and jot down some of the likely crisis situations that you may face in your industry and discuss a plan of action for each. Also, think about who you should contact and include their names and contact information in your Crisis Management Plan.

Hopefully, you'll never need it. But, if you do, it will be time very well spent.

June Bisel

Partner, BBG&G Advertising & Public Relations

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