Crisis Communications 101: Handle the Unexpected with Kerri Imrie
In today's fast-paced, 24/7 news cycle, crisis communications can make or break your businesses reputation. As a seasoned expert in communications, Kerri Imrie has helped numerous organisations navigate the complex world of crisis communications.
In this post, we chat to Kerri about the key principles of effective crisis communications and provide actionable tips for handling the unexpected.
Preparation is Key
According to Kerri Imrie, one of the biggest mistakes companies make is failing to prepare for a crisis. "Crisis communications planning is not a luxury, it's a necessity," says Kerri. "By anticipating potential risks and developing a plan, companies can reduce the impact of a crisis and protect their reputation.”
As Kerri Imrie notes, "Crisis communications is not just about managing a crisis, it's about building trust and credibility with your stakeholders."
Key Principles of Crisis Communications
Be Transparent: Honesty is always the best policy in crisis communications. Companies should be open and transparent about what happened, what they're doing to fix it, and how they'll prevent it from happening again.
Act Quickly: In today's digital age, news travels fast. Companies need to respond quickly to emerging crises to avoid being left behind.
Show Empathy: A crisis can be a traumatic experience for those affected. Companies should show empathy and compassion towards victims, customers, and stakeholders.
Be Consistent: Consistency is key in crisis communications. Companies should ensure that all messaging, across all channels, is aligned and consistent.
Learn from Mistakes: A crisis can be a valuable learning experience. Companies should take the opportunity to review their response, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to prevent future crises.
Actionable Tips for Handling a Crisis
Develop a Crisis Communications Plan: Identify potential risks, develop a plan, and train your team.
Establish a Crisis Communications Team: Assemble a team of experts who can respond quickly and effectively in a crisis.
Monitor Social Media: Keep a close eye on social media to identify emerging issues and respond quickly.
Hire An Expert To Manage Media: Consider holding a press conference to address the crisis and provide updates.
Review and Revise: Review your crisis communications plan regularly and revise as needed.
Effective crisis communications requires preparation, transparency, and empathy. By following the key principles and actionable tips outlined above, your business can protect its reputation and navigate even the most challenging crises.
As Kerri Imrie notes, "Crisis communications is not just about managing a crisis, it's about building trust and credibility with your stakeholders."
With the right approach, companies can emerge from a crisis stronger and more resilient than ever. If you would like to learn more reach out at contact@incitegroup.com.au