Any business knows that no matter what’s going on and how well they are on top of everything, a crisis is never expected. However, how well the business can respond during a crisis always reflects on the public’s perception of the organization in the future, whether in a positive or negative light. The key factor in determining how this reflects on a business in the aftermath of a crisis is how they communicate with the audience once the crisis is over.

Whenever a PR crisis is happening with an organization, everything is disrupted. From the front-line employees to the CEO and the founders, everyone’s attention shifts to dealing with the matter at hand. Nevertheless, if the people in the leadership positions are sharp, they would have already been working with a PR crisis communication team and have legal advisors on-board – all the people that are needed to provide support to the company during a tumultuous time.

It was a headline most people never thought they would read: a national disinfectant brand begging consumers not to inject or otherwise ingest their products. And yet, that’s exactly where the parent company of cleaning brands Lysol and Dettol found themselves after a strange moment in a presidential press conference, during which Donald Trump talked with medical advisors about UV light and disinfectant as options to kill COVID-19.

Given the nature of the exchange, the comments were framed and packaged in many different ways, leading to a wide variety of claims about the comments, some of which could have created PR challenges for disinfectant brands.

Coverage of the ongoing pandemic has taken over the media both traditional and social. For businesses with some good news to share with the world, it can be tough to decide just when and how to tell their story. Traditional tactics such as press releases announcing funding, product upgrades and partnerships can still work, if handled appropriately. There are media outlets, including trades and larger publications that are still interested in “other news,” although only in moderation.

Unfortunately, you only get once true chance to make a big announcement, so doing it right is key. We’ve compiled some things to consider as you prepare.

Many business owners are grappling with having to close offices in response to the global COVID-19 outbreak. These unprecedented measures bring up many questions create many questions. For heads of companies looking for extra guidance during this time, we’ve compiled considerations for how to best handle and communicate office closures.

Communication with employees is extremely important during this time. Be transparent with them about potential office closures, the reason why you’re closing, and when they can expect to be back in office. If you don’t have the answers to these questions, that’s ok. However, be sure to let them know this so they don’t feel they’re being left in the dark.

Companies and corporations are scrambling to adjust to what the COVID-19 pandemic means for day-to-day business. Industries and states that haven’t already been restricted by government policy are wondering if it’s time to close shop, or what to do if an employee contracts the virus. Furthermore, there are still essential businesses that will remain open even as the fight against the virus continues. Here are some considerations for how to best navigate this uncertain situation.

Stay up to date with regulations put in place by the government which may limit how many people are allowed in the workplace or hours of operation. Ensure that your work from home or sick leave policies are flexible, and consistent with health guidance, and make employees aware of these policies.

There’s an old adage that you only get one shot to make a first impression. That was true the first time it was said, and it’s exponentially truer in the days of digital marketing and online media, when a single interview – good or bad – can be played, indefinitely, on an endless loop, meaning people are “introduced” to new audiences all the time… a dynamic that is often out of their control.

The rules for a successful TV or online video interview go all the way back to the first televised U.S. Presidential debate, when candidates Kennedy and Nixon squared on in prime time. Kennedy looked cool and poised, while Nixon appeared sweaty and nervous. The impressions of those watching at home were solidified, and Kennedy beat Nixon handily. 

Any casual observer can say there’s a building trust issue with the media at large. Most consumers will say that they trust a few outlets but greatly distrust the others, mostly along partisan lines. It’s a touchy subject in some circles, but one that requires some reconciling, especially since people still get their perspectives and messaging through media sources.

Recently, the head of one powerful media brand described this issue as “a crisis of trust.” Speaking to CNN’s “Reliable Sources,” Time Magazine owner Marc Benioff said he sees a “crisis of trust,” not just in the media, but in the world at large. Time, he hopes, will be part of the solution to this emerging problem.

The modern-day news cycle means that industry stories don’t stay under wraps for long, and for many brands, it is only a matter of time before they find themselves dealing with one form of PR crisis or another. But wouldn’t it be better to avoid them in the first place?

With the right preparation and planning, there are a number of ways to minimize the likelihood that your brand will be forced to tackle a PR crisis head-on. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your business on the right side of publicity.