Public relations and managing reputation

Public relations’ tactical, hands-on tips for using social media in a crisis.

A crisis communication plan that does not include social media is incomplete and seriously flawed. This was the overarching key message to come from Frocomm’s 2nd Annual Crisis Communication & Social Media Summit 2009. A free report summarising the summit content is available here [link].

Social media allows for issues to be identified, monitored and managed extremely quickly, as well as real-time stakeholder interaction and relationship enhancement. But it also facilitates bad news spreading like wildfire. These fiery themes were all-pervasive at the recent Frocomm crisis communication and social media summit and are discussed here.

The culture of public relations is not only based on a gratifying and inspirational aesthetic, it contributes in a positive way to society and provides a working milieu that is inspiring to be part of. Here are five reasons why: it helps society; it is creative and fun; it is innovative and educational; there are plenty of tactical tools to play with; it pays well.

Public relations is not a synonym for media relations, the latter being one tool that public relations professionals can utilise as part of an holistic communication strategy.

‘Taking a positive approach and intelligent action to marketing and public relations in an economic downturn, with the attitude that it is an opportunity too good to miss, will lead to a stronger bottom line and greater brand profile and credibility…’

In the ever-clichéd – and oh-so-simplistic – battle between the good and evil of public relations and journalism, it is journalism that is more often the devil incarnate.