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Communicating in a crisis situation
Nature abhors a vacuum. You can be certain that, in a period of crisis, communication channels left unattended will be filled by someone else. Chances are it wonÕt be in your interest.
Communicating in a crisis is as important as it is sensitive. What or what not to say, how to say it, when to say it, who should say it, and to whom, where and how often?
Examples of failures abound. Successes, not so; they tend not to capture media attention. For those that do, brand value not only lives on, but sometimes is strengthened.
Whether itÕs your shareholders, employees, customers, neighbors, elected officials, the media, all of the above or others, in a crisis they turn to leadership for answers. In the least, they expect and deserve more information than they have.
You need a plan!
Those charged with managing the reputation of the brand should have a plan. Crisis communications plan development is one of the most important practice areas for public relations professionals.
On the left you will find links to some good online sources regarding the importance of managing a crisis through communications. Below, we also share some relevant and recent online and offline discussions about this important topic.
Of course, the professionals of Vehr Communications also stand ready to be of assistance.
Crisis communication fundamentals - learn more
Crisis Communication Fundamentals
Detailed article defining crisis communications, types of crises, reasoning behind why crises escalate, and crisis strategies to prevent and/or dissipate a crisis from occurring in your company.
What to Do About Online Attacks
Check out this article and learn how to combat online attacks, because in this digital era no company is immune.
Online Reputation Management
An interesting blog (George Jarboe post) with lots of links. After reading the blog you will find yourself asking, "Is my company prepared?"
Amazon.com - Crisis communications titles
Connect here to Amazon.com and view books regarding Crisis Communications. Many options exist for those interested in learning more.
PR News, PR Insights
Connect (on the left) to a number of PR and Strategic Communications online resources, blogs and discussions. These are some of the ones we particularly favor.
As practitioners, we use communications to manage reputations, build relationships and deliver results. The internet is changing how we do it, but how we have always done it is critically important.
We hope the connections we provide here, and the various additional news outlets and blogs we connect to on our Web site, help you to understand this rapidly changing industry as much as they help us. | 
