Trish Skram’s Blog

As a PR person working for a large company (and hospital), the famous PR crisis phrase, “Tell it all, tell it fast and tell the truth” have never really hit home for me yet. I’m lucky so far– I’ve never had to handle a disaster while working in the field (god forbid). I’ve have, however, dealt with minor crises. Truth is, no organization is far from a PR disaster. A company’s brand reputation can be compromised or seriously damaged in a split second. It’s how you manage the crisis and how you disseminate important information that helps save you from a PR nightmare.

I reflect and evaluate national PR disasters all the time. You have to, especially if you’re not experienced. I think to myself: Did they have a documented crisis management plan? Did they review it in advance? How effective did they disseminate information? Did they seem to have a public information officer (PIO) or joint information system (JIS) organized in advance?

Crisis management is so important to my employer and myself that my boss and I became certified in advanced emergency management by the State of Wisconsin in February. If you’re in public relations, studying to be in public relations or have some sort of role in communications for your company, here are a few tips that I learned in training that can help you get started.

Don’t wait. Many organizations only get their crisis plans underway once a disaster has struck. Believe me, it happens more than you think. Instead, brainstorm possible scenarios or types of disasters that could happen, and start planning for them. In fact, it can be a positive process as you bring together key people to share ideas and examine scenarios.

Develop a communications plan. A swarm of media attention may snag you within minutes of news breaking. Also, think about how you will get information out to staff, supporters, investors and customers. I remember my crisis trainer (and firefighter) reiterating to trainees to get our side of the story out to customers and staff as soon as you can (if not first.) Internal communication is just as important as communication to the public. A communications plan involves identifying a spokesperson, developing press statements, setting up phone lines and finding the most appropriate place to hold press conference(s). I’ll write about this topic next week.

Be prepared to speak to the media. Even if you can’t say much because your lawyer is concerned about liability, plan to say what you can as soon as you can. Make sure your messages show concern, compassion, tell the facts and always tell the truth. That doesn’t mean you have to tell everything, but never, never lie.

Provide media training for senior management and spokespersons. Train before a disaster strikes. A lot of crisis management teams make it a regular part of employee training. The key is to do it regularly so that new people are always trained and those that are already trained, don’t become state. Realize that crises come in all forms. This can be anything from a legal dispute to customer dissatisfaction posted on Facebook. Every crisis requires slightly different responses. Brainstorm and prepare for as many as you can.

OK, PR people. I know you have stories or tips on how to handle crisis situations. Join the discussion and add a comment.

Photo courtesy of http://blogs.tribune.com

Technorati Tags: Brand reputation management, crisis public relations, Public Relations Writing, Random "Trish" Thoughts, Tricia Skram

Multiple studies still show that consumers and journalists are searching for and reading press releases. Thank god! So, optimizing press releases for a specific audience makes it easier to find online and therefore, more of an asset for communicating news and getting traffic to your company or client’s Web site. As we all know, the value of a press release has undergone a few changes over the years. However, press releases provide a lot of content to news search engines and can rank well in Google, Yahoo or Bing. I’ve been doing massive amounts of research for my company. I’m trying to find the best media platform(s) for online newsrooms, PR distribution, list building and monitorization. I’ve also been researching other competitor sites, and local and regional PR/marketing sites to find out how others communicate their news. I’m kinda overloaded with information - so while it’s fresh in my mind, I must reiterate how important online optimization of our news … really is. It only makes sense for marketing and PR people to understand and learn how to make press release writing easier to find through keyword optimization.

Frequently forgotten press release optimization tips:
• Clearly define the goal and target audience of the release. Public relations 101: it’s essential for every press announcement

• Use Google Analytics to find popular keywords. Find target phrases that work with your press release and tag them

• Add new media to the release. Like a photo, video or podcast in addition to the copy

• Use URL tracking tools like tinyURL, bit.ly or ow.ly

• Post to your online newsroom

• Write a blog version then include a link to the press release in your online newsroom. Same for Twitter, Facebook, Friendfeed or YouTube

• Distribute the release via a wire service

• Create a social media version of the press release. Personally, I like PitchEngine. But that’s up to you. (FYI – they offer a 30 day free trial membership if you want a taste)

• Monitor how the press release ranks online (e.g. social media mentions, clicks and other outcomes via Google Reader or Google Alerts)

It’s important to know that press releases are often picked up that have links embedded into other Web sites and blogs as content. It can result in direct traffic to your site. Remember, compelling content usually attracts more links so make sure headlines and your first sentences are creative and eye-catching.

Other great resources for online newsrooms and keyword optimization:

HOW TO: Set up a free online monitorization system - PRsarahevans.com

Pull PR and newsroom optimization tactics - toprankblog.com

How to build a better online newsroom – journalistics.com

Image courtesy of widgetblogger.co.cc

Technorati Tags: press release optimization tips, Public Relations Writing, Random "Trish" Thoughts

Many times, we get stuck in the same routine. The same song and dance. Same thing, different day. We’re all busy, overworked and probably over-tired so it becomes easier to stick to what’s worked in the past. It gets tough to look outside the box … between clients, meetings, events, research, pitching, email, etc—it’s even hard to find time for anything not work related these days. It’s easy to become so inundated in your routine that you never try to add to it. In fact, if I could give you a dollar for  every time I hear “That’s the way it’s always been done,” or “It’s just easier this way,” I’d be rich!

We all recognize it, right? With all that set aside, why are we so resistant to change? Why do we like routine so much? Why do we make excuses? I’m not saying routine is bad. In fact, routine should be your solid foundation. But you should also be willing to try new things. When it comes to creative thinking (especially if you’re in the advertising, marketing or PR industry) you should live a lifestyle or do a job that inspires you, motivates you or impacts others in a positive way. In my opinion, positive change comes easier that way.

Here’s how I challenge the norm:

If you’re stuck in an idea, open a dictionary, a magazine, newspaper or read a blog. Even if it doesn’t relate to the project.

Take a shower. Don’t think about it. Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not thinking about them at all.

Don’t watch TV. It’s a destraction. Many of you will disagree. I think it just confuses us.

Bust out some tunes. Not death metal, but something smooth and upbeat.

Do something that you fear or doubt. The overwhelming sense of triump will leave you feeling like you can conquer anything. For me, it keeps the momentum going.

If you can’t focus, do some squats (or a walk would work). Find something that will get your muscles moving and your heart rate up.

Call up an old colleague or mentor. Or get out of your chair and chat with another colleague down the hall and shoot the breeze.

So, I pose to you, are you a change-agent or a routine- performer? Why? What helps you look outside the box at work, in life? All thoughts welcome below.

Photo courtesy of http://mediabistro.com

Technorati Tags: be a change-agent, Public Relations Writing, Random "Trish" Thoughts

The launch of Apple’s long-awaited tablet computer or iPad created a massive pull of ‘talk’ to the Web yesterday. Within minutes, the top trending topics on Twitter included “iTampon” and iMaxiPad.” Many people are criticizing Apple for its name choice. I, on the other hand, don’t think it’s that big of a deal

The New York Times, citing several women in the PR industry, said the name is making women cringe. STORY HERE

If you look at the banter on Twitter - it’s no wonder people are making this such a big deal.

My thoughts: I think Apple’s marketers have created a few challenges for themselves, yes. But, the fact of the matter is, Apple has been brilliant about focusing on the only brand that matters—its technology and its great products.

The point I want to make here is Apple’s big release yesterday has turned into a joke. I don’t think this ‘buzz’ was exactly what they were looking for. However, it’s what everyone is talking about. Do you think Apple’s communications people are REALLY that upset? After all, it’s creating ‘buzz’ … right? Do you agree? If you’re a woman, are you repulsed? Weigh in below.

Technorati Tags: Apple's iPad, Public Relations Writing