In this tight economy, it is no surprise that the International Association of Business Communicators has lost 1000 members since 2008. Even with over 15,000 members, a loss of 1000 is significant and a good indication of how business communicators and pr professional are facing serious job losses.
November 16, 2009
Employee Newsletters
Often you need a hook to get employees to read the company newsletter. Some times a little “gossip” column that contains info on new employees, marriage, births, etc. will get employees interested enough to look at the newsletter. Of course, this information has to be tailored to the size of your organization.
During certain periods, such as tough economic times, employees are more likely to read the newsletter in hope on getting important budget information.
The first rule of an employee newsletter is to be honest and factual. A newsletter is just one tool is developing a sense of “company” family.
August 13, 2009
July 17, 2009
Profit Model Changes for News Organizations
It is sad to watch so many of this country’s outstanding newspapers closing down or laying off dedicated journalists. If newspapers/news organizations are to survive, they will need to reconsider their business model.
Financial Times Editor Lionel Barber is predicting that most news organizations will be charging for online content within a year. He isn’t sure how the models will work or how much revenue will actually be generated. He predicts that news organizations with specialized skills and knowledge could thrive in this new environment while mediocre ones will be much more at risk.
July 4, 2009
Media Communications During a Crisis
During a crisis, you will need to communicate with all your “shareholders” including employees, clients, your community, board of directors, government agencies, etc. This communication is likely to take place in many forms including telephone calls, emails, meetings and written communications.
Information will also be released through the media. It is critical that information released to the media during a crisis be both factual and timely. That is not to say that information won’t change during a crisis. But when it does, it is your responsibility to give the media updates.
Questions to Expect
- What happened?
- Has it been contained?
- How did it happen?
- Who was affected?
- How long have you known?
Survival Media Tips
- Appoint one spokesperson
- Respond immediately
- Show empathy for the victims
- Don’t assume blame and don’t blame others
- Establish an area to hold media interviews
- Determine you key messages and stick to them
The first 24 hours of a crisis is the critical period. How your organization responds during this period can determine how the public will view your later actions.
July 2, 2009
Tips for a Media Interview
Always take the time to prepare for an interview with the media. In an emergency, you will need to respond quickly. But first take a few moments to collect both the correct information and yourself.
A Few Tips
- Take a deep breathe–you want to look calm and knowledgeable
- Anticipate the questions the media will ask
- Determine your key messages (two to three will do)
- Determine the audience that you are trying to reach
- Be honest and don’t speculate
- Don’t be pressured into answering questions on issues still under investigation
- Be prepared with background information.
- Remember there is no such thing as off the record
- Humor can be dangerous in a serious situation
If you are new to doing media interviews, the best way to learn is to watch others. Analyze the good and bad components. Did the interviewee appear calm? Was he/she prepared with the needed information? Can you identify the key messages? Then practice, practice and more practice!!!
July 1, 2009
Tips on Writing a Press Release
Reporters are inundated with press releases. To get coverage, your release must stand out and be concise and to the point. You need to get their attention in the first paragraph. Failure do to so could land your release in the waste basket.
A Few Tips
- Make sure you give all the important information including Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.
- In addition, don’t forget to give accurate contact information. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to follow up on a press release, and not being able to find someone to comment.
- Avoid jargon. Reporters don’t have the time to decipher your words.
- Take the time to ensure all your information is correct including dates and the spelling of names.
- Be objective.
As simplistic as these may sound, waste baskets are full of releases that fail to comply with a little common sense.
