It sounds like advice we might get from our grandmother, but being prepared before an emergency arises can be a tipping point between credibility and doubt when your company’s reputation is on the line.
Having a set of emergency plans will save time when you have to react quickly. Think through the potential emergencies your business could face, and while you have a level head and time to think, draft a set of emergency documents that can be quickly updated when needed.
Here are some additional considerations that can help build a strong foundation on which your company’s credibility and reputation can rest. These steps can make sharing information during an emergency more efficient and effective.
- Keep the information on your website up to date.
- Take time to understand what your audience wants to know.
- Grow an email contact list and share valuable information on a regular basis.
- Cultivate relationships with local media outlets either as an expert contributor or as a source of trustworthy information.
- Keep your social media accounts stocked with helpful, trustworthy and timely content.
- Verify the accuracy of the information you share to establish yourself as a trusted source.
- When sharing information, always be honest, even when it’s bad news.
Here are some examples of what not to do.
- Don’t overshare, some information should remain private. Think through what types of information are safe to share in a public setting and what could create a security risk.
- Keep your political leanings and personal opinions out of your business communications.
- Always take the high road. A polite and honest response to a critic may help change their perception down the road.
If you make the time to establish and maintain strong communication channels and credibility for your business, not only can it help you grow your business, but it can help you provide a thoughtful, prompt and effective response when the unexpected arises.