The idea that Strategic Communications experts run around fixing never-ending crises is sexy, but it’s skewed.
It’s the same reason your favorite TV shows are sexy, fast-paced, and high-stakes. People like that. Suits and The Good Wife are filled with lawyers going to court and clients that are in crazy situations. There’s a reason ER and Grey’s Anatomy are centered around the emergency room and trauma surgeons. Not to mention all the shows have characters who sleep with each other — sex and drama sell!
I’m on a mission to bring sexy back to Strategic Communications.
Yes, crises are sexy and scintillating. But you know what’s even sexier? Stopping a situation from ever becoming a crisis in the first place. When you do that, you achieve the ultimate high because you overcame the odds. You kept control over and options for running your organization without interruption.
When you’re busy battling a crisis, you don’t have time for sleep because time is your enemy. You don’t have time for your family because everyone is coming to you for answers. You don’t have time to operate your business or non-profit normally because all your resources are being sucked up and diverted. And forget having time to eat.
It’s true that we’re often called in to handle immediate crises, but more than 75% of our work involves helping companies and non-profits avoid crises in the first place. An even bigger shocker is that the majority don’t involve the media.
Generally, Strategic Communications falls into three categories:
- Proactive: Ahead of the curve. You know something bad MAY happen, and you want to avoid it entirely or at least lessen the damage. Conversely, you may wish to create a bad situation for the other side via Litigation PR.
- Emerging Issue: Intermediate. You know something bad is brewing and WILL EVENTUALLY become public soon. You must be ready for the onslaught.
- Crisis: Urgent. Bad sh*t is happening and threatening to burn down your organization. People are demanding answers RIGHT NOW.
Which category do you want to spend your time in? Give us a call at (310) 396-8696 for a free 15-minute consultation.
Gillott Communications is a Los Angeles-based public relations firm that specializes in high-stakes Crisis & Reputation Management with more than 50 years of expertise in strategic communications, corporate public relations, and working with the media.
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