Karen’s Crisis Tips

Greetings! I hope you've had a chance to read my recent column on crisis communications in the Tallahassee Democrat. Here are some of my tips for effective crisis communications management:

• Start work on a potential crisis before it becomes public. Plan out key messages, identify a spokesperson, and implement steps to resolve the situation. Refer to your pre-approved crisis plan.
• Speak in plain English. Make sure people understand your message; avoid industry-specific jargon that can confuse the general population.
• Convey your sympathy. While addressing key issues, be sure to let the audience know you understand the feelings of the parties involved.
• Keep everyone informed. The media, the general public, stakeholders, neighbors., etc. Update every target audience regularly with what you know, what you don’t know, and what you’re doing.

What to say…

• When asked a high-emotion question, respond with Compassion, Conviction and Optimism.
• When asked a “what if” question, repeat the question, state the actual situation, and state what you know factually.
• The triple positive: When breaking adverse news or stating a negative, balance the bad news with at least three more positive, constructive or solution-oriented messages.

Go to the MCG Newsroom to read the full August column, as well as check out information on previous columns on networking, social media and more.

The Community Congregates at the Chamber Conference

The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Conference is literally in full swing. The conference started this morning with the golf tournament participants playing the famed Stadium Course at Sawgrass. Chamber President, Sue Dick was one of the many players and she mentioned Andy Fink with GVA Advantis shot a hole in one on the 17th hole.

The speed networking session is going on and the room is buzzing all over the place. Speed networking is new to this year's conference as part of a track of events for Access Tallahassee, the under 40 members. Looking over the crowd, it is easy to see they have opened admission as Mike Pate, Lyn Stanfield, Elizabeth Smith, Jay Bostwick and Chris Jensen were all getting around the room in fine style.

The updates will be coming from the conference all weekend long, and also through Business Matters on the Tallahassee Democrat. The Annual Community Conference is truly one of best events to get a feel for the pulse of Tallahassee's entire business community, to do some great networking, and of course have an enjoyable time. It's hot outside but everything in this conference is cool.