Beyond #SocialMedia Policy…The “Mom” Standard

July 8, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Lisa Matheson Mom Standard
This morning I read the story on ABCNews.com where an ER nurse was fired after reposting an image of the aftermath of an ER room — not for violating policy but for being “insensitive.” Even the best of social media policies has grey or “interpretive” areas.  So how do you offer pre-posting guidance to your employees? One easy rule of thumb is to use the “Mom” standard.  Even if your own mother wasn’t on the cover of a parenting magazine, you understand the simple to Continue reading →

Do It Right or Do Damage Control

May 30, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Lisa Matheson - NWS Baltimore Facebook SNAFU 05-27-14
We’ve all heard the old query – “If a tree falls in a forest with no one around, does it still make a sound?” Today, it could be: “If you push messaging on a channel few use, does it reach the intended audience?” The answer, of course, is no. The quandary is that there are so many communications channels. How do you chose the ones that will reach your audience, especially in a crisis when communication is critical? First, you have to know who your audiences Continue reading →

Planning for Life’s Little Emergencies

May 23, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Crisis in the Classroom
Crisis communications are not just for catastrophic events. The techniques used by crisis communicators help manage small events and can minimize them and their impact. In a story coming from Las Vegas, during a soft lockdown due to a suspicious person reported on or near the Ruth Fyfe Elementary School campus on May 14, a young girl was required to relieve herself in a classroom wastebasket. Naturally, she was embarrassed and her mother was incensed. Unfortunately, the Clark County School District responded to the situation Continue reading →

Spokesperson Training is Critical for Successful Crisis Communications

May 16, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Spokesperson Training
Nothing makes a crisis situation go from bad to worse than a spokesperson doing a poor interview with the media. The Superintendent of Riverdale Local Schools in Hancock, Ohio, was interviewed by the local media after a teacher was caught on video manhandling a six year old boy in the hallway that has since gone viral. His interview is an example of how small gaffes can diminish a spokesperson’s credibility and authority–even if the management steps to address the crisis were handled properly. Watch the interview On Continue reading →

10 Crisis Lessons from the Movie “Gravity”

May 10, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Preparedness / Gravity movie / Lisa Matheson Crisis Whisperer
The movie “Gravity” is pretty much a 90-minute PSA for crisis preparedness.  While few of us will ever be faced with such an extreme environment, it’s always a good idea to plan for the worst case scenario. Ten Crisis Preparedness Lessons Understand your working environment Have a contingency plan Have a backup to your contingency plan Listen to instructions from the authority(ies) Train Know your equipment Have a lifeline Stay calm Have a fire extinguisher Never give up

Press Conference Tips: Responding in a Crisis

April 9, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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Crisis Whisperer Press Conference Tips
Whether you are a communications pro or an expert called upon to provide insight to the situation, these tips will help you represent your organization (and yourself) in the best possible light. 1.  Prepare Pre-identify spokespersons for every shift Require annual media relations training for identified spokespersons and set expectations for all employees about being contacted by or speaking with the media Have pre-determined primary and backup areas for a press conference and make certain the backdrop is branded 2.  Before the Press Conference Assume Continue reading →

6 Steps to a Smart Start with Social Media

April 8, 2014 by Lisa Matheson
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6 Steps for a Smart Start with Social Media by Crisis Whisperer, LLC
The world is abuzz with social media–what platforms to use, how and when to use it, what content to publish, how to engage followers…it’s overwhelming, isn’t it? So take a step back.  Breathe.  Anything can seem overwhelming at first.  These six steps will help you build a successful social media program. Step One:  Learn How do you choose the right social media platforms for your organization? Know how social media platforms function and interact with each other across different devices.   Consider the resources you have to Continue reading →

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