de facto communications is the first PR agency in French-speaking Switzerland to join the Swiss Association for Crisis Communications (Schweizer Verband für Krisenkommunikation VKK). The association promotes crisis communications practice by enhancing exchanges of experience and the creation of an interprofessional network of experts. With its experience in crisis communications, the agency is looking forward to this collaboration.
To celebrate the arrival of the VKK in French-speaking Switzerland, let’s take a look at the main concepts that govern this practice:
What is a crisis?
A crisis is an unexpected event whose magnitude affects the reputation of an institution, and which can call into question the legitimacy of its services, activities, leaders. It can undermine its credibilitý, its trust capital, cause image damage and diminish the trust of its stakeholders. These can emerge from an industrial accident, a mismanagement, but also from a publication on the networks or a press article with accusations. No company is protected from a crisis.
A context conducive to crises
Internet and the democratization of social networks have developed a cult of transparency and immediacy: everyone can give their opinion and all opinions are equal. A simple publication, whether true or not, can destroy the reputation of an organization. In this context of transparency and with the rise of a large number of social movements (social rights, environment, food, gender issues…), organizations are more than ever under the radar of public opinion and cannot underestimate their communications.
The importance of preparation in times of crisis!
So what can organizations do? Prepare and communicate. Crisis communications is thought out, anticipated and based on an in-depth audit of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Many crises can be avoided if they are correctly anticipated. When a crisis emerges, when journalists take an interest in the organization, when social networks go wild and when cameras are focused on managers, it is essential to have defined a response strategy beforehand. This work helps preserve the reputation of the organization and its managers. The chain of command and the doctrine of engagement must be established, the crisis communications manual must be written, and the spokespersons must be trained to speak to the media.
Our 6-step crisis communications module
As specialists in crisis communications, de facto communications has developed its own module-based tool that enables managers to approach this with confidence and readiness.
de facto communications is the first PR agency in French-speaking Switzerland to join the Swiss Association for Crisis Communications (Schweizer Verband für Krisenkommunikation VKK). The association promotes crisis communications practice by enhancing exchanges of experience and the creation of an interprofessional network of experts. With its experience in crisis communications, the agency is looking forward to this collaboration.
To celebrate the arrival of the VKK in French-speaking Switzerland, let’s take a look at the main concepts that govern this practice:
What is a crisis?
A crisis is an unexpected event whose magnitude affects the reputation of an institution, and which can call into question the legitimacy of its services, activities, leaders. It can undermine its credibilitý, its trust capital, cause image damage and diminish the trust of its stakeholders. These can emerge from an industrial accident, a mismanagement, but also from a publication on the networks or a press article with accusations. No company is protected from a crisis.
A context conducive to crises
Internet and the democratization of social networks have developed a cult of transparency and immediacy: everyone can give their opinion and all opinions are equal. A simple publication, whether true or not, can destroy the reputation of an organization. In this context of transparency and with the rise of a large number of social movements (social rights, environment, food, gender issues…), organizations are more than ever under the radar of public opinion and cannot underestimate their communications.
The importance of preparation in times of crisis!
So what can organizations do? Prepare and communicate. Crisis communications is thought out, anticipated and based on an in-depth audit of the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. Many crises can be avoided if they are correctly anticipated. When a crisis emerges, when journalists take an interest in the organization, when social networks go wild and when cameras are focused on managers, it is essential to have defined a response strategy beforehand. This work helps preserve the reputation of the organization and its managers. The chain of command and the doctrine of engagement must be established, the crisis communications manual must be written, and the spokespersons must be trained to speak to the media.
Our 6-step crisis communications module
As specialists in crisis communications, de facto communications has developed its own module-based tool that enables managers to approach this with confidence and readiness.
Crisis communication must be anticipated. Do not hesitate to contact our team so that we can help you audit your communication tools, prepare your crisis plan and protect your reputation!