There’s an aspect of public relations that can be extremely stressful for any pr professional but a priority for any company or organization. Normally, a crisis communication plan would involve holding press conferences, sending media updates, dealing with internal communication etc. But, public relations professionals now have to consider social media with that plan. Why? Because news can spread like wildfire on the internet and it is impossible to control that message. However, you can have your message heard and make sure the truth is out there. Here are some things to consider when preparing your crisis communication strategy:

1. The minute the crisis occurs, start monitoring social networking sites. Read over conversations about the company. Find out what information or speculation is already being generated.

2. Try to have a statement or updated information related to the crisis on company’s website as quickly as possible. Depending on the duration of the crisis, try to craft a specific landing page that has updated information.

3. Via social networking sites, direct people to website for the latest information and tell them website will be updated once new information is received.

4. Don’t try to argue via online or rebuff negative comments. However, be open about the situation as much as you can be. By not responding at all, that will leave people to speculate more and form their own opinions of the situation.

5. Also, make sure all information related to crisis is comprehensive and all under one platform. It’s confusing to have multiple sites or blogs with different information. Have one website or webpage with information as well as resource links if needed.

6. Talk with your team and figure out how to address internal communication surrounding the crisis. That includes employees using Twitter, Facebook etc to share information about the situation.

7. Do not lie about the situation. If a lie is uncovered, you will have a much larger crisis on your hands.

8. This is just food for thought. Don’t stress out about trying to control the message. Instead, focus on getting the right message out there and making sure the public has the correct information.

Posted by: Andrea Walker, W Social Marketing

As a brand communications consultant, I preach good graphic design. I have also always appreciated unique architectural designs. When my firm was hired to create a new brand identity and web site for an architectural firm, we ask all the right questions: why is design important to commercial buildings, residential houses, schools. Here’s how we summed it up:

What separates a building that is a place to work, from a place that inspires achievement? A place to live, from a home that breathes life into everyday moments? A space for church services into a place of praise? Buildings are more than shelter. They are the arenas in which we strive. The stage in which daily dramas play out. They have the power to expand our sense of identity, and reaffirm our ideals. Creating an architectural design is a complex process. But we begin our sketch of each building asking one simple question. How will we create THE POWER OF PLACE?

I am proud to announce that the creek side pavilion that was custom designed for our back yard won Top Honor, Residential Category, in the American Institute of Architects 2010 Design Awards, Birmingham Chapter. Designed by local architect Joe Swaika, our “creek house” as we call it has been lovingly embraced by all who visit our home. A backyard get-away for both inward reflection and connection with the tranquil wooded surroundings, the creek house consists of an interior relaxation room (screened porch) and an exterior view room (deck overlooking a creek running through our property). The structure rests high in the trees on the edge of a rock formation.

All architectural designs should start by filling in the big picture. What part will the structure play in the city, the neighborhood, the lives of those who walk through the doors? How will it draw people in and then draw the best out of those who work and live there? What we should be looking for is a beauty that inspires, a warmth that beckons, a livability that makes life less ordinary. We feel like we did our part with our little house in the woods.

Posted by Julie White

Zappos.com founder Tony Hsieh believes he’s learned how to create both passion and profits which he outlines in his book, “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose,” and disperses to his company. At a time when many retailers are struggling, Zappos is thriving, thanks in part to the company’s unique company culture. In fact, the wacky world of Zappos.com was recently bought by Amazon for $1.2 billion. Everyone knows that Zappos.com has excellent customer service, but what most people don’t know is that the company’s 24 hour call center is run by a bunch of happy go lucky, half human, half magical, Zappets. I met some of the “real” Zappets including the company’s president while watching CBS Sunday Morning. I then ran across their blog which features the brand innovator’s latest TV Zappats commercials. You see, this company is one that has created a brand identity and brand promise they deliver internally, externally and across mediums. With almost 1.7 million followers on Twitter, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh has to be one of the best marketers out there today. Now only does he understand the power of branding, but he gets that to really create an impression and attract cusotmers, you have to create a brand plan and then integrate it consistently across traditional and new media. In the case of Zappos, CEO Hsieh decided early on that in order to sell shoes over the internet, Zappos would have to be known for delivering the ultimate in customer service. Zappos delivers on that brand promise every single day. I encourage you to google Zappos and read the number of good articles online that document the story of Zappos.com. I know I sure learned a lot.

To watch the Zappets TV commercials, click here.

To watch the CBS Sunday Morning June 6, 2010 segment on Zappos, click here.
Posted by Julie White

The consumer’s relationship with brands is evolving quickly. What once was very one-sided and close-ended has become a two-way conversation. The most clever of marketers realize they must reach an audience where they are. And increasingly, that touch is happening online. Not just a source of information, sites that belong to this growing class called infotainment are capturing attention. They are engaging the people that buy and will buy their products. They are offering something of value, while building brand allegiance via humor, music, stories, recipes…you name it. And some are doing it very well. There is much to be learned from these companies who are reaching out, to pull people in.

While social media is growing at light speed, a company’s brand should drive those efforts…it should inspire them in a natural way, faithful to its core. Without it, we risk becoming yet another lost voice in the crowded social media space of “hey, look at me”.

Take a look: newcastlebrown.com

Posted by Chris Elliott

While I had an opportunity to get acquainted with the new iPad recently, I looked especially at a few media applications like USA Today, Men’s Health, and NPR.

The new multi-media experience includes sharper images, additional direct content related to the story at just a tap of a finger, and high-definition video options.

As I read story after story, it had hit me that this new technology could ultimately change content from a PR perspective as well. Not only do we have to consider what’s a newsworthy angle for a potential pitch but also how that story would be configured to devices like the iPhone and the iPad.

In the process of crafting a story idea for a company or client, do we need to also look at visual tools to accompany that potential story? For example, a pitch on a specific fitness-training story could include video of short workout demonstrations that can be uploaded alongside the content. Or should other kinds of tools that will make the story a more multi-media experience be considered? While the media aren’t obligated in any way to use these tools, could they be an additional resource? Do PR professionals need to start thinking more 3-D when it comes to campaigns & storytelling?

Posted by: Andrea Walker, W Social Marketing

It’s your true story. Your mission statement. A flagship for a better future. It should inform, persuade and sell. Make it memorable. Make it worthwhile. Enjoy doing it.

Yes, an Annual Report’s main purpose in a nutshell is a document which shows how a company is doing financially. But smart companies also design it to be used as a marketing tool and as a piece regarding company direction that can be conveyed to prospective clients. It can be a time to showcase company history, product trends and those people within the organization who are carrying out the mission of the organization. However, with changing legalities shaping the reporting environment, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the complexities and forget the need for your annual report to communicate effectively. Read rest of story…

So, it got me thinking about what Stevie Nicks has done in her career. I stake my claim that she is the most talented female vocalist..well…ever. With one possible exception, being Ella Fitzgerald. Watch a previously unreleased song here. Post by Chris Elliott

Her story, and the work she has done in partnership with Target, is inspiring on an emotional level, as well as its commercial value. It demonstrates how smart design can make an enormous impact. Read about what she is doing.

Only a year ago, I would say to someone “I am working at Panera Bread”, and it was assumed I was behind the counter serving pastries. I say the same thing now, and people understand that I am working on my laptop, sipping Diet Coke and doing business. The world has changed. And the change happened quickly and dramatically.

It’s now almost impossible to find a plug in this place. At odd times, such as 3:18 in the afternoon, the first seats to go are the ones next to a plug. Grandmothers on iphones, teenagers on laptops and seasoned executives on Facebook point to how quickly the landscape is changing, and where and how customers touch information. Increasingly, marketers and producers of communications must adapt. And that’s not a one time gig. In this new landscape, it’s sink or swim. And the opportunities for innovative thinking are endless.

by Chris Elliott

See the video here.

CNN is no longer your traditional newsroom. The media giant has embraced emerging technologies and the new world of social media. This week’s @journchat featured live chats with Sarah Evans and CNN news and digital representatives. Watch the chat on ustream and meet lots of Hip CNN folks and get their twitter contact information and great PR and social media tips. If your company is interesting in starting a social business program, this is a great resource for future news. Instead of CNN just shooting news at you, you can now shoot news to them.

Watch the video here: http://www.webdesignlunch.com/page/2/

While the world around us is changing and new communications channels are emerging, one thing hasn’t changed: nothing compares to a good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation. We begin each client relationship by asking one simple question: what will ease our client’s pain? Not enough online sales? What steps can we take to solve that problem. High customer churn? What strategy will make customers stay. Better solutions come from asking better questions.

Click here to set up a marketing consultation over a cup of coffee.

It’s about making them more meaningful, useful and engaging. It’s about improving communication and capturing hearts and minds. HipBrand is a collective team of creative talent with varied expertise and a passion for making a difference in the lives of our clients, families and partners. Like a recent fundraising project for Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Read rest of story…

As adults, we sometimes lose touch with something that is hugely important to our personal and professional growth: discovery and exploration, otherwise known as play. We know that children learn through play. In our early developmental years, we come to understand the idea of gravity by dropping our mac and cheese on the kitchen floor. When my son screams or says something designed to be provocative, then studies my facial expression and its reaction, he is mastering the concept of cause and effect. As the active toddler throws a toy across the room, she begins to understand and harness her strength. But of course she doesn’t approach it that way. Her approach is this: “Weeeeeeeee”. Read rest of story…

I’ve been an entrepreneur for the better part of 28 years, starting when I was 10, selling refurbished golf balls. I have also been an employee for much of that time. So, I have plenty of experience in both mind sets to weigh against each other, and to glean some perspective from it. I have noticed something in myself that I imagine many other people experience. In some work cultures, I thrive as an independent, self-motivated thinker. In others, I slowly become acclimated to the larger, somewhat immovable and established environment. That is to say, after a certain amount of time spent in some jobs, I become better at what I do because of the influence of the culture around me. In others, I feel less and less valuable, having unwillingly fallen victim to the unspoken rules and risks associated with taking chances and thinking outside the box. I would say it depends on the place. But one thing is clear to me. When I am working for myself, as I am now, I grow quickly and significantly. Every time.