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.

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.