Further Misadventures in Fake News

Erik Bernstein fake news

  [We came across this post on internet technology expert David Strom’s ‘Web Informant’ blog and thought our readership of “crisis managers, whether it’s in your job description or not” would find this in-depth explanation of several extremely manipulative strategies being employed to create fake news online to both misinform …

Why Crisis Management Best Practices Matter To You

Erik Bernstein crisis management

Ever since the early days of Bernstein Crisis Management we’ve referred to much of what we share with readers as, “for all crisis managers, whether it’s in their job description or not”. While we know most of the folks who wind up on our site are wearing other hats in …

When Crisis Comms is the Right Thing to Do

Erik Bernstein crisis communications

  [Editor’s note: This post is quite interesting as it examines a topic that’s not often approached in the public eye. If a company in crisis knows it’s going out of business regardless of how things play out, how should crisis communications be approached? What are your obligations, and what’s …

“Woke-Washing” Is Not The Solution For A Bad Reputation

Erik Bernstein Crisis Prevention

  [Editor’s note: Much like the hashtag fails we saw lead to crisis management disasters so commonly a few years back, the trend of “woke-washing” — trying to champion popular causes to demonstrate what a good company you are while sweeping some not-so-positive things under the rug — has already …

Sorry Joan Jett, Reputation Does Matter

Erik Bernstein crisis management

  [Editor’s note: Today we’re pleased to share a guest post from Australia-based crisis pro Tony Jaques and his Managing Outcomes newsletter. While what exactly constitutes a “bad” reputation certainly varies depending on factors including industry, past behavior, success level, and many more, to not care at all is rarely …

Catching Loose Cannons Before They Cause Damage

Erik Bernstein crisis management

  In today’s business world, off-the-cuff comments or behaviors by key players can expose your organization to millions of dollars in lost reputation, sales, legal fees, and other recovery costs. How, then, do you determine if you have a loose cannon on your hands and what are the steps required …

The Ugly Side of Public Relations

Erik Bernstein public relations

  [Editor’s note: This guest post comes to us from Australia-based crisis pro Tony Jaques’ Managing Outcomes e-Newsletter. While part of public relations and crisis management work inevitably involves assisting those who have made mistakes, we agree with Mr. Jaques that there is a line to be drawn between helping …

4 Useful Tips For When The Media Is Reaching Out To You

Erik Bernstein crisis communications

  Reporters and media of all kinds are inevitable sources of stress for many crisis management situations, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthier to shut them out. With the modern 24/7 news cycle and literally millions of places for information to be shared even small issues often mean contacts from …

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Steps In It With Hot Mic

Erik Bernstein crisis communications

A hot mic captured Mayor Lori Lightfoot calling a Fraternal Order of Police vice president an “FOP clown” during Wednesday’s City Council meeting, but she later apologized and acknowledged it was inappropriate for her “to say that out loud.” As Fraternal Order of Police Vice President Patrick Murray approached the microphone …

Crisis Management Consultant Talks Epstein and #MeToo Reputation Management With MarketWatch

Erik Bernstein reputation management

  As the wave of #MeToo allegations rolls on and major bad guys like Epstein grab headlines, Bernstein Crisis Management president Jonathan Bernstein shared thoughts with MarketWatch on how some of these folks have managed to continue operating in public after being busted for egregious offenses, why the same tactics …

3 Public Speaking Tips From Crisis Management Experts

Erik Bernstein crisis management

  With very few exceptions, people will tell you that speaking in public terrifies them. Even when it’s to deliver good news! Make it your job to communicate about a negative issue, and suddenly the anxiety cranks up to an 11. While there is no magic formula to remove every …

When A Sudden Event Threatens Your Company, Step Up Like Wag

Erik Bernstein crisis management

  This guest post comes to us from expert consultant, Bernstein Crisis Management team member, and founder of Jon F. Harmon Strategic Communications, Jon Harmon! When a sudden event threatens your company, step up like Wag What do you do if you’re a five-year-old company suddenly faced with an existential …

Crisis Management Case Study: Exploding Fireplace Recall

Jonathan Bernstein crisis management, public relations, recall, recall crisis management

  [Author’s Note: The general public seldom gets to see what goes on behind the scenes of a significant product recall.  It ain’t always easy!] The Crisis Home Products manufacturing (name disguised), based in the Midwest with operations throughout North America, received reports from distributor showrooms that some of the …