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Just a Thought
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"The future is always beginning now."
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From the Editor
As this is the last Crisis Manager of 2013, I thought I'd share a few predictions for the coming year:
1. All types of media will continue to integrate.
We already have print newspapers quoting Redditors in serious articles, and Twitter banners scrolling across the screen on both news and entertainment programming. In addition, more longstanding online news sources, Google News for example, are now pulling articles and information directly from not only professional blogs, but amateur as well, giving even more voice to the e-reporter (whatever their day job may be). I have to give my father credit on this one, as years ago he told me, "give it time, soon enough 'social media' and 'traditional media' will just be 'media'", and 2014 could be the year that happens.
2. Cyber crises will explode
We've only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to IT crises and cyber crime. You think the black market being flooded with 40 million credit cards stolen from Target's systems during the holiday shopping season was bad? The sophistication and pure invention of hackers, not to mention the sheer number of avenues of attack now available, has far outpaced the security standards put in place even by those deemed "in the know." If you aren't beefing up your crisis management plans to include a major cyber crisis, you're setting yourself up for disaster.
3. Paying for eyeballs will become standard practice to boost social media effectiveness
The social mediaverse is a crowded place these days, and with the sheer number of talented, creative and attention-catching people out there, it's hard to cut through the clutter. Paid advertising, while still looked upon with doubt by many, is a proven way to bring a base audience in. Of course, it'll still be up to you to actually put out content people want to stick around, and come back, to see!
4. Offshoring will create more crises
Offshoring has become the go-to way to cut costs, but in 2014 it could easily create more crises for some. Shifting political and regulatory climates can create unexpected issues, intellectual property rights are more difficult to protect, and supply chain interruptions or delays are easy to encounter when your facilities are located halfway around the globe. We haven't seen a major offshoring-related crisis since the 2011 floods in Thailand seriously harmed the computing industry, making us overdue to face one in the coming year.
5. Virtual travel becomes the norm
Businesses everywhere are scrambling for ways to stretch their budgets and get the most bang for their buck, making virtual travel a no-brainer. You can easily assemble the best team possible from around the world, and have them together in the same virtual "room," comparing notes, swapping files back and forth, and just about anything else you could do in person other than pass the coffee. On top of that, small businesses seeking to hire top notch talent can stick to a budget by avoiding shelling out for travel time and accommodations, expenses that are sure add up quickly.
We'd love to hear from you readers as well! What do you think will change our world and the way we do business in 2014?
Thank you, and read on. |
| 2013 Weiner Awards Nominations Closing Soon |
Nominations for The 2013 Weiner Awards, our way to have a bit of fun while spreading the word that the way you use social media can, and often does, bring heavy negative consequences, are closing December 23.
Any individual or organization who's created serious trouble for themselves via social media is a candidate for the Weiner Awards. Nominees thus far include The Secret Plumber, the PR exec who tweeted, "Going to Africa. Hope I don't get AIDS. Just kidding, I'm white!", and Home Depot for this tweet that drew widespread accusations of racism.
To make a nomination, visit the Weiner Awards Facebook page, or email [email protected]
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Interested in repurposing BCM articles
or blog posts?
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Would you like to share a post with your audience, reprint one of BCM's how-to's for office use, or take students through a set of case studies?
We're happy to give permission for material to be repurposed in just about any way you'd like. Simply submit a request to [email protected].
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Blogs!
By Erik Bernstein
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We're updating our blogs on the Bernstein Crisis Management page and at the Free Management Library more than ever with posts covering topics from reputation management, to social media, to crisis management case studies and more. Come on over, and leave a comment if we strike a chord!
Crisis Management Fail for ND Oil Spill examines the case of an oil pipeline break in North Dakota which spilled record amounts of crude onto farmland in the area. Even worse, the ND Health Department official's statements make him sound an awful lot like he's more concerned about the well being of the oil companies than the locals!
From North Dakota we head to Texas, and the fertilizer plant that exploded this April, killing 15 people. Texas Fertilizer Plant Neglected Crisis Management looks at the results of the federal investigation into the matter, which found the plant severely lacking in safety procedures.
Famed Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca was the inspiration behind Crisis Management Quotables...on Setting Goals. Does this bit of wisdom from ancient times still hold up today? We think so!
Japanese Airlines Flying in the Face of Reason was penned just days after China declared its new air defense zone. The airlines actually sent civilian customers, many of whom were not informed, on flights through the area, a decision with a laundry list of potential negative consequences.
Featuring one of the most popular nominees for our upcoming Weiner Awards, Social Media Crisis Management #Fail: The Secret Plumber covers the almost-unbelievable social media tailspin into which one UK businessman's rage sent his organization.
Sometimes, a proactive stance is what you need. "No More Free Shots" - Walmart's Social Media Crisis Management Policy is putting that into action, with a focus on responses to negative comments aimed at spreading good information to the public.
Don We Now Our...Fun Apparel? - Hallmark's Crisis Management Mess is a perfect example of an easily-avoidable crisis. Before you make any marketing decision, THINK about the potential repercussions!
If you're a political figure who campaigns against underage drinking, maybe, just MAYBE, it's not a good idea for you to hang out at a party full of half-naked kids and more red solo cups than there are hands to hold them. Maryland Attorney General Caught at Wild Teen Party tells the story of just such a situation, and the "genius" who set himself up for a crisis.
When it comes to Social Media Crisis Management: Know Your Demographics. Knowing which demo uses which service, and how, can help you maximize your reach while minimizing wasted effort.
Yet another easily preventable crisis case study, Sephora's Crisis Management for Celebutard Uproar looks at the very much predictable reaction of mental health advocacy groups and families of those with disabilities following the launch of the lipstick shade, "Celebutard."
This post features a second nominee for the 2013 Weiner Awards! White House Cans Security Official Over Anonymous Twitter Account explains how Obama's staff was able to track down and unmask a national security staffer who was using an "anonymous" Twitter account to bash the administration.
Erik Bernstein is a freelance writer, editor of Crisis Manager, Social Media Manager for Bernstein Crisis Management, and consultant/trainer at Bernstein Social Media.
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| Apropos of Nothing |
Social Media Training
Want to get your feet wet with social media but don't know where to start? Maybe you have accounts, but aren't sure what to post, or how to reply?
Being active on social media is a must these days, but you have to do it right. Erik Bernstein, Bernstein Crisis Management's Social Media Manager, now offers social media training sessions in person or via Skype for groups and individuals.
For questions or pricing info, please email [email protected]
Bernsteins Available to Deliver Free Guest Lectures, Q&A Sessions
Jonathan alone, or the team of Jonathan and Erik Bernstein, are available at no charge to deliver guest lectures and host Q&A sessions with college classes via Skype or Google Hangout. Our latest presentation was to a great graduate-level class in Crisis Management the New York Institute of Technology!
The lectures are fun for both us and students, and we're more than happy to allow recording for your future use. All you need at your end is a single computer with webcam and a strong broadband connection for us to appear in your classroom in real-time.
Contact us for more info!
Attention Corporate Boards of Directors (and those who serve them).
If you're connected with a corporate board of directors in some way and think that board would benefit from having a veteran crisis management pro amongst its membership, please contact me. -- Jonathan
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Business Announcements
(aka blatant self-promotion) Are your employees putting your company at risk? Most people don't recognize a well-crafted online phishing scam when they see one, and that's exactly what cybercriminals count on. With more than 500 million phishing emails being sent every day, and the increasing use of uncontrolled environments for accessing and sharing sensitive data, the need for proactive training has never been greater. You can help your organization fight back by changing the way security training is done. Here's our process: - Assess: Even before training begins, a simulated attack is launched on your employees. This not only helps you to assess current vulnerabilities, it also helps motivate employees to learn because they immediately realize how susceptible they are to an attack.
- Train: Our tactile approach to learning is proven to reduce employee vulnerability. Each 10-minute interactive and game-based module presents realistic examples and practice to engage your employees, improve their cyber security knowledge, reinforce learning, and measurably change their behavior.
- Measure: Data collected during training enables you to measure and report on the progress of your employees' learning. You'll know which employees are strong, and which are weaker in their cyber security knowledge - not just whether they completed the online training.
Don't let your employees fall for phishing scams hook, line, and sinker. Teach them how to recognize and avoid today's most advanced attacks before it's too late. Learn more! Our always-available, cloud-based training content is available in 7 languages. For pricing and demonstration information, contact [email protected] Expanded Crisis Manager Bookstore We've recently expanded the Crisis Manager Bookstore to include offerings from esteemed colleagues like Melissa Agnes, Gerald Baron, Chris Syme and Jim Lukaszewski that cover topics from crisis communication and traditional PR to social media and cutting-edge crisis management. We'll be adding other authors we admire in the weeks ahead.
Visit the new Crisis Manager Bookstore to see all of the material available now!
Keeping the Wolves at Bay: Media Training  Learn how to deal with traditional or social media during a crisis in this educational and entertaining guide from Crisis Manager publisher Jonathan Bernstein. $25 for the hard copy and $10 for the PDF. Head to the Crisis Manager Bookstore for more information and/or to purchase.
Manager's Guide to Crisis Management
Whether you're a seasoned manager, aspiring up-and-comer, or student of crisis management, Jonathan Bernstein's textbook, Manager's Guide to Crisis Management (McGraw-Hill, 2011) will put you in control of any situation.
Looking for a Turn-Key Social Media Solution? Missing out on all the promotional, SEO and reputation management advantages of being active on social media platforms? Hire someone to be your voice...like Erik Bernstein, editor of Crisis Manager. He's the one largely responsible for keeping the Bernstein Crisis Management website and social media accounts highly ranked and popular and can do the same for you, while creating a set of valuable social presences that can be turned over to your full control at any time More info:[email protected]. |
Guest AuthorsGuest authors are very welcome to submit material for "Crisis Manager." There is no fee paid, but most guest authors have reported receiving business inquiries as a result of appearing in this publication. Case histories, experience-based lessons, commentary on current news events and editorial opinion are all eligible for consideration. Submission is not a guarantee of acceptance. |
About Us
  Jonathan Bernstein is both publisher of Crisis Manager and president of Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc., a national crisis management public relations agency providing 24/7 access to crisis response professionals. The agency engages in the full spectrum of crisis management services: crisis prevention, response, planning & training. He has been in the public relations field since 1982, following five-year stints in both military intelligence and investigative reporting. Write to Jonathan at: [email protected]. Erik Bernstein is editor of Crisis Manager and is also Social Media Manager for Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc. Write to Erik at: [email protected]. |
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Legal Disclaimer (aka the small print)All information contained herein is obtained by Jonathan Bernstein from sources believed by Jonathan Bernstein to be accurate and reliable. Because of the possibility of human and mechanical error as well as other factors, neither Jonathan Bernstein nor Bernstein Crisis Management is responsible for any errors or omissions. All information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Bernstein Crisis Management and Jonathan Bernstein make no representations and disclaim all express, implied, and statutory warranties of any kind to the user and/or any third party including, without limitation, warranties as to accuracy, timeliness, completeness, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Unless due to willful tortuous misconduct or gross negligence, Jonathan Bernstein and Bernstein Crisis Management shall have no liability in tort, contract, or otherwise (and as permitted by law, product liability), to the user and/or any third party. Under no circumstance shall Bernstein Crisis Management or Jonathan Bernstein be liable to the user and/or any third party for any lost profits or lost opportunity, indirect, special, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages whatsoever, even if Bernstein Crisis Management or Jonathan Bernstein has been advised of the possibility of such damages. A service of this newsletter is to provide news summaries and/or snippets to readers. In such instances articles and/or snippets will be reprinted as they are received from the originating party or as they are displayed on the originating website or in the original article. As we do not write the news, we merely point readers to it, under no circumstance shall Bernstein Crisis Management or Jonathan Bernstein be liable to the user and/or any third party for any lost profits or lost opportunity, indirect, special, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages whatsoever due to the distribution of said news articles or snippets that lead readers to a full article on a news service's website, even if Bernstein Crisis Management or Jonathan Bernstein has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Authors of the original news story and their publications shall be exclusively held liable. Any corrections to news stories are not mandatory and shall be printed at the discretion of the list moderator after evaluation on a case-by-case basis. |
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