Preparation is achieved through planning.
One of the first things we learn about PR is the need for planning, research and coming up with tactics. These factors should be used in crisis management too. Before a crisis actually happens, a back-up plan should have been created and practiced months before.
One thing I see is that with successful planning, a crisis/issue can become an opportunity for the company to show its efficiency with dealing with problems.
PR practitioners should always look to the future and be alert to avoid such situations.
Public relations in the third sector is something really 'big' now. With a community that supports social issues and likes being 'involved', using these situations are perfect opportunities to gain awareness.
There are tons of examples of campaigns that lean on the audiences inclination for the common good. Several that were mentioned in class were the solar powered phone charges, 'make a switch' to save energy, giving water to children who need it and many more.
Yes, it does sound very commercial, the idea that we play on the audiences emotions to promote a product and gain a profit but if it works it works!
But of course, it would be better if the company itself really cared about the community and environment.
All in all, I still believe tat the most important things I have learnt not just from these two chapters but throughout the readings is the need for planning and research. Knowing the target audience like the back of your hand is something so important and necessary. And planning is just something so essential. Problems are in a sense fixed before they actually occur. While it may be difficult to foresee certain events, it won't hurt to try and cover as much ground as possible to minimize problems that could occur.
There is an idioms in Chinese, which means when you are safe don't forget the danger.
ReplyDeleteThis is not to tell you to always be nervous but to tell you to be always prepared (even when you are safe).
yup, indeed, though we are not fortune-teller, we cannot foresee anything, but we can use our imagination to kind of foresee the situation that we are likely to face. And base on the problem then think of a plan that can, kind of, solve the problem. So it is like, better half loaf of bread then none! ^^
Planning to me is something like a guideline to follow, it helps you to always have something to follow, like a map, I think, leading you to where you want to go. ^^
Like we all agree, creativity is a 'prerequisite' for PR people. Creativity for campaign planning, problem solving.
you must tell me this idiom!!
ReplyDeleteI agree that planning sometimes creates a path and guide and that does make a lot of situations seem to run smoother.
I think we must start training ourselves to look ahead and anticipate to really excel in this area.
And not to forget, approach one topic from many many different angles. Situations enjoy creeping up on us.