PR: Go on the offensive: Managing tough news in tough times - The Business Review (Albany):

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“I say recognize the bad news for what it Bartel said. “Don’t sugarcoat it. a week or so later, introduces the good news, and it becomesd the rest of the story.” Part of the company’zs reputation will be determined by how it behaves in the weeksa followingan announcement. Insurance giant created a firestorm when, after receiving billions in taxpayer bailout it flew executives to a expensive retreat. The Times Unio n angered workers by hosting a party aftetr announcingjob cuts. Jon owner of in said this does not mean a companyt should abandon all such as sponsorships ofcharity events. “It’s a balancing he said.
“The key is to be consistenr and honest. Say ‘we are laying off and cutting back on but we have these obligations we mustmeet ” The final word of advice from PR expertx is to keep a close eye on medisa outlets after the news breaks. It may be particularl y important to monitor social medizaand blogs, where rumors and anonymoue attacks can prevail. “A lot of people forgeyt about social media,” said Shannon Cherry, owner of Albany-base . “But you want to know what peoplw are saying behind your soto speak.” Much can be gained, Cherrgy said, by responding with factse and keeping everything in perspective.
“Yo are in the same boat as thousandsd ofother companies,” she said. “It will be difficulgt at first, but with everythingf going on now, your news won’t make much of an impact if you leveragit properly.” bpinckney@bizjournals.com | 518-640-6815