Brian Lee, APR, president of Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media, will be presenting at AMA Madison’s Craft Marketing event at Garth’s Brew Bar on April 24th. This month, we will explore how to prepare a crisis communications plan, including the roles of the marketing and creative departments. Brian will also share the “do’s” and “don’ts” of responding to a crisis, drawing from real examples of organizations who have experienced their own crises.
Why attend this month’s Craft Marketing?
Any organization can face a crisis situation, and how you respond is vital to your brand’s reputation and future. As a result, it’s best to be prepared for anything. Register now to learn how to create your crisis plan and get Brian’s expert tips, all while enjoying a complimentary beverage of your choice.
Thank you to our sponsors!
What to expect: Q&A with Brian
AMA: Tell us a little about yourself and what your organization does.
Brian: I’m a person who is involved in everything. I run multiple businesses, I teach (and do a lot of guest speaking), serve on several boards, and as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Madison College, I help people build their businesses.
We’ve carved out a nice niche with Revelation PR, Advertising & Social Media. While we work on statewide and national campaigns, we primarily focus on helping our clients “Win Madison.”
AMA: What are some of the most common mistakes you see made in crisis communications and how can organizations avoid making them?
Brian: The primary mistake organizations make is not preparing for a crisis in the first place. When a crisis occurs, you have very little time to think, plan and execute. This is why so many organizations botch their communications efforts. It’s important to develop a crisis communications plan in times of calm and review/adjust that plan periodically.
AMA: On the internal side of crisis communications, what strategies should organizations use to keep their employees informed and engaged during a crisis?
Brian: Organizations need to make internal audiences (e.g., staff, volunteers, board members) their priority. Too many times, internal audiences have to find out what their organization is doing through the media. When you communicate with internal audiences first, you get the chance to make sure everyone is on the same page (and kill the rumor mill), to remind everyone of your media policies and to explain that your organization is taking the crisis seriously.
AMA: What is the big takeaway people can expect if they attend the event?
Brian: No organization is immune to a crisis. How much brand/reputation and financial damage is done depends on your response, both in terms of what you say and what you do. You can increase your chances of success by preparing ahead of time.
Venue: Garth Brew Bar, 1726 MONROE ST.
Cozy atmosphere. Educated staff. Remarkable beer. Garth’s Brew Bar opened in 2019 on Monroe St. The bar started from a passion to do good for the people and right by the beer. Learn more at https://www.garthsbrewbar.com/
AMA Madison’s ‘Craft Marketing‘ Series
Craft Marketing features a local presenter each month. You’ll have the chance to learn about a wide range of marketing topics while networking with other industry professionals and enjoying the drink of your choice.