What marks changes in eras? Throughout the ages, some markers start and end chapters in the history books. COVID-19 has created a marker on which we see the world before and after the pandemic.
Instant information will guide businesses, and if harnessed correctly, this will determine which companies remain relevant, and thrive in a post- COVID-19 world. Companies will need to connect to their audiences like never before.
But what does that have to do with PR?
More living rooms than ever before are streaming a constant flow of news. So, while couches and home offices remain occupied with people endlessly scrolling through their social feeds, companies have unprecedented access to their audience, if they get it right (understand the, ‘enter PR’ yet?).
What can PR do for your business post COVID?
The short answer: a lot.
The better answer: authenticity.
The biggest hurdle ahead for a company is its situational intelligence. How do you strategically and delicately approach communications post COVID? What we learnt from the initial impact of the pandemic, was the power of a relevant story. Businesses need to know where their story should pivot to keep it relevant for the press which in turn keeps it relevant for their customers.
There is no way to avoid the uncomfortable circumstances and, frankly, you shouldn’t be trying to get around them anyway. Face it head-on. With a rock-solid PR strategy, you can drive an authentic message that is transparent and clear. A clear message, with no BS, will build confidence and trust in your brand.
You simply cannot head into the rest of 2020 (and beyond) without understanding the importance your audience places on authenticity. A PR strategy will empower your business to develop and understand the scenarios and adapt.
Why PR will be your biggest asset in an uncertain future
Remember that scene in Friends, when Ross climbs up the stairs carrying a couch shouting at Chandler, “PIVOT”? Well, think of Ross as 2020. If you don’t pivot, you break. Here’s how you can avoid that.
Crisis Management
You’re human, and during periods of change, companies make mistakes. You can’t avoid it, but you can manage it. Don’t go through the pain of managing your daily operations and the media. Get a PR consultant to guide you through. Here are 5 tips you need right now to start managing your crisis.
Communication Plan
When you’re through the crisis, you’ll regroup and try to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Do you know how you can do that? A communication plan. Communication plans are crucial for achieving success in managing perceptions and navigating through change. Still unsure about the need for a plan from a PR agency? Download this FREE template to DIY.
With heightened emotions and changes in daily life, public sentiments are not what they were before the pandemic. Different sentiments mean new practices and methods must be established. The role of any PR professional will be empowering you to remain human. To care, lead, listen and communicate without the pressure of managing public expectations.
Don’t have time to DIY your PR strategy. Then you can get started with a no BS strategy in only 3 simple steps!
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