It’s a “CRISIS!”  Now what?

In the aftermath of what is becoming a nationally-known story here locally in Richmond, many folks have come up to me over the last day or so both in person and on social media platforms wanting my opinion over the handling of this particular case.

It is never fair for those on the outside of such a situation to comment or criticize.  Instead, let me share some thoughts and some of the “standard” ways we approach things at our office:

• In this new online/social media world it is more important than ever to react and respond quickly.  The news cycles are now compressed with online media now driving competition more than ever before.
• The longer you wait to respond or reveal, the more it looks like you have something to hide.  It is better to react and to “break” the bad news yourself than to be discovered by the media. 
• We’re big fans of the “written statement” first as opposed to making people available for in-person or on-camera interviews.  That way you can control what you do and don’t say.
• If you happen to have a blog, use it.  It is a great place to state your case and get instant feedback.
• More important than anything else, be truthful.  And if appropriate, be apologetic.  They are both obviously very important in the court of public opinion.

I probably missed some things along the way, so please chime in.