How can you build strong relationships to manage PR crises?

1 Know your stakeholders

The first step to building strong relationships is to identify and understand your stakeholders, which are the people or groups that have an interest or influence on your PR activities. These may include your clients, customers, media, employees, investors, regulators, competitors, and community. You should know their needs, expectations, goals, values, and perspectives, and tailor your communication and engagement strategies accordingly. You should also monitor their feedback and sentiment, and address any concerns or questions they may have.

2 Establish trust and credibility

The second step to building strong relationships is to establish trust and credibility with your stakeholders, which are the foundations of any successful PR campaign. You can do this by being honest, transparent, consistent, and respectful in your communication and actions. You should also demonstrate your expertise, professionalism, and value proposition, and provide relevant and accurate information and evidence. You should avoid making false or exaggerated claims, or hiding or ignoring any problems or mistakes.

3 Communicate effectively and regularly

The third step to building strong relationships is to communicate effectively and regularly with your stakeholders, which are the key to maintaining and enhancing your reputation and visibility. You can do this by using appropriate and clear language, tone, and channels, and by adapting your message and style to your audience and context. You should also communicate proactively and timely, and share your updates, achievements, stories, and insights. You should avoid being too vague, ambiguous, or defensive, or overloading or spamming your stakeholders with irrelevant or redundant information.

4 Engage and collaborate

The fourth step to building strong relationships is to engage and collaborate with your stakeholders, which are the ways to create and foster mutual understanding and support. You can do this by listening and responding to their feedback and opinions, and by inviting and involving them in your PR activities and decisions. You should also acknowledge and appreciate their contributions and achievements, and recognize and reward their loyalty and advocacy. You should avoid being too passive, aggressive, or indifferent, or ignoring or dismissing their input or suggestions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?