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Staying cool in the cauldron

Crisis communication...we've done quite a bit of it. And we're asked what it's like.

When everything's boiling, when reporters are calling, emailing and texting, and they need to hear from you right away. They have questions. They want answers. You're trying to stay calm. So you can see the big picture. So you can calibrate.

Calibrating is important. Getting your arms around situations...quickly. Are you the one to respond to questions, or should someone else be taking them on? If responding to questions is necessary. When you're in business, maybe an executive who's uniquely qualified -- and media-qualified -- should be on deck. When you're on an HOA board, are you prepared and qualified? Do you jump in the cauldron, or do you touch base with someone else...your property manager or HOA attorney?

Calibrating and staying calm helps, whether it's reporters or HOA residents firing questions. And it's sure nice if you've anticipated problems that can stir up questions. Even better if, after anticipating problems, you've already worked them out. This may keep you out of cauldrons in the first place.

(For more...At Least Some PR or contact hoastrategic@gmail.com)

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