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When you don't have a clue what to say

You're phone rings. It's a reporter asking questions about a problem at your HOA. And you have no idea what to say.

Stay calm. Listen to what the reporter is saying. Buy some time, if you can, so you can touch base with your property manager or HOA attorney. Ask if you can get back to the reporter. You may not be able to buy a lot of time, since reporters work on deadline. But a little something is better than nothing. And mention the reporter's deadline to whoever you reach out to for help.

(There's more about this in At Least Some PR available through Amazon Books, or contact HOA Strategic -- hoastrategic@gmail.com.)

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