The Coronavirus took the world by storm and hindered many daily routines and activities, and halted multiple operations in firms and businesses. As Public Relations professionals, it’s imperative for us to adapt our strategy to changes in the outside world which will assist in protecting the businesses of our valuable customers.
While communicating what a company does and how it delivers products, services and value is important, this level of communication goes a long way during this difficult time in adding value to your businesses.
As the role and value of public relations evolve among increasingly noisy and crowded markets, a PR team has the opportunity to communicate a company’s narrative across a broad range of channels.
One of a kind solutions to sustain during this crisis
Three questions to ask yourself about your business would be
- How is my business helping people during this health emergency?
- How is my company continuously working to ensure the safety of its employees and customers?
- What is the contribution made by my company to fight against COVID-19?
Be mindful that the company’s approach with regards to COVID-19 is legitimate and relevant to the public conversation. Attempts to make a grab for headlines by using the coronavirus to get unnecessary attention could cause public backlash.
Industry minded leadership
Individuals across the globe crave for business leaders to step up and lead right now as every individual plays a main role in preventing the spread of this virus. People are mostly afraid and looking for guidance from leaders.
A great PR individualwill be able to guide their customers to enter into that leadership role.
Your brand or company does not have to be directly connected to the healthcare sector to be valuable during the outbreak. Category of business aside, a business can provide rations, support child care services, or provide work during mass layoffs. Your PR strategists should be creative about how you present your empathy to your stakeholders.
This can only be done by giving out valuable and factual information with the hope of guiding and assisting the general public and excluding self-promotion.
A true consultant
There are plenty of information out there. What really does affect you? and how do you funnel information?
The media will be looking for pieces that are also of a more positive and lighter feel, other than the direct ties to the Coronavirus pandemic, and will look to cover community service and stories with a more humane aspect.
Circumstances and coverage of the pandemic are changing rapidly and it is difficult for the media to be in touch. PR professionals are an asset during situations like this where they can be precise, accurate and clear about the value of your message keeping in mind the rapid changes and day to day changes as well. Results will be procured once firms can use PR professionals to adapt and improvise to the rapid changes that unfold.
Overall, if carried out successfully, a structural Public Relations approach can help you achieve your objectives in building a better relationship between you and your stakeholder. The key to success in Public Relations is to know what you need to say?,how you need to say?, why you need to say? and to whom?
