What do you do if you make a business mistake and “everyone” finds out about it?
We all make mistakes. Yet when you make a business mistake that’s visible enough you may find your business in jeopardy. Social media transparency magnifies mistakes. Your business mistake may become a public relations nightmare.
How people perceive your business after a mistake, and whether you recover enough to keep your existing clients and grow new ones, depends a lot on your response.
One of my morning routines is reading the Wall Street Journal. I frequently read articles about businesses in the midst of disasters – some small, and some that threaten the lives of the businesses. I pay particular attention to how companies handle situations and I track how long it takes – if ever – for them to recover from their issues. Those that recover and move forward follow a process that maps closely with my idea implementation process I’ve named “IMPACT”. Following a recovery process impacts the companies, people, clients, vendors, and overall business environment.
Should you find yourself in such a situation, here’s a breakdown of the IMPACT process as it relates to recovering from a public relations disaster.
“I” is for ideation. In a challenging situation, put key front-line and decision-making people in a room together. Find the real problem that led to the PR disaster through an ideation process.
“M” relates to the multiple disciplines you call on to work on the problem. When multiple disciplines work together they’re invested in implementing solutions they develop.
“P” refers to the processes, strategies, and action plans for implementing the solution.
“A” is for action and putting the plans in motion.
“C” is the communication to take place with everyone affected by the situation. This includes clients, potential clients, employees, vendors, media, stockholders, and anyone else aware of the business mistake and its potential consequences.
“T” is for taking measure of progress. Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of your recovery plan and the impact you are having. Adjust and continue to implement your action plan by repeating the process from ideation through evaluation.
Make a positive impact by following the IMPACT process to recover from business mistakes and their consequences.
Let me help you develop your plan so that you can transform your missteps into magnificence!
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If you like what you heard and saw here, connect with me at www.SylviaHenderson.com. Stay up-to-date with my tips and guidance to move your ideas to income. Let’s start with a conversation to see how I might serve you – or your organization – to implement your ideas and get things done!
Sylvia Henderson ~ CEO: MindTeam Solutions, Inc.
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