Crisis in Social Media? There's always a solution!

One of the important aspects I’ve learned from public relations is that it is essential for organizations to prepare and plan for crisis and identify appropriate communication strategies that match stakeholder’s expectations in relation to different crisis.

One of the roles of crisis management in corporate life, just like real life, is full of risks and potential crisis. That is why public relations keeps scam the horizon, trying to identify and anticipate trouble before it happens.  

One of the crises I had to face was when I found out that one of my clients has another Facebook page; which is a hoax account. When I first looked at it, it didn’t look professional as the other Facebook page my supervisor campaign manager and I had worked on it. 

“The rule of thumb for the public practitioners during a crisis is summed up in two words: be candid. Honesty and directness in communication are essential to preserve trust and reputation.” (Jane Johnston & Clara Zawawi)

The first step I did when I found out that my client has another Facebook was I immediately told my supervisor campaign manager. I’ve also explained to what is being done to overcome the crisis and what are the strategies we can do to improve the situation without making a big deal.

He took my advice and we’ve contacted to our client about the situation and one of the hardest thing I had to do as an intern was wait for their respond.  

Usually when a crisis comes, one of the things I’ve learned was that the quicker you overcome the crisis, try to avoid with rumors, and misapprehensions as quickly as possible, the better the reputation of the company will be and not all the audience will find out.

However, the campaign manager explained to me that even though we wish we could be super heroes to fix everything as quickly as possible, but also we have to be considerate of our client’s decision even though our job is to add the value and advice them to guide them so their brand reputation won’t be destroyed.

A week later, my supervisor and I received an email from the manager and thanked us for letting them know the situation. As a result, she has explained to us that before they signed with Socialite Media, they have already opened a Facebook account and tried to put the contents on their own, but when Socialite Media came about, they opened another one to do a fresh start; which was one of the mistakes they’ve made, because they imagined that the public would be confused on which Facebook page to follow.   

Furthermore, they have asked us to continue with the other Facebook page as if the other Facebook page is not there and suggested to add the link onto the other page to inform the public that they’ve opened another page and should follow the current one instead.

Blog References:  

• Socialmediainfluence. (Photographer). Social Media Crisis Response Plan [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://media-cache-ec2.pinimg.com/originals/25/74/25/257425ee40561559803d863080850f02.jpg

• Johnston, J., & Zawawi, C. (2009). Public relations: Theory and practice. (3rd ed., pp. 312-313). NSW 2065: National Library of Australia.

Socialite Media, New Chapter

Don’t get confused by the word Socialite. I don’t mean Socialite like “a person who is well known in fashionable society and is fond of social activities and entertainment” Socialite is a short-term word for an employer who works at Socialite Media is called a Socialite.

When I first arrived back in Australia from an amazing holiday, the countdown of finding the perfect job for PR 393 unit started in my head. I told myself that I have to organized myself, edit my resume, and hand out to companies I wanted to work at.  Everything I learned for the past three years of Public Relation Theories and Practices, I felt overwhelmed and asked myself whether I am ready for the real world.  

However, PR 393 unit is one of the best stepping stone for me to get a taste of what is like in the real job world. On January 25^th, 2013 I handed resumes at many companies I can think of. In the beginning, it was difficult to narrate down to what type of organizations I wanted to get myself into. Although, I didn’t want to be picky, so I was content with what company I ended up working for. All of a sudden, I got a call from Socialite Media.

Socialite Media is an implementation partner for organisations that wish to grow their social media presence.  Who says you need to manage your own online social media? It’s challenging enough executing a standard business strategy, let alone hourly tweets and daily Facebook updates. In fact, on average, Socialite Media spend 8 hours a week maintaining their social media presence irrespective of a strategy that actually generates results. Even though this organisation is not a PR Firm, Socialite Media is Australia’s leading company in social media solutions. They provide a holistic social media solution for any organisation.  

When I received my first interview call from one of the campaign manager, Julian Amistad, the first eerie question he asked me was “How social media addict are you?”

“I am a bit of a social media addict, but I love to go outside for fresh air”- my first response initial response of an interview question

Luckily Julian had a great sense of humour and asked me if I was interested in working for their organisation. It was difficult to contain my excitement, but I kept myself calm and responded on what day they would love me to start.  

We organised a face-to-face interview meeting and before I hung up, I told myself “This is a new beginning…”   

Before I walked into the office, I sat by a near café to look over my notes about the organisation and I brought one of my favourite books to read which was by Anthony Robbins “Awaken the Giant Within” (shown  photo above).

For those who don’t know who Anthony Robbins or known as “Tony” Robbins is an American self- help author and motivational speaker. He became well known through his infomercials and self-help books and he has travelled around the globe helping individuals with financial and personal decision of how we perceive by using NLP (neurolinguistics programming). 

He has been an inspiration and taught me that “know that it’s your decision, and not your conditions, that determine your destiny”(Tony Robbins). I took his word, looked at the time, got up, and head to Socialite Media and knew the decision I’ve made to get this far is the beginning of the new chapter. 

I wish everyone the best luck of their internship and if anyone is still looking for internship, please DON’T GIVE UP! =)

 

Blog References:  

• (2010). Socialite Media [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://a2.mzstatic.com/us/r1000/050/Purple/1b/a7/2e/mzl.ybjmkzrl.png

• Diago Franco, E. (Photographer). (2013, January 29). Getting ready for an interview. A couple of wisdom and positivity in my mind. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://instagram.com/p/U47CKrpmrz/