Crises can come out of nowhere and can happen to any client. And you can bet people are going to be blogging and tweeting about it—perhaps before you even get to tell the story. Most companies and public relations firms have crisis communications plans that they immediately implement when these unexpected situations arise. With the ever-so-popular social media networks that have emerged, companies and public relations professionals alike must rethink how to handle crisis communications on the blogosphere. I read a great article this week on PRSA.org by Gerald Baron and Dr. John “Pat” Philbin, APR, titled Social media in crisis communication:  Start with a drill.

According to the article, there are three key elements essential to any crisis communications response: policies, plans and people.

• Policy – Social media should be seen as an arena for conversation rather than merely a channel for directing messages. There is only one decision to make regarding social media–and that is whether you choose to participate in the conversation or let it go on without you. 
• Planning – Know what social media is, consider your options and know what kind of impact each of these may have on your organization. Crisis communications planning today must incorporate monitoring, active engagement with relevant sites and the use of emerging forms of social media.
• People – Are the people who will respond on behalf of your organization conversant with social media? Do they understand the social media culture? Are they capable of engaging in a way consistent with the values and priorities of that culture?

Crisis communications planning can be difficult to implement if the crisis has yet to happen. Most companies and public relations firms have drills to replicate a disaster or situation to ensure they cover all bases for any unexpected situations that may come up. At Mitchell Communications Group, we strive to provide our clients with results, and one way we do this is engaging social media as a communication channel to build relationships. 

Click here to read the entire story on PRSA.org.

The world is full of leaders, historically mostly men, but according to the Center for Women’s Business, today more than 50 percent of the privately owned firms in the country are owned by women. Mitchell Communications Group is headed up by one of those dynamic and entrepreneurial women. This month Elise was named one of AY Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Arkansas. Her accolades and accomplishments are a direct reflection of her exceptional leadership skills. Each day I watch Elise in action and take note of the expertise and attributes that are essential to any successful business leader.

• Poise – No matter the problem, leaders must be poised and level-headed, ready to take action and make the necessary decisions to solve a problem.
• Influence – Influential leaders’ opinions are valued and sought after. Their decision-making skills and intuitive ideas are honored throughout their business community.
• Encouragement – Offering encouragement to employees and coworkers is essential; more encouragement equals harder workers, which in return produce better outcomes.
• Strategic thinking – Successful leaders are creative and are continually thinking “outside the box.” Good leaders do not settle for generic but strive to be insightful.

Working for a great business leader like Elise inspires everyone at MCG to work hard and achieve outstanding results for our clients. I continually learn from the great leaders (women and men) around me and strive to put their best practices to work.

As a May 2008 college graduate, I jumped into the public relations industry head first, beginning my job at Mitchell Communications Group two weeks after graduation. The transition from the classroom to the office was a memorable experience, full of anticipation and plenty of surprises.

Here are a few of the many things I’ve learned in my past nine months at MCG:

• The results of a job well done in a professional environment are much more rewarding than a red “A” inked on a piece of paper.
• Public relations practitioners are lifelong learners that delve into a variety of topics. Where else can you become knowledgeable about American art and aluminum die casting in the same day?
• Exceptional writing skills are crucial in business.
• Any communications solutions we give our clients must be backed by extensive research and defended through proven expertise.
• Media relations cannot be learned in the classroom.
• Facebook and Twitter aren’t just fun – they’re useful, too (this is great news to all young professionals).

Props to my college professor for preparing me and my classmates for the real world, however, there’s nothing like on-the-job training.

The other day while attending NWA Social media club we discussed several very interesting topics, Twitter, Facebook, blogging and how they interact with business.  Elise just contributed to an UpClose column of The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal and so I thought I’d share.  I’d also be interested in hearing from you on how this media impacts your business and if you participate in the social aspect of this medium? Looking forward to the conversation.