Makovsky
Monday, April 27, 2020A MODEL 90-DAY COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM
-During and In the Aftermath of the Crisis-
Unique and ongoing communications challenges raised by the COVID-19 crisis have left many companies on unsure footing with their stakeholders. The global scale and rapid onset of this “new normal” raises immediate questions about the effectiveness of continuity and disaster recovery plans, as well as how firms are responding to unforeseen business challenges and opportunities.
This program addresses actions to be taken in each of the first four weeks and months two and three.
WHY NOW?
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Firms that confidently communicate through difficult times tend to be the ones that are best remembered when the initial crisis recedes.
Throughout our 40-year history, Makovsky has helped companies navigate uncertain and volatile national and global events. We guide clients through uncertainties to create a platform that is flexible while being strategic and thoughtful in communications. The goal is to:
Our long-term experience and current client work concerning COVID-19 and federal funding provides the basis for our firm’s 90-day model communications program. |
90-DAY MODEL OUTLINE
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The Makovsky 90-day program is a model for how you can support your company during the COVID-19 crisis and initial aftermath.
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GOALS AND DELIVERABLES
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Short-term Goals:
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Long-term Goals:
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Deliverables
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STEPS TO DEVELOP THE 90-DAY COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
The following outlines an estimated schedule and for a 90-day period.
Weeks 1-2 – Triage:
- Virtual meeting with relevant company executives to understand near- and long-term communications challenges
- Identify spokesperson/people for media relations and/or public statements
- Prioritize immediate communication gaps and needs
- Prioritize and develop or redline messages holding statements on key issues on business continuity and corporate developments, such as:
- Essential services, wellness, health and other issues
- Retraction or increase in service/product delivery
- Workforce changes/new hires
- Charitable initiatives
- Analyst/financial markets
- Key services designed to support partners and stakeholders during crisis
- Identify core communications channels for program:
- Traditional media
- Social media
- Mainstream business press
- Targeted and relevant trade media
- Broadcast
- Establish reactive media protocols for COVID-19 and other related inquiries. This includes identifying the best spokesperson for each issue, and how to handle a potentially intrusive media inquiry
- Establish or update monitoring regime for media coverage/social media channels for related issues. This includes audience and sentiment analysis to determine the reach and tenor of engagement and coverage
Weeks 3-4: Continuing on
- Next round of positive messaging to promote company’s role delivering to its key stakeholders (and if relevant, the community) through the crisis
- Thought-leadership and original content focused on:
- Resolving issues presented by crisis
- Analysis of factors presented by crisis within specific markets or verticals
- Pinpoint business continuity issues
- Identify and develop necessary proactive communications:
- Press releases/media statements
- Internal communications
- Relevant digital copy
- Engage on digital channels
- Corporate website
- Emerging virtual forums
Months Two and Three: Continued Visibility and Preparing for Aftermath
Continuously refine and revise messaging in accordance with developments in news and business
- Maintain ongoing monitoring of media and digital channels
- Execute on proactive communications strategy as needed
- Reactive media relations concerning any emerging inquiries or issues
- Identify opportunities for company to be positively featured post-crisis
To read more about the Makovsky 90-Day Covid-19 Communications Program, visit our website at www.makovsky.com.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on this model program and providing counsel and assistance if needed.
Makovsky is an award-winning integrated communications firm headquartered in New York City with global reach through IPREX in 30 countries.