Yes, I too have been getting a host of COVID-19 messages from businesses, vendors, banking institutions and even clubs and restaurants.  And while some may be tired of this onslaught, I can tell you in times of crisis and uncertainty we need more communication not less.

You’re a part of our extended family, and we share your concerns. While the immediate risk of exposure is low, confusion and distress dominate the news cycles.

You might think, as a CEO of a national PR Agency, that I would tell people to slow down on the continuous communication of the issue.  But I am no ordinary CEO and my agency is no ordinary agency. As Anti-PR Strategist of JOTO PR Disruptors, I am telling you that more communication, not less, is what is needed. 

With that advice, comes a warning.  Fear, uncertainty and doubt is not the message you should be sending nor contribute to in any way. Times like these calls for leaders to step up to the plate and proactively and consistently create an environment of trust.

If you have information to help, speak up—speak out

Distrust across the board is up among the public. In 2018 the Edelman Trust Barometer reported that over 70% of the 28 countries surveyed are classified as “distrusters,” meaning that under 50% of the public trust our mainstream institutions to do what is right. And the US is enduring the worst collapse ever recorded in the history of the Edelman Trust Barometer.

However, the voices across the business spectrum that are considered credible by the public are health & technical experts, financial industry analysts and successful entrepreneurs. The mounting expectations for voices of authority are CEOs—specially to lead. Sixty-four percent agree that CEOs should take the lead on change.

If you and your company are helping work toward resolving this crisis, the media is hungry for your story. Talk to us. 888-919-4034

We are being deluged daily with media calls and emails with requests for expert business leader sources regarding COVID-19—requests for health, financial and tech experts to speak on issues and advice: workforce, security and supply chain leaders… to every facet of business you can imagine.  We are helping and you too can help spread the right messages to the right audiences.  

Best Practices for Bolstering Confidence

In addition, the Anti-PR pros here at JoTo PR put together some best practices for bolstering your employees’ and clients’ confidence in you, addressing their concerns, and squashing misinformation.

  • Take charge of the situation – You can begin assuring your clients and employees with prepared internal and external communications that detail the precautions you’re taking to ensure the health and safety of all concerned. You should be proactive—not reactive.
  • Assign a point person or team – Keep information organized and manageable by centralizing it. Provide your employees, clientele, business partners, vendors, etc. with a specific contact for their questions and concerns. If you’re experiencing a high volume of calls, you may want to establish a hotline and a special email address.
  • Keep calm – always communicate in a calm, confident and consistent manner. Keep your information controlled through regularly updated “talk sheets”, especially for those employees in direct contact with customers. Panic is more contagious than even the most aggressive virus. Always stick to the facts, be reassuring, and avoid sensationalized language.
  • Share information – if you believe your company possesses knowledge or resources that could be helpful, contact the proper government authorities. Your active involvement can serve as a positive example in your industry.

In short, encourage: (1) frequent, proper hand washing, (2) respiratory etiquette (sneeze/cough into tissue or elbow, not hand; properly dispose of tissues/wash hands), (3) staying home when sick, and (4) workplace cleanliness.

Need help in establishing a remote workforce? 

I pioneered this in 2015 and have grown our now virtual agency through being able to hire the best talent from around the nation and even other parts of the world.  We have essentially replaced brick and mortar with virtual systems and processes that keep our employees productive and engaged.  I am happy to tell you what I have learned and how we did it—just reach out.

JOTO PR is constantly monitoring the situation and is here to help you navigate the days ahead to ensure you retain and even strengthen your reputation.

And again, if you and your company are helping work toward resolving this crisis, the media is hungry for your story. Talk to us. 888-919-4034  

All the best,

Karla Jo

Karla Jo Helms
Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist (BIO
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JoTo PR Disruptors
DISRUPTION | EXPOSURE | INFLUENCE