It never ceases to amaze me how many companies do not realise the importance of public relations and communicaitons until it's too late!
Reading the following article it was yet another clear case of the 'if onlys.'
If only they had built up strong relationships with their target audiences through good communications.
If only communications had been a part of their main business plan.
If only they had prepared a risk strategy.
Have a read and see what I mean:
http://www.moneymanagement.com.au/news/communication-the-key-to-rebuilding-trust?utm_source=20101116&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletters
The sooner companies realise the importance of bringing communications experts into the board room the better. This was a key theme discussed at the recent Public Relations Institute of Australia conference in Darwin and I couldn't agree more.
So often it's not until a crisis arises that companies then suddenly feel the urgent need to consider the benefits of having strong public relations and communications strategies integrated into their business plans.
PR and communications is not just about getting hits in the media, it's about business growth and development through a number of communications channels.
As this article points out, people are more forgiving if they feel valued and this stems from building strong relationships with them early on. By doing this and laying strong foundations in terms of relationships then, should a crisis arise, it will be much easier to recover.
A good PR Consultant will also have prepared a risk strategy plan in advance which will then come into play and have a much greater chance of success on the back of the strong communications strategies.
Good business is about good relations. If more companies were to make PR and communications part of their overall business strategy they would be amazed at the difference it can make.
