Social Media and Business Continuity

More organizations today are recognizing the benefits of using social media as part of their business continuity strategy. Have you considered using this tool? If so, have you determined what your internal & external communications needs are and a strategy for using the many social networking tools out there? That is the focus of this issue... they shed light of social media and may answer questions you have been wanting to ask.

There are areas of business continuity planning that would certainly be enhanced by applying social media. (Item #1) Social media guidelines are a means to mitigate threats and embrace the opportunities presented by social media. (Item #2) Social media is not going away... we might as well put it to good use. (Item #3)

Social media are most valuable during times of crisis, giving BC planners the opportunity to help educate and lead the deployment of tools such as Twitter in the enterprise. (Item #4) Expert offers tips on assessing your use of social media and creating a strategy. (Item #5) Social media can be an important HR tool. (Item #6) 

Communicating in a Crisis

Communicating in a Crisis


Crises are tricky situations and your crisis communication plan is the best way to navigate a crisis. We have all seen good and bad examples of crisis communication in recent years and can learn from them. We also can learn from these articles covering everything from making the plan to training employees to dealing with the media.

When crisis strikes, remember these seven rules. (Item #1) A well-trained employee will know not to answer any questions posed by the press regarding a crisis unless they have been titled as a spokesperson for that crisis. (Item #2) Releasing important information before it has fully been assessed can come back to bite you. (Item #3)

FEMA provides direction for developing a crisis communications plan. (Item #4) This article goes through all the particulars of how crisis communications plans work. (Item #5) Here are the 12 major principles of crisis communications. (Item #6)

Facility Management

Facilities managers, who usually are responsible for the everyday operations, maintenance and security of the buildings and staff of the company, are tasked with monumental responsibility. Often, this responsibility is added to the other responsibilities of the manager. Whether you have a full or part-time facility manager, this issue can provide him or her with some good ideas and tips.

By involving facility management in the BC planning process, BC professionals can strengthen their programs. (Item #1) Here is the inside scoop on how property professionals have prepared—and learned from—some of the biggest events. (Item#2) Facilities can be the department that identifies and prepares organizations for potential disasters. (Item #3)

Do you know the potential hazards in your facility? (Item #4) The ECT system can help you implement a risk management system. (Item #5) This preparedness planning guide is directed to facility managers and administrators. (Item #6)

Reputation Management

In recent years, occupants of the C-suite are clearly focused on the reputation of their organizations. If your reputation is damaged, your company could be as well... investors won't invest; the most qualified applicants will pass you by; your position among the competition erodes, your top employees could desert you, and you could use customers, members, and other stakeholders. If you haven't been paying close attention to your organization's reputation, this week's articles could guide you on the road to reputation management.

Don't put your good reputation back-of-mind as you deal with day-to-day demands. (Item #1) Managing your organizational reputation online should be a prime consideration. (Item #2) Are you familiar with the six new realities of corporate reputation? (Item #3)

Here is some background on reputation in the digital age plus some basic principles for organizations of all types looking to manage and grow their reputations today. (Item #4) Here are those critical steps to heed to avoid social media crises. (Item #5) Here are some of what's trending in corporate reputation. (Item #6)

Meetings & Events

For meeting and event planners, disruptions usually come as no surprise and many have planned on how to handle them. If you do not have a contingency plan for your meeting or event, it should be an action item on your list. This issue will help you pull things together, whether you are just beginning or updating your plan.

If you do not have a contingency plan for your meetings/events, you should put this at the top of your to-do list. (Item #1) Assessing and managing risk is the best way to begin. (Item #2) We can all learn about contingency plans from the insurance industry. (Item #3)

Here is some advice on various strategies to use if things go awry. (Item #4) Your venue should be just as invested in contingency planning as you are. (Item #5) These tips can help keep everyone safe and secure. (Item #6)