IDENTIFY YOUR TEAM(S)

• Create a task force of key decision makers who will be shaping the company's messaging and responses moving forward.

• Prioritize the most pressing issues and concerns.

• Diversify the team(s) so all departments, functions, perspectives, and audiences are represented.

• Add tiers and/or silos to manage differing types of information. Examples: sensitive, leadership, all staff, key partners, external

• Identify the roles and responsibilities for each team member and clarify accountability.

• Audit contact lists so the team is prepared to share the appropriate messaging with each target audience. Examples: stakeholders, constituents, community leaders, media.

​

IMPLEMENT YOUR CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS PLAN

• Conduct a thorough review of the company’s crisis communications plan with the task force.

• Update or adjust the plan to respond to the specific needs of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Supplement the plan with tools and resources from recognized experts. Examples: CDC, WHO, state and local government, trade associations, etc.

• Develop a system to receive, process, and manage potentially rapidly changing information and recommendations.

• Schedule frequent meetings to review updates, revise the plan, and respond to new needs and opportunities.

​

INFORM YOUR CLOSEST COMMUNITIES

• Send a personal outreach to all board members, senior staff, managers, and priority partners that articulates the company's plan of action and current capabilities.

• Distribute an audience-tailored e-newsletter to each contact group addressing their unique needs, prospective questions, and potential concerns.

• Update the company’s website to include thorough and timely information.

• Share insightful and informed resources on all social media platforms.

INITIATE EXTERNAL OUTREACHES

• Research recent coverage on all relevant topics, partners, people, and resources.

• Send timely information to media outlets that share the most informative content possible.

• Focus ad content on informational, situationally-aware, or empathetic content

• Prioritize digital marketing to reach audiences who are device-dependent for remote work and school.

• Create opportunities for connection: encourage e-new subscriptions, offer remote services, add online tools and resources to the website, etc.

​