BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

Anyone who has witnessed organized labor movements or environmental demonstrations would find it hard to believe that companies and activist groups can actually get along from time to time.

But as NGO' s increasingly exert greater influence around the world, CEOs on the global stage are taking note and recognizing that sometimes the best way to neutralize an adversary - especially when that adversary is perceived to have right on its side - is not a fight, but rather to transform the adversary into an ally.

Whether sizing up the opposition or working to further a noble cause by establishing collaborative partnerships, businesses are demonstrating a better understanding of the power NGOs wield and taking appropriate steps to engage them before simple disagreements evolve into full-blown corporate crises.

"The Third Sector" is particularly deft with grassroots mobilization and media-savvy rhetoric - often times using those skills to damage a company' s reputation and bottom line. As, such businesses that think they can weather the storm should think twice - and work to forge executive-level bonds that nurture dialogue and common solutions. By doing so, companies head off potentially adversarial organizations before they can do much damage and often assume a leadership position on critical issues by publicizing newfound partnerships.

All around the world, NGOs are now a fact of life. As such, the companies they target must identify strategies to mitigate the damage they can do. They must follow the wise old adage that reminds us we catch more flies with honey than we do with vinegar.