BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

From sports figures to politicians to corporate executives, it seems that everyone is apologizing for something these days. There are no secrets anymore. The speed with which information travels along countless channels in both the traditional and digital media spheres means that, if you're a public figure who's done something wrong, there's little chance that it will remain covered up for long. Thus, the apology has evolved into an art form. In order for a mea ... READ MORE

In this regular feature, Bulletproof interviews top plaintiffs' attorneys for their perspective on the crises likely to affect businesses in the near future. Today we talk to Mark Tanner, name partner at the Philadelphia-based Feldman, Shepherd, Wohlgelernt, Tanner, Weinstock & Dodig, a premier regional plaintiffs' firm that consistently wins multi-million dollar judgments in consumer, automotive, insurance, qui tam, and diverse other areas. What factors do you see affecting your practice in the coming months? Mark Tanner: It ... READ MORE

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reached more settlements in the first quarter of 2009 than it reached in the first or fourth quarters of 2008, respectively. According to a NERA Economic Consulting report, settlements jumped 16 percent between January and March 2009 alone. Under intense pressure amid the current financial crisis and high-profile scandals such as Bernie Maddoff's alleged ponzi scheme, the SEC is making it known that there is a new sheriff in ... READ MORE

Each Monday, Bulletproof Blog now features exclusive interviews with thought leaders on issues of critical importance to companies and countries. Today, with corporate reputation playing an increasingly significant role in risk management, we interview Raymond J. Alletto, Vice President for Risk Management with United Rentals. Mr. Alletto has more than 20 years of experience in risk management, serving as a risk management director for GTE Corporation, Purdue Pharma LP and Hubbell Incorporated prior to his work ... READ MORE

If a tidal wave hits a beach and there is nobody there to drown, did it really happen? Or does it only become known when the waters wash inland? Far fetched? Yes - but, in essence, that's exactly what happened earlier this week. For those who still don't believe in the power and potency of the blogs and social media after the Domino's Pizza incident of last week, we offer the following. On Monday, the news of ... READ MORE

This week, the largest gathering of risk managers in the world came together for the Risk Insurance Management Society's 2009 Conference and Exhibition. I had the opportunity to join fantastic thought leaders Ray Alletto and Jeff Lattmann for a lively and thought-provoking discussion of reputational risk management in the Digital Age. Having returned from the conference this morning, I thought I might share several of the insights discussed and provide a recap of what reputational risk management ... READ MORE

Each week Bulletproof Blog interviews top plaintiffs' attorneys for their perspective on the crises likely to affect businesses in the near future. In this issue, we talk to Bill Marler of the Seattle-based Marler Clark, LLP PS. He is the legal profession's best-known advocate for plaintiffs in food-related cases and a major force for food safety in the U.S. During his career, Mr. Marler has secured nearly $500 million for his clients. He publishes widely ... READ MORE

Each Monday, Bulletproof Blog now features exclusive interviews with thought leaders on issues of critical importance to companies and countries. This week, with professional athletes like Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, and Alex Rodriguez contributing to a steady stream of negative sports press, we interview Randy Cross, a former NFL star and current commentator on CBS Sports and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. During a 13-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, Mr. Cross won three Super Bowl Championships ... READ MORE

Some people never seem to learn, even if a painful lesson is taught over and over again. One such lesson is that transparency is a prerequisite for effective advocacy. The latest example was uncovered by the New Bedford Eagle-Tribune newspaper in Massachusetts. Among the many hundreds of letters to the editor the Eagle Tribune recently received, there were three that appeared to be from elderly people arguing for the preservation of the Medicare Advantage program - ... READ MORE

Johnson & Johnson's response to the Tylonel tampering case more than two decades ago set the standard for crisis response and taught companies to take swift action, running to the light, rather than from it. Following the Enron, WorldCom, and Tyco accounting scandals, Sarbanes-Oxley legislated transparency. And this week, with the Domino's viral video, we have arrived at yet another watershed moment. Once again, the cheese has moved and business as usual will no longer suffice. Companies ... READ MORE