BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

China's initiation of a three-day national mourning period for victims of last week's earthquake embodies the grief of a nation in a manner that is both respectful and poignant. Of particular import to communications professionals, the observance also shows that China has grown to understand the political and social value of showing a more human face to the rest of the world. Because China enabled global news coverage of the tragic events surrounding the earthquake, people on ... READ MORE

In an increasingly global marketplace, cooperation is as important as competition. That's one big reason why Visa is wisely launching an advertising campaign that focuses on the international feeling of goodwill generated by this summer's Olympic Games in China. Sharing the tagline, "Go World," the TV, print, and online campaign unveiled earlier this week stresses global harmony over the old paradigm of blind nationalistic competition so prevalent during the latter half of the 20th Century. Some critics of ... READ MORE

A recent New York Times story indicating that simple apologies are lowering legal costs and disposing of lawsuits in the realm of medical malpractice once again conjures images of the consummate crisis communications battle: PR guys on one side telling you to publicly repent; lawyers on the other side, demanding you stay mum, admit nothing, and say even less. As most professional crisis managers know by now, "no comment" is increasingly translated to mean "I'm guilty." It ... READ MORE

2007 has been dubbed the year of the recall. 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the recall response. The news that Wal-Mart will now require its suppliers of children's products to meet tough new safety standards that go beyond mere compliance with government regulations - which was reported in yesterday's Wall Street Journal by Joseph Pereira and Steve Stecklow - is just what the doctor ordered after a year in which more than ... READ MORE

By now, most people who follow marketing have heard how Yum Brands CEO David C. Novak stepped up to the microphones after the 2008 Kentucky Derby and spoke glowingly of the event and his company's famous brands - Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, Long John Silver's and A&W - while a stunned national television audience looked on. The grinning Novak seemed oblivious to the fact that second-place finisher Eight Belles had just been euthanized after breaking ... READ MORE

There's little doubt that China once viewed this summer's Olympiad as the ultimate opportunity to highlight considerable national progress on the world's grandest stage. Perhaps it still does. But as the torch made its tumultuous journey through Paris, San Francisco, and points beyond, it became readily apparent that many view China's political and economic progress as not nearly progressive enough. China isn't helping itself either. The latest picture? News photos of demonstration organizers lined up in front of ... READ MORE

Following a disastrous 2007, in which dozens of Chinese products ranging from pet food to toothpaste and from toys to tires were recalled in waves by U.S. manufacturers, this year is playing out to be even worse for the Beijing government and its global business partners. In the midst of its publicity woes involving Tibet and the Olympic Games, China is facing severe criticism for contamination of the active ingredient in the blood thinner Heparin, which ... READ MORE

The Sustainable Endowments Institute has issued its 2008 College Sustainability Report Card (PDF file)--and in the spirit of March Madness, we decided to take a look at which of the 65 NCAA Men's Tournament teams would have gone to San Antonio had energy efficiency, green buildings, and recycling been the deciding factors, rather than athletic prowess. Why? Because Duke University (PDF file), Stanford University (PDF file), the University System of California (PDF file), and the University ... READ MORE

When it comes to diversity initiatives within law firms, a recent study by Novations Group pinpoints several areas for improvement. Novations Vice President Fred Smith gave a succinct overview of the issue when he said, "The best diversity training has moved far beyond the one-dimensional, feel-good event and today needs to be held to the same rigorous standards as other corporate training. Anything less cheats participants, wastes resources and undermines diversity efforts." Smith is absolutely correct. No ... READ MORE

In late March, global investment banking analysis provider Dealogic released new data about sovereign wealth funds' investments in U.S. and European financial institutions. According to this data, investments by global sovereign funds hit a record-setting $48.5 billion in 2007, and already stood at $24.4 billion by the end of February 2008. Beyond the staggering numbers, there are a few other interesting information points. First, the announcement shows Singapore in the lead, with transactions accounting for 57% ... READ MORE