BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

Those aligned against high fructose corn syrup’s (HFCS) use in soft drinks and snacks thought they scored a major public relations coup last week, when Princeton University scientists announced they had found that HFCS causes higher rates of obesity in lab rats than equal caloric intakes of table sugar. Of course, that was before influential members of the scientific community began questioning the study’s validity – some of whom are themselves opposed to the use of ... READ MORE

As part of a continuing series of Bulletproof Blog™ video interviews with thought leaders across multiple disciplines and industry sectors, I recently sat down with Veta Richardson, Executive Director of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association (MCCA), to discuss how law firms can best articulate a commitment to diversity during tough economic times. Since taking the helm at MCCA, Ms. Richardson has made research and education the focus of MCCA’s advocacy efforts to ensure that one’s race/ethnicity, ... READ MORE

From Toyota and Tiger Woods to Governor Mark Sanford and Goldman Sachs, the litany of public apologies issued in the last year highlights the challenges awaiting companies and high-profile individuals that must make public amends for past missteps. It’s a tall order to fill under the toughest of circumstances; but those who successfully navigate this necessary first step in regaining credibility and public trust find that each successive hurdle is all the easier to clear. In ... READ MORE

Singing on stage with a long red wig, a bandana, a kilt, a leather jacket, and covered in tattoos is not where you’d expect to find an accomplished executive – and one of the world’s wealthiest men – such as Warren Buffett. But that’s precisely where he is in a new Web video produced by Geico, entitled “All For You.” The faux music video features Geico employees singing about the insurance company’s dedication to its ... READ MORE

A few weeks ago, a report issued by Diversity Scorecard revealed that the recent recession caused a startling decline in law firm diversity in 2009. As such, significant branding and reputational liabilities may be in the offing for firms whose commitment to hiring diverse individuals could be painted as anything less than stellar. When the economy no longer offers a plausible excuse, many firms may very well face the stark reality that the demands of ... READ MORE

In an unprecedented nod to the significant brand damage that negative public perceptions can inflict on even the most successful companies, investment banking giant Goldman Sachs has cited “adverse publicity” as an important “Risk Factor” in its 2010 Annual Report. While the move may not surprise some, especially given the recent criticism Goldman Sachs has endured on issues ranging from executive compensation to the degree to which it played a role in the global financial meltdown, ... READ MORE

This week, Apple Inc. took an aggressive step toward the courtroom when it filed a patent infringement lawsuit with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and U.S. District Court in Delaware against HTC, a Taiwanese manufacturer of Android smartphones, including Google’s Nexus One. Not surprisingly, the lawsuit made headlines – but for all the wrong reasons. Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ commentary on the matter has painted a contradictory picture of the company that prides itself on ... READ MORE

The results of a Zogby poll released yesterday show that despite mounting criticism of Toyota for its handling of auto recalls, most Americans still believe that the world’s largest car manufacturer is a safe bet. The survey, conducted between February 17th and 19th, found that 85 percent of Toyota owners “believe the brand is more or equally safe as other vehicles.” When the sample size is expanded to include non-Toyota owners as well, that majority ... READ MORE

The results of a Zogby poll released last week show that public confidence in corporations, big banks, and Wall Street remains even lower than the confidence currently reposed in big government. In a survey of 2,525 likely voters conducted in late January and early February, only 38 percent, 33 percent, and 31 percent of respondents reported high to moderate levels of confidence in corporations, national and regional banks, and Wall Street, respectively. To put those numbers ... READ MORE

The CNN tagline said it all – “Tiger Woods: Live and Scripted.” When the global golf phenomenon turned tabloid whipping boy addressed the media today for the first time since a late night car crash sparked explosive accusations of infidelity, there’s no denying that Tiger touched all the right bases. He took responsibility. He apologized profusely to everyone he’s hurt. He spoke of his time in therapy as “the first steps in the right direction.” He ... READ MORE