BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

Each week, Bulletproof Blog features exclusive interviews with thought leaders on issues of critical importance to companies and countries. This week, on the heels of the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Loss Prevention Conference and EXPO, we interview Ellen Davis, NRF Vice President of Industry Public Relations. During her tenure at NRF, Ms. Davis has been responsible for evaluating NRF positions on a variety of retail topics including e-commerce, consumer spending, the economy, and loss prevention. A ... READ MORE

Since my article for Forbes.com was posted yesterday, debate over whether South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford should resign has grown and festered, confirming our view that he accomplished nothing in his press conference except to fan the gathering flames. No such debate has raged over the suitability of Nevada Senator John Ensign remaining in office, nor is it likely to. Meanwhile, Michael Jackson's tragic death may have eclipsed the story, but the damage to Governor ... READ MORE

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the National Retail Federation's Loss Prevention Conference in Los Angeles - and if one point was driven home for me more than any other, it's that retailers operate in an almost perpetual state of crisis. During my session with NRF Communications Vice President Ellen Davis, and in the conversations I had with conference participants throughout the week, I was reminded of the kinds of challenges that businesses ... READ MORE

This morning on CBS' Early Show, I was asked to discuss the political future of John Edwards - an intriguing concept, no doubt, for people who may assume that, with respect to this particular politician, "political future" is a contradiction in terms. But if we've learned anything about politics in America, it's that anything is possible. There are at least three fundamental steps Edwards must now take on the road to political recovery (at whatever level ... READ MORE

If you are one of the 60 percent of Twitter users who have deserted their accounts after a month, it's time to reconsider your participation. The world's third most popular social networking site has relevance for all consumer companies. Ignoring what is being said about your brand in this space is no longer an option - just ask Domino's, KFC and AT&T. Right now customers, vendors, employees and the media are discussing your brand. Following their ... READ MORE

Today, AT&T responded to current subscribers angered by its decision to not subsidize an upgrade to the new iPhone 3G S for every current iPhone owner. Bulletproof readers will recall we first addressed this issue last week as the crisis appeared to be spiraling out of control absent any messaging from AT&T.  The company has since announced that any customer eligible for the full subsidy within the next three months can immediately upgrade at a ... READ MORE

The FDA is at it again. The latest product to fall victim to the newly-energized agency is Zicam, an over-the-counter cold and allergy product that some users claim has damaged their sense of smell. Unlike prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies like Zicam don't require FDA approval before they go on the market. But since 2007, companies have been required to report what are called "adverse events" related to their products. After the agency spotted the Zicam complaints ... READ MORE

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently found itself in the middle of a very unpleasant communications situation. Its approach to dealing with the problem has left a lot to be desired. When reports first surfaced that an unknown number of patients had been put at risk because colonoscopy equipment at VA hospitals had not been properly sterilized between examinations, thousand of patients wondered whether they might be among the unlucky few to have been exposed ... READ MORE

Gene Grabowski, Senior Vice President of the Crisis and Litigation Practice Group, spoke with The National Retail Federation's (NRF) Ellen Davis about crisis preparedness in advance of his session at the association's conference this week. Gene offers advice on how to develop a sound crisis plan, handling the media, communicating with key audiences, dealing with media inquiries, and adapting to the changing social media environment. "The key to an effective crisis response is being ready to ... READ MORE

Each week, Bulletproof Blog features exclusive interviews with thought leaders on issues of critical importance to companies and countries. This week - fresh on the heels of the NACD Directorship Global Forum and with high-profile proxy and bankruptcy battles making headlines - we interview Francis Byrd of The Altman Group, the fastest growing proxy firm in the United States. Mr. Byrd is Managing Director and Co-Leader for the Corporate Governance Advisory Practice. In this capacity, he ... READ MORE