How To Manage Sticky Situations In PR
Episode SummaryWelcome to the 300th episode of That Solo Life! 🎉 Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane reflect on their podcasting milestone before tackling a topic every PR professional can relate to – dealing with "sticky situations." From unscripted comments in interviews to inappropriate client behavior at events, Karen and Michelle share experiences, insights, and strategies to prepare for and manage these challenges with professionalism. They emphasize preparation, setting clear boundaries, and protecting your own reputation as a PR practitioner while navigating these tricky waters.
If you’ve faced a PR crisis or want to be fully equipped for when one arises, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable advice.
Episode Highlights- The Importance of Preparation
Why media training, briefing sheets, and understanding client boundaries are non-negotiable steps.
- Clients Behaving Badly
Memorable (and eyebrow-raising) examples of client mishaps during events or interviews, and lessons learned.
- When Damaging Information Emerges
What to do when unexpected or concerning information about your client surfaces.
- Protecting Yourself and Your Reputation
Tips on maintaining contracts, financial safeguards, and crisis plans for PR pros themselves.
- The Role of Ethical Responsibility
Navigating PR crises while adhering to ethical practices and maintaining professionalism.
Related Episodes and Additional Resources- Podcast - How to Communicate in a Crisis
- Podcast - The Joy and Pain of Clients New to PR
- Blog - How to Handle Tough Client Conversations
- Learn more about ethical PR practices with PRSA’s Code of Ethics.
- 00:18 - Celebrating 300 episodes
- 02:21 - Sticky situations with clients and what defines them
- 05:00 - Events gone wrong and handling inappropriate client behavior
- 08:42 - Unscripted comments during interviews and the importance of being present during media interactions
- 13:30 - Concerning or damaging information surfacing about a client
- 15:31 - Crisis communication plans for PR pros and self-protection strategies
That Solo Life is a podcast for public relations, communication and marketing professionals that work as independent and small hosted by Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane. Karen is the founder of Words For Hire, a PR agency that specializes in B2B, Technology and Healthcare, and the President of Solo PR, a community dedicated to independent practitioners in public relations, communications and related fields. Michelle Kane is the Principal of VoiceMatters, a company that offers PR, Communications Consulting, Editorial and Voiceover Services.
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