Don’t be afraid to put your head above the parapet!
Posted by Tom O'Sullivan on May 20, 2009 in Industry comments, Public Relations with 0 Comments‘We’d like to keep our head down’ is a phrase I’ve heard more and more regularly over the last few months as the full impact of the recession is felt. Companies are nervous about talking about good news or investments because no one is sure what’s around the corner.
This absence of good economic news, and there is good news out there, means that people are faced with a relentless tide of grim economic depression.
There have always been companies who want to focus only on their work. They are successful, have good customers and clients. They are happier keeping their head below the parapet. However, companies in recent months have shown a marked move to keep all good news quiet.
First, there is reluctance among some companies to talk about their excellent performance while so many businesses and people are struggling. This attitude is often a reflection of the senior management of the company. These companies are not comfortable in the spotlight under normal circumstances and now try to avoid it like the plague.
However, the coverage that a company can gain with good news means that they are passing up excellent coverage opportunities. At the moment, there is a real appetite for good news among the general public and certain sections of the media. Companies that have good news now have a better chance of gaining coverage with it.
Secondly, companies are worried about the future. There is a fear that if they announce excellent results now, six-months down the line the situation could be dramatically changed. By keeping the head, they hope to avoid potential negative in the future at the cost of positive comment today.
There is a danger that this will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Unless companies are out there actively selling through every channel available, including the media, people aren't going to give them a second glance. By skipping the spotlight now, you miss a chance to reach a large number of potential customers. This will make it more difficult for you in six months time when the only news that people hear about you will be bad news.
Tom O'Sullivan 's work takes in strategic messaging and media training as well as event management and media relations. Tom is also interested in new technology of all kinds, especially new communications techniques.Find out more at Tom's Profile. Don't forget to subscribe if you'd like to hear more!
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