It’s not uncommon for smallish institutions to have just one or two people handling all of their #PR needs and not uncommon for these people to be somewhat junior.
Many years ago, I was a newbie PR Director at @The New-York Historical Society, a wonderful museum of early 19th c. art and history, where our usual concerns were getting press on things like Tiffany lamps or the Constitution. Then, unexpectedly (to me at least), crisis struck.
I was so not prepared for the intense media attention, especially in the NY Times, as we battled headlines of Raiding Endowment! Damaged Art! and Budget Crisis! These were pre-digital days, so clips were kept in a large black portfolio inside a flat box I labeled “Not a Pizza.” You had to have a sense of humor.
One night I got a call from CBS News anchor Dan Rather. I froze. Then felt compelled to talk to him. I acquitted myself well enough and did no further damage, but it could have gone another way.
In time, the N-YHS turned itself around and is now one of NYC’s greatest cultural gems.
Life lesson: Take big league problems in stride even if you’re batting for the minors. Importantly, prepare!
Want to know more about #crisiscommunications? Message me for a free 30-minute consultation.