Crisis advantage: Turning tide with effective crisis management in Digital Age

Every success in business may conceal a potential crisis. The same can be said about the opposite, as critical moments often present opportunities to excel and enhance a company’s stature.

Renowned entrepreneur Warren Buffett considers reputation to be the true capital of a business, making its preservation a top priority—especially in the age of open communication and social channels. In this era, brands are increasingly vulnerable to crises, whether they are accidental or severe. Given the ever-changing global landscape that drives consumer behavior, such challenges are not only expected, but inevitable.

Crises can stem from a variety of sources, including financial, operational, and organizational issues, negative publicity, internal workplace conflicts, global technical failures, or natural disasters. Nevertheless, without proper management, the results remain one and the same: a tainted reputation that may hit the brand’s bottom line, lead to additional legal costs, and damage its customer loyalty.

This poses the question: how can a company maintain its standing in such an event? Effective crisis management extends beyond immediate response; it also involves prevention, forecasting, and meticulous planning. These are not impromptu emergency measures, nor should they be viewed as unnecessary spending. They are rather investments in a company’s resilience through a well-thought out, long-term 360 strategy, encompassing communication, engagement, and social responsibility.

To put this concept into perspective, it is akin to managing physical health. It begins before birth and continues throughout life. Regular examinations with healthcare professionals help identify vital signs and indicators of abnormalities, enabling the development of a plan for a safe, healthy future. Similarly, experts at corporate communication agencies and public relations consultancies play a crucial role in building a brand’s image long before a crisis emerges, building a solid foundation the company can lean on. The professionals’ invaluable know-how, reinforced by integrated tools, helps them provide real-time solutions and insights with appropriate targeted messages through trusted channels every step of the way.

In today’s digital age, the best defense is a good offense. Proactive preparation and swift response are more critical than ever. If not addressed quickly and effectively, the risk of escalating negative situations or opposing attitudes is heightened by the proliferation of information, the widespread presence of digital platforms, the rise of misinformation, and the distribution of unchecked fake
news.

A strategic leader in crisis management, Asda’a BCW for corporate communication and public relations relies on a comprehensive set of tools to identify, analyze, and monitor crises to safeguard its clients. This toolbox includes listening, identification, forecasting, and monitoring of real-time events, variables, behaviors, and trends, as well as media mentions and public sentiment.

By leveraging its extensive social and media networks, Asda’a BCW effectively tracks brand identifiers and employs specialized teams to resolve and contain crises. They provide a strategic roadmap for making informed decisions and restoring a positive narrative, supported by data to measure the effectiveness and impact of their actions. Moreover, Asda’a BCW designs campaigns that extend beyond timely reactions, media interactions, as well as internal and external communications. As part of the MENACOM group, it also provides integrated digital and traditional communication services.

As the Arabic saying goes, “leave it to the baker to make the bread.” In business, crises offer an opportunity for those who are prepared to seize it, and this can only be achieved alongside experts on the subject matter.

By: Ibrahim Tadros
Managing Director
Asda’a BCW for Corporate Communication and PR Consultancy