The recent battle of claims and data between Elon Musk/Tesla and the New York Times showcases a unique crisis communications situation. What's the best way to handle a crisis of "he said-they said" before it spirals out of control?
At some point in their career, every communications professional needs to handle at least a few crisis situations on behalf of a client. All things being relative - whether it’s a disaster like the BP oil spill, a trolling commenter on your brand’s Facebook page, or an executive giving out embargoed information too early – the way you initially respond will set the tone for everything that follows. It’s all about being prepared to the best degree, and then maintaining as much control as possible.
But in some cases, keeping a loose grip on that control and relying on trusted advocates to speak on your behalf can be more effective than any prepared statement.
An example of this recently played out between Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk and the New York Times. When Musk went on the attack against a negative review of the company’s East Coast charging station, first via social media, then by blog, and eventually (perpetually?) even further, his response quickly incited a crisis spiral.... Read more
Tagged 'b2c marketers' 
Neither Shaken Nor Stirred, How Bond’s Brand Stayed True While Changing
We've been on a James Bond kick recently, and with Skyfall breaking the record for biggest Bond film opening weekend, it's worth discussing how the brand has evolved.
More than once in my relatively brief advertising career, I’ve heard the words “It should be sort of… sort of James Bond-ish.” or “You know Double-O seven s%@*, man.” The iconic character that became a brand has evolved into an adjective. And this is the greater truth. After almost 60 years of being in existence, the James Bond brand is one of the most easily recognizable and desired the world over.
Class. Style. Technologically-advanced elegance with an edge. Women love him and men want to be him. So why wouldn’t companies want to hitch a horse to Bond’s proverbial wagon?
In fact they have been doing so for decades. Bond has hawked everything. From cars to cell phones, and airlines to eyelash curlers, big brands have been picking up the tab for Bond films since the conception of product placement.
Still, the premier of the new Bond film “Skyfall” this past weekend will mark a seemingly momentous occasion. And NO, not because it’s the first time Bond has reached for a beer instead of his classic vodka martini (It’s not... Read more
