QUOTE OF THE DAY "Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer COVID-19 UPDATE At the time of reporting, The New York Times reported 1,354,356 cases in the U.S. and 80,684 deaths. Bing’s COVID-19 Tracker reported 1,380,235 cases and 81,634 fatalities. Across the country, the number of cases is on a gradually declining plateau rather than the sharp decline for which some experts had hoped. Anthony Fauci delivered a sharp warning to Congress on Tuesday over “needless suffering and death” if the economy is reopened too quickly. An unreleased White House report shows that COVID-19 cases are spiking in rural heartland communities. The numbers contradict President Trump’s claims that cases are on the decline all across the country. Markets were up Tuesday but experts at Goldman Sachs warn that sentiment is likely to dip again, perhaps to the tune of 18% in the next three months.
PepsiCo shows the power of CSR and purpose messaging. The company worked with actor John Krasinski and his internet program “Some Good News” to help aid the restaurant industry. Here’s how you should think about building trust and goodwill with your stakeholders during this crisis—and what you can learn from PepsiCo’s media relations strategy.
Make sure your social media policy fits the moment. Are your employees and brand managers empowered to engage and boost important messages online? Check out this infographic to see what belongs in your social media crisis plan. Free How-To Session: Due to popular demand, Happeo has decided to host another how-to session on "how to digital workplace". On May 20, digital workplace experts Britney Schulz and Meg Rivers will discuss practical use cases on: How to build and maintain a high-performing remote culture with G Suite How to connect G Suite apps into a unified digital workspace in a few hours How to create a collaborative workspace in G Suite The session is limited to 20 attendees. To save your spot, please RSVP here. Don’t wait to get to the bottom of HR issues. Here are some tips for how you can manage an investigation into misconduct or inappropriate behavior over a remote connection. Experts say that communications is an essential piece of the framework that helps prevent misconduct during these difficult times. Using the “right” channel is a key factor for COVID-19 comms. In new research from Orangefiery, U.S. employees said that messages they received from their employer on the right/appropriate channel were much more likely to be satisfying and trustworthy. Here’s how channel selection affects your message:
Image courtesy of Orangefiery. Virtual experiences need to be demystified for users. Here’s how one marketer says you should be thinking about promoting digital offerings like telemedicine. Whether you work in health care or are trying to pivot in another industry vertical, the tips provide important insight on consumers frame of mind. Follow these tips for home video production during COVID-19. With content creators around the world now producing videos from their homes, there’s a new opportunity for your message to make an impact without a lot of fancy equipment. Here are some tips from Ragan Consulting Group’s video experts. Tyson is offering another round of incentives for truck drivers. The meat supplier is giving out another $500 in bonuses, bringing the total some drivers will have received to $1,000. The move contrasts with some organizations that have reduced or halted “hazard pay” or other extra financial rewards. Business Insider reported: The spokesperson from Tyson said that drivers who have to miss work due to illness or childcare will still qualify for the bonus, but they may not be eligible if they do not meet attendance standards. Don’t bury the benefit on your marketing message. Experts say that it’s tacky to lead with your COVID-19 message if you are trying to make a sale. Instead, lead with benefits and speak to new needs consumers face around the world. Here’s a list of important rules to follow. Tesla’s Elon Musk uses Twitter to fight back on reopening manufacturing plant. Despite regulations that say the factory should remain closed, Tesla is restarting with its billionaire CEO pushing his agenda on his Twitter channel. CNN reported: The decision follows the executive's sharp Twitter outbursts in recent weeks objecting to state lockdown orders meant to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. In a tweet on Monday, Musk said he would be at the factory, "on the line with everyone else." "If anyone is arrested, he tweeted, "I ask that it only be me." Stake ‘n Shake addresses uncertainty as it closes 57 locations. The chain’s holding company said in its Q1 statement that disruption from the pandemic could not be fully assessed at this time. As audiences look for information about your organization’s future, be clear about what you do and don’t know. RTV6 Indianapolis reported: "The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our operations and financial results," the report said. "The COVID-19 pandemic could cause disruptions to our supply chain. Moreover, we cannot predict how the outbreak of COVID-19 will alter the future demand of our products." Virtual Conference Alert Join us for PR Daily’s Media Relations and Measurement Virtual Conference May 14–15. Learn from experts who are transforming their pitches and media relations efforts, as well as their measurement strategies, to meet the challenges presented by the health crisis. Join our Crisis Leadership Board Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board is the resource you need before, during and post-crisis. As a Board member, you have access to all back issues of this newsletter—as well as research, data, case studies, checklists, tip sheets, articles and other resources—plus a peer-to-peer discussion board and an all-access pass to the annual Crisis Management Conference. Sponsorship/Advertising Opportunities Contact Hannah Lavelle at HannahL@ragan.com with sponsorship and advertising inquiries. Pitch Us Have a great story to share about crisis communication or your own take on current best practices? Contact Editor Ted Kitterman at TedK@ragan.com. Sign Up Subscribe to Ragan’s Crisis Daily newsletter today. | 