our services
Crisis Communications
Build Trust Before Crisis Hits.
The first 24-48 hours are the most critical when a company crisis hits, and that window is shortening even more due to AI and social algorithms. Planning ahead is essential. When you’re in the thick of a crisis, things are heated, emotional, and moving fast. Without a plan, a domino effect begins:
Decision Paralysis
There’s an overwhelming amount of high-stakes decisions to make under pressure.
The Information Gap
The risk of employees leaking sensitive info before leadership has addressed the team is high.
Loss of Narrative Control
Media are already covering the story while you’re still trying to figure out what happened.
The “Always-On” Risk
Social media velocity means news breaks in minutes, not days, leaving you constantly playing catch-up.
Perception of Apathy
Silence is not golden. Failing to address the situation is often interpreted as a lack of care, damaging long-term brand equity.
Upcoming Organizational Changes
High-risk shifts (like layoffs or leadership changes) pose a threat to your reputation if not managed tightly.
READY TO FIND CALM IN THE CHAOS?
Crisis can happen in any organization.
We partner with you to mitigate the “if” and plan for the “when” so you can get ahead of the story and protect your reputation.
CHROs & HR Leaders
Protect the business and maintain employee psychological safety.
Business Owners & Public Figures
Execute high-level reputation management to safeguard your legacy.
Leadership Teams
Streamline the decision tree to move from panic to precision.
Public Relations Teams
Take control of the narrative and respond to media the right way, every time.
Who Do You Call First When a Negative Story Hits?
You want the answer before the pressure’s on. KVA’s team of senior experts has been through the intensity and the chaos. We prepare you with a comprehensive crisis communications plan for mitigating blowups and with a playbook for handling a crisis through rapid information gathering, decisive action, and clear communication.
Strategic
Framework
Our approach ensures that when the storm arrives, you have the infrastructure to weather it.
A “Ready-to-Go”
Response Timeline
Eliminate guesswork in the first 48 hours.
Scenario Identification
& Planning
Pre-identify risks and build mission-critical checklists for any situation.
Stakeholder
Alignment
Create a unified communications plan for both internal employees and external media.
Detection
& Tracking
Implement the tools to detect early signs of crisis and track media coverage in real-time.
Defined
Decision Trees
Establish clear roles and responsibilities so everyone knows their part.
Strategic
Messaging
Build high-level frameworks that ensure the company stands for its values, even under fire.
On-Call
PR Extension
We act as a seamless extension of your team to manage media inquiries and escalating organic social conversation.
In a crisis, there is the issue itself, and then there is the communication. Often, how and when you speak dictates whether a moment becomes a temporary hurdle or a long-term reputational disaster.
Get ahead of a crisis before it gets ahead of you.
Crisis
preparation
Active crisis
management
Messaging
and positioning
Scenario
planning
Media training and
speaker coaching
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCES
TO HELP YOUR TEAM
Download Crisis Resources (Before You Need Them)
Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. Snag our most-downloaded crisis communications resources now.
RISK ASSESSMENT
This risk assessment is based on a framework recommended by PRSA to consider the facts and projected magnitude of a potential or active crisis.
SAMPLE CHECKLIST
This sample crisis checklist can help small businesses evaluate the impact of negative coverage in media or social media.
Book a Crisis Workshop
WANT A PREPARED TEAM?
Book Kelly Voelker, CEO, to speak to your communications, HR, or leadership teams virtually or on-site. You’ll get real, actionable steps for handling and preventing crisis situations in your business.
The KVA Approach to Crisis Communications
KVA brings a calm, experienced approach to issue and crisis management, whether you’re already in a crisis, preparing to manage an issue, or trying to prevent one. We assure clients there are STEPS you can take before a crisis to prepare, or prevent one altogether.
STEPS
Communications Made Simple means processes that make the work feel easier for our clients. Our typical approach to establishing your crisis communications strategy cover these steps:
-
SCENARIO PLAN
Identify greatest risks through scenario planning.
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TEAM
Build your bench of experts.
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EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
Put tools in place to prevent or minimize crisis situations.
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PROCESS
Create easy checklists for crisis situations.
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STRATEGIC RESPONSE
Develop a strategic response that builds trust.
Don’t let the story get told for you. Let KVA’s experts bring calm to the chaos.
CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS INSIGHTS
Check out our Insights on Crisis Communications
13000 S. Tryon Street
Suite F-138
Charlotte, NC 28278
704-769-5537
connect@kellyvoelker.com
