Here’s a hard truth: crises don’t book appointments. They just show up—uninvited, inconvenient, and ready to wreak havoc. Whether it’s a PR nightmare, a supply chain disaster, or something that sounds straight out of a dystopian movie (hello, global pandemics), your clients need to be ready. And no, “we’ll figure it out when it happens” is not a strategy. It’s wishful thinking.
So, how do you help your clients stay ahead of the storm? By building a crisis management plan that actually works. Not a pile of fancy words in a binder that collects dust, but a real, actionable roadmap they can turn to when everything’s going sideways.
Start with the basics: What could go wrong? Sit down and brainstorm every possible disaster scenario—even the ones that feel unlikely or uncomfortable. (Because let’s face it, those are the ones that tend to catch people off guard.) Then ask, What’s the worst that could happen? That’s the starting point for figuring out how to respond.
Once you’ve mapped out the risks, get specific. Who’s in charge of what? How will they communicate it? What’s the backup plan if the first one fails? Think of this as your clients’ playbook for staying calm while everyone else is running around in a panic.
Oh, and one more thing: test it. Seriously, run through a few “what if” drills. (Yes, it’ll feel awkward at first, but that’s better than fumbling in real life.) The goal isn’t perfection—it’s confidence. When your clients know they’ve got a plan, they’ll be less likely to freeze when disaster strikes.
A solid crisis management plan isn’t just about survival; it’s about showing up stronger. For their customers. For their employees. For their reputation. Because when the dust settles, people remember who handled the chaos like a pro—and who didn’t. So, do your clients a favor and help them get ahead of the game. Their future selves will thank you.