Happy Holidays!

Hoping your holidays don't need crisis management and that all the positive publicity you get is above the fold!

Continuous Panic Mode Won't Do Anyone Any Good

Some marketing people operate in continuous “panic mode.” They don't plan well, store data efficiently, know where to find what they need when it's needed, or prepare to meet a deadline unless it's right on top of them.

While they may like to operate that way, their approach can undermine the effectiveness and morale of those who work with them or for them.

There's a sign that proclaims “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.” But how do you meet the deadlines, save the business and maintain your sanity if your client or boss operates in panic mode?

You can try to retrain the offending party. Good luck.

You can fool the offending party by setting a pre-deadline deadline. But this only works if you are in charge of setting the deadlines.

You can try to get out in front of the offending party by anticipating needs (which is not always impossible).

Or you can simply refuse to take part in the madness. You'll probably lose the business if the offending party is a client. Or your job if the offending party is your boss.

If you are the offending party, try to get a grip.

Anyone can change, so work on it. And while you're trying, admit to those who work with you that you know you're stressing them out and are trying to change. Ask them to help you change.

If you're simply overwhelmed and pushed by other factors into continuous last-minute panics, you need to rethink why you're staying in a job that puts you there.

Effective PR pros think strategically, plan ahead and meet deadlines. Constant deadlines.

And the smart ones know how to manage that so that they don't make themselves and others crazy and resentful.

Life Gets In The Way

Sometimes life gets in the way of business. As PR pros, our brains are continuously engaged in strategizing and decision-making. We respond to many masters from clients to the media. Our world is fast-paced and demanding.

It's not often that we're forced to stop. But we stopped last week when a beloved member of our agency died unexpectedly.

Oh, the work didn't stop necessarily. But we all paused and reflected upon his life and ours. Our brains went on autopilot. We still achieved our goals and tracked editorial coverage we had worked hard to secure.

But while our brains were engaged, our hearts were not in it. The energy and laughter we bring to our work — the elements that make it fun to do our jobs — were suddenly subdued.

Sometimes life gets in the way of business.