Happy #FunFriday everyone!
When you think of crises, what comes to mind? An errant tweet? A product recall? How about… a rat-infested pop-up store or a rogue piece of candy causing an international incident? Welcome to the lighter, albeit no less challenging, side of crisis management.
We often think of crises as grave and consequential, but sometimes, the universe has a sense of humor. These unusual incidents can catch even the most seasoned professional off guard, reminding us that in the PR world, we should always “expect the unexpected”.
Let’s start with the case of a popular fashion brand that launched a pop-up store in the heart of New York City, only to have it invaded by a swarm of rats overnight. Cue the panic, and the PR team’s scramble to turn a potential disaster into a unique branding moment, successfully spinning the story as an “urban experience”.
Or consider the instance when a candy company had to do some quick footwork when a prominent world leader choked on one of their candies during a high-stakes negotiation. The incident, broadcasted worldwide, could have been a PR nightmare, but the company handled it with grace and humor, even sending a care package to the leader with a note: “For smoother negotiations”.
These stories highlight the fact that crises come in all shapes and sizes, and some of them can be downright strange. As PR professionals, our job isn’t just to manage these crises, but to look for the silver lining and even the occasional chuckle.
These oddball PR crises remind us of the importance of adaptability, creativity, and a good sense of humor in our profession. They serve as a testament to the unpredictable and dynamic nature of public relations – a field where you never quite know what’s around the corner.
So, as we head into the weekend, let’s carry the spirit of #FunFridays into our work, embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the journey, even when it takes us down some truly strange paths. Here’s to the lighter side of crisis management!