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SM& EVP ASHLEY MCCOWN COMMENTS IN PR WEEK ON STRATEGIC PREPARATION FOR CORPORATE LEAKS
January 2007
Sometimes the greatest threat comes from within. How does an organization respond effectively to a leak and not allow it to impact an important announcement or derail an organization entirely?
In PR Week's January 29 issue, Solomon McCown Executive Vice President Ashley McCown comments on what businesses and organizations can do. First, companies should operate on the assumption that a leak can occur at any time, so plan for it. "Always have a leak strategy.Most leaks can and should be prepared for in advance. [Statements and documents] can be tailored based on what actually occurs so you avoid the mad scramble."
McCown counseled that a company should never attempt to cover up the leak or ignore media calls. "[Reporters] will write their story no matter what," she notes. "Always be part of the dialogue."
Technology also adds new strategic avenues. "Information lives on the Web forever and can have a domino effect," McCown said. "Have an online strategy and a [plan] for blogs. Blogs are an effective way to influence when there's a leak. It's quick."
