Crisis & Reputation Management

Stanton has a full crisis communications capability that has helped many clients successfully contain crisis situations, manage associated media coverage, and develop proactive campaigns to repair reputation damage and relationships with key audiences. Our experience spans a variety of specific crisis situations with including corporate litigation; consumer and special-interest boycotts; CEO transitions, workplace violence; employee misconduct, financial improprieties, environmental issues, and product tampering, among others.

We provide companies with top-level strategic guidance to help protect brand reputation before, during, and after crises. It is our belief that the best-managed crisis scenarios are the ones that don't happen. Many crises may be prevented or contained through proper planning. For that reason, we recommend that a crisis plan be incorporated into any public relations program. This usually begins with a "crisis audit" wherein possible scenarios are fully discussed to identify vulnerabilities. We use this as the basis for a step-by-step crisis plan, complete with "standby" materials for quick response.

In the event that a crisis does take place, we respond with a coordinated approach to get the disruption under control as quickly as possible, and we employ a rapid-response plan to brief key constituencies, minimize negative attention, and prevent escalation.

Litigation Support

When it comes to corporate litigation, companies are not only fighting in a court of law—they're fighting in the court of public opinion. We work closely with general and outside counsel to develop communications plans that support clients' legal strategy, publicize their viewpoint to counteract negative publicity, and, most importantly, help the media and the public understand complex legal issues in a hostile environment.

Executive Changes and Special Situations

The natural evolution of an organization leads to many events that move it forward, but, if wrongly communicated, can be perceived as a negative. Whether bringing in a new executive, changing market focus or reducing infrastructure, We are experienced in advantageous positioning of changes like these and effective communication to all affected audiences to help an organization move forward.