The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson

Latest Episodes:

174: Sorry, Not sorry: How to Apologize for a Crisis of Your Own Doing Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

When a brand is dealing with a crisis of their own making, one aspect of the response must be absolute - the apology.
An apology that is heartfelt can quickly reduce a crisis, while an apology that is unclear and half-hearted can create an entirely new one.
This week we examine two recent apologies from Whoopi Goldberg and Joe Rogan for actions that caused ABC News and Spotify executives to issue official statements.
How did Goldberg and Rogan's comments help or harm their respective brands?
Communicators may learn something from the public's reaction to these two well-publicized apology announcements.

Mentioned in this episode:

Whoopi Goldberg's apology tweet.
Whoopi Goldberg's apology statement read on The View. (NBC's Today Show, 2/2/2002)
Joe Rogan's apology on Instagram.

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173: How Jeff Zucker's Resignation from CNN Signals a Shift in Crisis Communications Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

The news of Jeff Zucker resigning as the president of CNN after admitting not disclosing a romantic relationship with another senior executive at the network was certainly a bombshell. It was also a story with similarities to many of the crises we hear about that land on the front page.

This episode features an interesting element about Zucker's departure that points to a significant shift in crisis management. What is one red flag you need to be on the lookout for that indicates a potential crisis?

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172: 3 Easy Ways to Finally Get Started on Your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Communications Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

There's no question that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are important topics for communicators to share on behalf of their companies.
But where do you start?
In this episode we help you get started with your DEI communications. We will define what DEI means, cover some basics on how to get started and the benefits when you do.

Mentioned in this episode:

Join Indestructible Online for monthly communication trainings

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171: 10 Words & Phrases to Banish in 2022 Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Do you use phrases you know are overwrought and overused?
Many people do, according to Lake Superior State University in Suite St. Marie, Michigan.
The university has released their annual list of banished words as a way to uphold, protect and support excellence in language by encouraging avoidance of overused words that are ineffective or irritating for readers.
Well said!

Mentioned in this episode:

Lake Superior State University Banishes Those and Other Familiar but Problematic Words and Terms for 2022

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170: 5 Ingenious Ways Your Brand Can Respond to Social Media Bullies Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

Do you work for a brand, company or organization that has been attacked online?
Social media has made bullying easier than ever before. In this episode of the Indestructible PR Podcast, we’ll discuss how social media bullies attack brands online and how you can turn their attacks into a net positive for your brand.
You will learn how the cyberbully attacks, why it is important to respond quickly when attacked, and some strategies that work well in turning negative attention into positive results.
We’ll also explore examples of companies who have turned their attackers into advocates through smart responses on social media. In this episode, you will gain valuable insight that will help protect your brand from future attacks by trolls or bullies online. It's time to get indestructible!
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Need help preparing for a PR crisis?
Click HERE to download your copy of the Crisis Communication Rapid Response Checklist.

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169: Is it Safe for your Brand to Have a Snarky Twitter Account? with Dusty Weis Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Twitter can be a great way to connect with customers and show off your brand’s personality. But is it safe to be sarcastic?

There’s a thin line between being clever and sounding mean, and you don’t want your brand to cross it.

My guest, Dusty Weis from Podcamp Media - a branded podcast production company - joins me to discuss tips for having a snarky Twitter account without damaging your brand.

Mentioned in this episode:

Need help preparing for a PR crisis?
Click HERE to download your copy of the Crisis Communication Rapid Response Checklist.

Listen + Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

168: What is the Actual Difference Between a PR Crisis and an Issue? Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

A public relations crisis and a public relations issue are two very different things.
Many in senior leadership are unaware of this distinction, preventing their communication teams from planning properly.

In this episode, we define a public relations crisis. To help plan for any event, issue, incident, or crisis, you need to know the differences between them.

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167: Can a New Business Name Get Rid of an Old PR Crisis? Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

When a business faces a crisis, it can use a variety of crisis communication tactics, but changing its name may not be the best option.
On today's episode, we'll examine if changing a business name will help if that name has become too much of a reputational liability. Plus, examples of successful company name changes following crises, as well as examples of where the name change may not have worked as expected.

Mentioned in this episode:

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Your next crisis will happen where everyone can see it -- on social media.

Discover how to plan ahead and get the crisis communication templates you need to have the right response at the right time. If you are a communicator in need of a crisis plan, you need to check out Indestructible Online.

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Bonus Stocking Stuffer: Why PR and Geofence Advertising Are a Match Made in Heaven Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

Public relations campaigns can work wonders when it comes to generating awareness and interest in your business, but they can also be expensive without any guarantee of success.
Geofence advertising may offer an effective PR boost that’s more affordable than traditional forms of advertising. Jeff Swartz, the founder and CEO of Ethic Advertising Agency, shares how it works and why it could be the next big thing in PR campaigns today.

Mentioned in this episode:

9 Reasons Why Advertising Doesn't Work eBook

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166: 3 Media Interview Lessons from the Ben Affleck Interview with Howard Stern Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Actor, writer, and director Ben Affleck recently went on a promotion tour for his film The Tender Bar.

One line from Affleck's over two-hour interview with Howard Stern went viral, causing even bigger problems for him and the filmmakers.

To repair the damage caused by his comments regarding his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, Affleck must spend the rest of the publicity tour in damage control mode.

In this episode, we discuss three key lessons for anyone preparing for an important media interview.

Mentioned in this episode: