As we are all aware, the British public voted 52% to 48% to exit the group – now known the world over as “Brexit”. We all have strong feelings about this and how it will affect our businesses and personal life, but there are 3 points we recommend B2B organisations should consider before taking to social media or commenting to journalists on potential implications of the vote.
1. Specifics and research – don’t be vague and do use due diligence
Brexit remains a very unclear subject for many, and you don’t want lack of knowledge to reflect negatively on your company. Instead, put your best foot forward and talk about known facts. In order to do this, the comms team needs to do its research into both sides of the debate.
You must show due diligence and awareness of the many potential outcomes. Be specific with what you want to say and the message the business wants to get across. Conflicting statements from both sides of the referendum make it all the more important to act and comment decisively, rather than issue speculative soundbites. Think about sector specific challenges and opportunities.
2. Be relevant – have a stance in line with what may affect direct customers and consider both sides
It was close; but although 48% of voters wanted to remain in the EU, the country has spoken and the majority voted out. We can’t stress enough that you really need to consider both sides and try not to be biased, or assume an opinion one way or another in your audience. This could open your spokespeople and your company up to unwanted scrutiny. Think about known details: which policies or changes may affect your direct clients, partners or customers, and keep any communications relevant to those subjects. Presenting clear and balanced information in a pragmatic tone will help show thought leadership and confidence.
3. Get the timing right – don’t rush to add nothing new to the debate!
There are many varying and widespread reactions to the vote. With technology at our fingertips it’s very easy to go onto social media or reactively comment on an article to voice these views. While there are unanswered questions that have left some people and businesses feeling uncertain, these are early days. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to social media and commenting with the press. Having a knee-jerk reaction that may later have to change, could project a negative or inconsistent image of the company. Be careful to ensure all public-facing representatives of your organisation are briefed on the business’ Brexit comms policy or stance.
The full ramifications of Brexit are still unclear and will continue to develop in coming months and years. As the country waits for further developments, a PR and communications plan has to play the long game and offer true value to clients or customers on relevant possibilities and pitfalls.
We will share our further thoughts and guidance on a Brexit communications strategy in the coming weeks. Stay tuned or get in touch if you want to find out more!
As we are all aware, the British public voted 52% to 48% to exit the group – now known the world over as “Brexit”. We all have strong feelings about this and how it will affect our businesses and personal life, but there are 3 points we recommend B2B organisations should consider before taking to social media or commenting to journalists on potential implications of the vote.
1. Specifics and research – don’t be vague and do use due diligence
Brexit remains a very unclear subject for many, and you don’t want lack of knowledge to reflect negatively on your company. Instead, put your best foot forward and talk about known facts. In order to do this, the comms team needs to do its research into both sides of the debate.
You must show due diligence and awareness of the many potential outcomes. Be specific with what you want to say and the message the business wants to get across. Conflicting statements from both sides of the referendum make it all the more important to act and comment decisively, rather than issue speculative soundbites. Think about sector specific challenges and opportunities.
2. Be relevant – have a stance in line with what may affect direct customers and consider both sides
It was close; but although 48% of voters wanted to remain in the EU, the country has spoken and the majority voted out. We can’t stress enough that you really need to consider both sides and try not to be biased, or assume an opinion one way or another in your audience. This could open your spokespeople and your company up to unwanted scrutiny. Think about known details: which policies or changes may affect your direct clients, partners or customers, and keep any communications relevant to those subjects. Presenting clear and balanced information in a pragmatic tone will help show thought leadership and confidence.
3. Get the timing right – don’t rush to add nothing new to the debate!
There are many varying and widespread reactions to the vote. With technology at our fingertips it’s very easy to go onto social media or reactively comment on an article to voice these views. While there are unanswered questions that have left some people and businesses feeling uncertain, these are early days. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to social media and commenting with the press. Having a knee-jerk reaction that may later have to change, could project a negative or inconsistent image of the company. Be careful to ensure all public-facing representatives of your organisation are briefed on the business’ Brexit comms policy or stance.
The full ramifications of Brexit are still unclear and will continue to develop in coming months and years. As the country waits for further developments, a PR and communications plan has to play the long game and offer true value to clients or customers on relevant possibilities and pitfalls.
We will share our further thoughts and guidance on a Brexit communications strategy in the coming weeks. Stay tuned or get in touch if you want to find out more!
As we are all aware, the British public voted 52% to 48% to exit the group – now known the world over as “Brexit”. We all have strong feelings about this and how it will affect our businesses and personal life, but there are 3 points we recommend B2B organisations should consider before taking to social media or commenting to journalists on potential implications of the vote.
1. Specifics and research – don’t be vague and do use due diligence
Brexit remains a very unclear subject for many, and you don’t want lack of knowledge to reflect negatively on your company. Instead, put your best foot forward and talk about known facts. In order to do this, the comms team needs to do its research into both sides of the debate.
You must show due diligence and awareness of the many potential outcomes. Be specific with what you want to say and the message the business wants to get across. Conflicting statements from both sides of the referendum make it all the more important to act and comment decisively, rather than issue speculative soundbites. Think about sector specific challenges and opportunities.
2. Be relevant – have a stance in line with what may affect direct customers and consider both sides
It was close; but although 48% of voters wanted to remain in the EU, the country has spoken and the majority voted out. We can’t stress enough that you really need to consider both sides and try not to be biased, or assume an opinion one way or another in your audience. This could open your spokespeople and your company up to unwanted scrutiny. Think about known details: which policies or changes may affect your direct clients, partners or customers, and keep any communications relevant to those subjects. Presenting clear and balanced information in a pragmatic tone will help show thought leadership and confidence.
3. Get the timing right – don’t rush to add nothing new to the debate!
There are many varying and widespread reactions to the vote. With technology at our fingertips it’s very easy to go onto social media or reactively comment on an article to voice these views. While there are unanswered questions that have left some people and businesses feeling uncertain, these are early days. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to social media and commenting with the press. Having a knee-jerk reaction that may later have to change, could project a negative or inconsistent image of the company. Be careful to ensure all public-facing representatives of your organisation are briefed on the business’ Brexit comms policy or stance.
The full ramifications of Brexit are still unclear and will continue to develop in coming months and years. As the country waits for further developments, a PR and communications plan has to play the long game and offer true value to clients or customers on relevant possibilities and pitfalls.
We will share our further thoughts and guidance on a Brexit communications strategy in the coming weeks. Stay tuned or get in touch if you want to find out more!