(As originally published on NBCChicago.com's Inc. Well) PR Stunts. Everyone wants to do them and hopes they trigger massive media attention. From the World's Largest Roll of Toilet Paper to tying small promotional banners to flies and setting them loose in a crowd, PR Stunts are becoming a more and more desired avenue for small business. Why? Because a little creativity doesn't cost much. While your creativity can pay off dividends with media exposure, some are good, some ar

Most people think it's bad luck to consider the worst possible effect their service, product or business might have on a customer. But truth be told it's always best to plan for any potential crisis your business might experience. Most restaurants and major corporations have a plan and revise it annually, so why shouldn't a small business also plan ahead. Over the years, looking at some of the worst PR crisis of our time I can tell you one thing: Lack of an immediate response

We’ve all seen how the news media react to toy and food recalls, even local restaurants with, uhm, pest problems. The truth is that every business, regardless of your size, should be prepared for the “worst case scenario”. It can happen anytime, anyplace anywhere and how you manage the situation can determine whether or not your business weathers the storm. Today, I will share two posts on planning and preparing for a crisis. Take a minute to sit down and list what those wors

I'm really amazed at the number of new, small businesses that have come to me recently with a real commitment to community and understand the importance of giving back. And, today's startups are taking their social responsibility to new heights. We all know that you have to keep the balance of things and you can't get without giving. Today, we see so many large corporations that have become so out of touch with their community. There was a time when corporate responsibilit

Most people think it's bad luck to consider the worst possible effect their service, product or business might have on a customer. But truth be told it's always best to plan for any potential crisis your business might experience. Most restaurants and major corporations have a plan and revise it annually, so why shouldn't a small business also plan ahead. Over the years, looking at some of the worst PR crisis of our time I can tell you one thing: Lack of an immediate response