It is a reality, if the largest ship in the world could sink, be assured that, in the face of mismanagement of an online crisis, your reputation can be submerged forever in an ocean of frozen waters, where it is not able to return afloat. Every day there are many companies that have to avoid dangerous icebergs, their journey is not always to sail a sea of ​​warm and transparent waters. 

Here are some guidelines that can be used as a navigation chart:

Trace the appropriate route. The main thing is to have the correct strategy, adapted to the reality of the company and its needs, which includes both the objectives in which to move forward, and the action guidelines to be applied to achieve them. Without a clearly defined goal, the ship will drift, exposed to a multitude of dangers.

Use a good radar. It is essential to properly deploy in this environment have the appropriate monitoring tools, which will allow you to detect any problem in time that may harm the boat, damaging its reputation. As well as being able to avoid that a small incident is aggravated by not detecting it in time, when it is already too late to act.

Have a properly trained crew. Human capital is the main asset of your company. It is important to have a good team, absolutely committed to the brand. That it has duly established functions that act as a single unit, characterized by the total integration of its members and the existence of a constant flow of internal communication.

Keep calm. In the face of adverse circumstances, the main thing is to show calm, to try to control the situation. Do not act in any case in a hurry, without stopping to measure the consequences. It is time to put into practice what is established in the strategy, where the crew must demonstrate their loyalty to the brand, as well as the knowledge acquired during their training.

Knowing how to recognize a problem. The first step is to take charge of the situation, publicly assume the error and its consequent degree of responsibility. In any way it is recommended that you try to drain the package if the boat actually makes water, because sooner or later you’ll be up to your neck.

Women and children first. Your strategy must have some priorities in its execution protocol. Covering first the most important fronts and taking into account each case to act in the way appropriate to the circumstances.

Have enough lifeguards. You have to have foreseen the necessary means to save your brand; spare no resources in pursuit of their rescue. Faced with a shipwreck in terms of reputation, all efforts are few when it comes to preventing your brand from sinking.

The captain must never leave the ship. Although the action of the crew is essential, as well as the middle managers, such as the Community Manager, or the Social Media Strategist, the company’s top representative must be at the forefront of the situation, making an appearance and giving the image of a serious and responsible company.

First of all, the important thing is to be able to control the situation, detect it in time and start the emergency devices. If you act with diligence and your attitude becomes clear when it comes to assuming your responsibility, you can minimize the damage and raise your reputation online. Have you experienced any shipwreck? How could you refloat the situation?