What is a Crisis Management?
Crisis management is a strategic approach to handling unexpected and potentially damaging events or situations that can threaten an individual's, organisation's, or brand's reputation and operations. It involves planning, communication, and decisive actions aimed at mitigating the impact of a crisis, maintaining public trust, and facilitating a fast recovery.
Why should you choose us for handling your crisis situation? We prioritise discretion and don't boast about our clients.
We have successfully handled numerous high-profile cancellations, including international crises involving celebrities with over 30 million+ followers on their social platforms. Some of these cases even became the most searched topics on Google during their respective months.
At Honest London, we consider a crisis 'fixed' when the press stops discussing it, brands are willing with collaborate, related articles are removed, social media sentiment reaches 90% positivity, and new followers come in.
Our crisis management approach involves in-depth research, listening to your perspective, and crafting a tailored strategy for each unique situation. We don't rely on predefined routes; instead, we collaborate with you to develop a focused campaign for resolution.
Interestingly, we don't really promote our clients. It's a quirk of ours – in the marketing business, but hilariously terrible at marketing ourselves. However, our discreet approach helps our clients to feel safe to work with us.
Founder, Lauren Beeching sitting with Lorraine Kelly discussing Crisis Management.
We prioritise our celebrity clients' privacy, even if it means losing potential clients – because trust matters. We don't boast about collaborations or crisis resolutions; we respect the need for discretion. Most of our clients come through recommendations, allowing us to provide an authentic service without disclosing names. Our reputation speaks for itself through strong relationships and exceptional results.
Harnessing the power of great reputation management can transform your 15 minutes of fame into a lifetime of success.
Are we a safer choice compared to a traditional PR firm?
Well, in some ways, yes, and in others, no. We may not specialise exclusively in traditional PR, but as a crisis agency, we possess extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of the field. However, we firmly believe that traditional PR methods often fall short in the context of modern crisis management. Today, a crisis situation is vastly different from what it was even eight years ago, thanks to the impact of social media and the internet.
We never settle for the safe route of delivering a bland statement and staying silent. We thrive on taking calculated risks and believe in seizing the opportunity to elevate our celebrity clients to a position even stronger than before. Simply resolving the situation is the bare minimum for us.
Our specialisation lies in crisis management, allowing us to understand every facet of it. We comprehend what resonates with your audience and what might backfire. We possess the ability to adapt and shape the narrative, effectively guiding celebrities towards a positive light.
Now, here's the thing: our approach may not suit everyone. If you're seeking a PR firm that merely crafts statements, we won't be the right fit. We know that such an approach won't produce strong results. However, if you're looking for a dedicated team that collaborates closely with you, willing to take calculated risks to not only resolve but potentially enhance your image, then we are an excellent option for you.
What are the key challenges in crisis management today?
The speed at which a crisis can emerge presents a significant challenge in today's interconnected world. With a single old Tweet, devoid of evidence, explanation, or facts, a global cancellation can be triggered. This reality should be a cause for concern for public figures.
In today's landscape, it's disconcerting that falsehoods, opinions, or allegations can often overshadow the truth, creating significant implications for both celebrities and brands. Consider the scenario where a disgruntled former employee decides to share misleading information about a company's culture or fabricate stories about its operations through social media channels. In such cases, even a single false story can lead to an international boycott.
That's why it's crucial to have well-prepared crisis management plans in place to stay one step ahead, as these situations can arise unexpectedly. We understand that the public now seeks direct communication from organisations and celebrities during periods of cancellation. This presents an opportunity to regain control of the narrative. However, it's important to note that a swift response is expected from the celebrity or brand. This is where our expertise comes into play.
I found you on Google, how can I trust you?
While a Google search might not reveal everything, what really sets us apart is our proven track record in crisis management, upheld with discretion and authority. Our success isn’t just in what we do, but how we do it: through referrals that speak volumes about the trust we’ve built.
Lauren, our founder, is not just any PR professional dabbling in crisis PR. She's a seasoned expert who actively collaborates with scriptwriters for major networks, helping to craft scripts that portray crisis PR work accurately and compellingly. Her regular insights on televised news and radio, discussing celebrity PR and crisis strategies, showcase her extensive knowledge and establish our firm’s leading position in the industry.
Our client base, grown primarily through referrals, speaks to our commitment to achieving results while prioritising your privacy. This focus on word-of-mouth over online presence is a testament to our dedication to maintaining your trust and confidentiality.
I have some juicy knowledge on a celebrity, will you help get it out to the public?
While we do receive emails with pretty out there “celebrity secrets”, we won't entertain them. Our mission is to improve reputations, not destroy them. We have no idea why so many feel we would do this, it’s honestly baffling. The emails are very entertaining though.
Do you work alongside other PR agencies?
We've had experience working with other agencies in certain crises, and at times, it has involved over eight other PR firms. It can be quite chaotic. As mentioned earlier, we often clash with traditional PR firms. For instance, we never recommend a simple statement or, even worse, an apology when you're claiming innocence. Conventional PR firms would advise and assist in crafting such statements for you. We’ve had many awkward meetings being seen no doubt as the difficult ones for disagreeing with the room on a templated statement being the solution for our client.
We understand that during a cancellation, fear sets in and you seek multiple perspectives. So, right from the start, we're transparent about our potential clashes with other PR firms. However, we're more than willing to work tirelessly to find common ground and promote our modernised ideas that align with the dynamics of social media and the internet.
Can we use you as an extra opinion alongside our team?
Certainly, this is a common scenario for us. We gladly participate in meetings, offering honest opinions and consulting on our recommended strategies. We understand that during a crisis, you desire multiple ideas from trusted individuals. Rest assured, we are not offended if you seek our input alongside a competitor. If we were in your shoes, we would likely do the same. After all, the more brains, the merrier!
Can you organise TV appearances?
If we agree it fits in well to fix your crisis situation, we'll absolutely organise the necessary TV appearances. Of course, we cannot guarantee to get you on the specific shows that you would like, but we do have very good and long-term relationships with TV producers globally, and we usually are very successful getting our clients the press, radio, TV that can help their situation. We will be transparent from the start if we feel your goals are verging on unrealistic to avoid disappointment down the line.
If we receive requests for your exclusive first interview, we will work with you to choose the correct network and channel for you.
Can you set up a charity partnership for me?
We facilitate charity partnerships when we believe they align well with your character and genuinely reflect your goals. However, if it's merely a PR stunt on your part, we strongly advise against it. If we can perceive it as insincere, rest assured your audience will see through it as well.
We develop comprehensive crisis PR plans for our clients, carefully considering the potential benefits of a charity partnership. However, we remain flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and reassess the viability of such partnerships as needed.
So… Do you not write statements?
Of course! We recognise the importance of writing statements as a fundamental aspect of our services. We have extensive experience assisting clients who are involved in highly publicised legal battles or urgently need to address their situations. These statements serve as a valuable tool for our clients' teams to effectively communicate the circumstances and outcomes to the public and are also utilised for press purposes.
Nevertheless, we firmly believe that relying solely on a statement to resolve a crisis is an ineffective approach which is unlikely to yield favourable outcomes. While we do offer the same services as traditional PR firms, our approach is distinctively modern and tailored specifically to the digital landscape. We thoroughly comprehend the significance of online press, the impact of your online reputation as reflected in Google search results, and the immense influence wielded by social media.
What if I don’t agree with your plan?
It would be unlikely. By this stage, we would have had multiple conversations with you, allowing us to truly understand your feelings, concerns, and aspirations. We place great importance on your mental well-being, recognising that regardless of what has happened or not happened, you are a human being with valid feelings, and likely feeling incredibly nervous. Our aim is to be a supportive and trustworthy point of contact as you navigate through this challenging period and regain stability. We emphasise that we do not pass judgment, having many years experience in this industry, we’re fully aware that online or media portrayals often bear little resemblance to the truth.
We research heavily what your disgruntled audience is thinking on every platform, we look up what every type of media source is saying and this allows us with your feelings in mind to produce a plan of action to essentially try and please everyone.
When we present the plan, there may be aspects that you are not fond of, and we will gladly address those concerns. We are highly adaptable, but we also value transparency. If we believe that an alternative idea could potentially harm your reputation, we will honestly share our opinion with you.
Is there such thing as too controversial for you?
We’re asked this a lot. We actively engage with some of the world's most controversial public figures. We don't shy away from these cases because allowing our personal opinions to interfere would undermine the effectiveness of our services and quite simply, make us pretty terrible at our job.
It’s key to recognise that those who often face intense online scrutiny and are labeled as the "most hated" are frequently misunderstood or taken out of context. We firmly believe in providing an opportunity for you to explain your side of the story, and we pride ourselves on being empathetic and understanding. We do not hesitate to work with you, even if we do not personally agree with your stance or beliefs. We understand and respect that individuals are entitled to their own opinions.
We specialise in crisis management, and the more controversial the case, the more invigorating it is for us. We thrive on challenges and view them as intricate puzzles that we are determined to solve. We take pride in our track record of improving the reputations of our clients, even in cases where we acknowledged from the outset that the situation would be challenging.
What if I change my mind on the plan or my friends disagree with your ideas?
It's not uncommon for us to encounter situations where clients seek advice from friends, family, or acquaintances, or even a friend of a friend who once had a job at a local PR firm. While this is a familiar occurrence, it often leads to challenges as clients may abruptly demand to stop our plans based on conversations with others who hold differing opinions. The issue at hand is that opinions from close friends and family, although well-intentioned, are typically biased and lack thorough research.
We deeply value our clients and their perspectives. If they express even the slightest discomfort or uncertainty, we are committed to putting any plan on hold and addressing their concerns. There's not much more to say on this matter, except that we strongly advise against making decisions solely based on biased advice. We are here to guide our clients through sound and well-informed strategies, ensuring their best interests are served.
Is it true that you turn down potential clients?
We often encounter this question from prospective clients who have been referred to us. We have, and will continue to, decline potential clients if we believe they are not a good match for us or if we have doubts about their version of events, such as inconsistencies in their timeline. If we lack confidence in a person's credibility, how can we possibly provide them with a great service when we’re questioning the situation ourselves? It wouldn’t be fair to that person. We never said we were good at business.
When we refer to a "good fit," we simply mean how well we connect with you. In crisis management, there will inevitably be extremely uncomfortable conversations that you must have, and it is crucial to have those conversations with the right person. During the height of a crisis, we will be working closely with you on a daily basis, and it is essential to have a strong relationship in such circumstances.
Taken out of context, this question may seem pretentious, but the reality is that we want to ensure that we deliver only the best service and never fall short for any client.
Are there fee’s to initially speak with someone about my crisis situation?
Absolutely not, you might chat with us and find us annoying or think we're totally mismatched. Can you imagine having to pay for that experience? It's crucial to genuinely like the team that's helping you through your crisis. Trust is key, but you also need to feel comfortable enough to spill the beans on personal, private, and even embarrassing stuff.
Charging a fee for an initial chat just doesn't sit right with us. It feels off and inauthentic. Plus, if we sense that we can't provide the help you need, we won't hesitate to turn you down. How could we possibly charge for something we know won't work out? It's just not our style!
What you can expect if we work together on your crisis situation
Don't expect fancy boardrooms and formalities from us – we're not your typical PR firm. We're down-to-earth and approachable.
When it comes to crisis management, there's no one-size-fits-all routine. Each case is unique, and we adapt accordingly. Consider this just a taste of what we can do.
The Chat
The most challenging part is the conversation we'll have to dig deep and uncover the truth of what's really happening. This discussion will exclusively involve you and Lauren Beeching, the Founder of Honest London.
Rest assured, before this conversation takes place, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) will be signed to ensure confidentiality.
Preparing a response
Ignoring or hiding from the negative buzz surrounding you may feel comforting, but it won't make the problem disappear in most cases. That's where we come in. We're here to assist you in responding smartly to the media and laying to rest any unfavorable press stemming from the crisis.
We all know that a crisis can wreak havoc on your brand, erasing lucrative opportunities. We don't want your hard work to go down the drain. We will put in the effort to repair the damage and even strive to enhance your reputation while swiftly tackling and eliminating dreadful stories before they gain national attention.
Message development (statement, press release & more)
We're your dedicated team, working closely with you to craft impactful copy and comments that will help restore your tarnished reputation and brand. Moreover, we'll provide expert guidance on the various platforms where you can share your statements, considering which channels align best with your image.
As we prepare your response, we'll also devise a comprehensive strategy for your social media, PR, events, and more, ensuring that you stay ahead of the game. And as public reactions unfold, we'll make necessary adjustments to keep you on track.
Online reputation management & rebuilding
We prioritise safeguarding your reputation, and one of the swiftest ways to mend damage from a crisis is by initiating a response on social media platforms.
Our extensive digital management expertise allows us to flood the internet with positive content that we can manage and control, effectively overpowering the negative press while actively working to remove it. We'll be there with you every step of the way, as a dedicated team, until the PR crisis is under control. We're committed to doing whatever it takes.
From planning and executing videos to crafting scripts for online video apologies and even directing the videos, we have you covered. In most cases, we can ensure the removal of the majority of negative press. Rest assured, we're here to support you and provide the assistance you need.
Get you in a stronger position than before!
What can we say? We're optimists! We feel it's bleak to aim for "a fix", that’s our bare minimum. At Honest London, our goal is simple: to elevate you to a stronger position than ever before. We'll work tirelessly to boost your social media following and engagement, unlock better press and TV opportunities, and drive higher ROI for your brand. Our expertise and dedication are geared towards propelling you towards success. Together, let's achieve greatness and surpass your previous accomplishments.
“I hired Lauren following a recommendation for an unbiased opinion on where I stand in American politics, and let me tell you, she is tremendous! She is incredibly knowledgeable and well-informed. She crafts fantastic statements for me and offers sound advice. I must say, I am thoroughly impressed!”
—- Crisis Management Client
“I hired Lauren due to bad press and social media hate. Despite the time difference in Los Angeles, she did an excellent job. Lauren improved my reputation using multiple techniques and arranged interviews on Late Night and other TV shows that matched my image and would help the situation. Brilliant and seamless experience, you ask for something and always receive it.”
—- Crisis Management Client
“Working with Lauren is a simple process. Just lay out all your hidden truths on the table, and you will get the best results. What sets her apart is that she's not out to upsell herself. I followed her on Instagram, and she told me to unfollow her because my fans might get suspicious. PR firms I've worked with have practically demanded that you follow them! There is zero sense of gaining from you.
I liked that she was always up to date on politics, world news, and current affairs. You just know you're in safe hands with her.”
—- Crisis Management Client
“As one of the most controversial public figures, my initial meeting with Lauren impressed me. She made it clear immediately that she doesn't judge based on internet gossip but takes people at face value. That level of integrity struck a chord with me.
Let me tell you, working with Lauren has been an absolute pleasure. I recommend her to anyone seeking a reliable and trustworthy professional. She has consistently delivered the press and TV opportunities I've asked for, but I respect the fact that she gives her opinions to me straight. If she thinks my ideas are bad, she's not afraid to tell me. And honestly, I respect that.
It's been over a year since I started working closely with Lauren, and I can't picture a future without her in my inner circle. Her non-judgmental attitude is genuinely admirable, and she has my full respect.”
—- Crisis Management Client
“Lauren's expertise is truly remarkable, setting her apart from other PR firms I've worked with. Her humility is refreshing, and she provides a unique service. In such challenging times, she becomes the friendly ally you desperately need, understanding the immense stresses involved.
However, it's important to note that she takes a straightforward approach. Don't expect to hear only what you want to hear; Lauren is unafraid to deliver hard truths that ultimately help address the underlying issues. I appreciated the convenience of being able to reach out to her via text whenever necessary. In fact, on occasions, she would even suggest meeting for lunch at a private members club to provide advice in person.
She genuinely resolved my situation, and even after six months, she continues to check in on my progress. Whenever we happen to be in the same city, we make it a point to catch up over dinner. Rest assured, you're in exceptionally capable hands with her.”
—- Crisis Management Client
“Worked with Honest for years on social media. A fake story spread about me and the Honest team fixed it very fast and removed the press. The teams strong social media knowledge really helps with these situations.”
—— Reputation Management Client
“If you’re looking for a normal PR agency, look elsewhere. At Honest, you can expect truthful opinion, little judgement and kindness. I spoke with five other PR agencies before deciding on Honest who disagreed with what the other five agencies initially suggested. I will never know if their ideas would have worked but I am in a stronger position than I was before the bad press was spread about me.
Absolutely fantastic agency.”
—— Crisis Management Client
“Exactly what you need when you’re in a PR scandal. Will go against the norm to find solutions, and a really nice and smart team to work with.”
—— Crisis Management Client
“I was cancelled and really believed that my career was finished. I cannot believe my social media stats are positive again and I am back on TV. Would recommend Lauren and the Honest London team to anyone.”
—— Crisis Management Client
“I have always struggled finding a PR company. The snobbery was off putting for me. Speaking with the Honest team was completely different, a real conversation with no jargon. I explained I was in trouble on social media and we met up and worked on a unique plan together that I was comfortable with. Fantastic results and team.”
—— Crisis Management Client
“My only option for reputation and social media. Such a fantastic, welcoming and kind team. Nothing is too much work for them.”
—— Reputation Management Client
“I probably had one of the most global and reported cancellations for an online personality.
Honest London was comforting, a friend I desperately needed and worked with me to fix it the best we possibly could.
They were honest from the start by saying this is the most challenging crisis they've dealt with and refused to promise anything. I appreciated this because other PR firms said easy fix.
I've made lifelong friends, and HL improved my digital stats HUGELY. :')”
—— Crisis Management Client
“As a public figure, I had photos of me taken publicly which caused international bad press. I’ve worked with Honest London for two years so I was lucky to have them to fall on to help fix this. They already had crisis plans in place for me and they adapted it to suit the situation and launched the plan. Worked amazing, they somehow like hid the photos from being as easy to find and convinced international papers to remove the digital story. Honest London are really top tier.”
—— Reputation Management Client
“Not a bad word to say. Kind, helpful, smart and trustworthy! Oh and they saved my career from burning.”
—— Crisis Management Membership Client
“Being “HONEST”, we were nervous at the start when choosing the right PR agency to fix our situation, Honest London worried us by not providing any promises or guarantees which other PR agencies did, but we preferred the approach Honest London suggested, so we took a chance on them. They went above and beyond our expectations, they shared that they believed our current strategy we created would cause more problems, so we trusted them and let them take the lead. Best decision we made. They not only fixed our PR crisis situation, they managed to get our digital image in a better place than it was before. We now use Honest London for their digital reputation management services.”
—— Crisis/Reputation Management Membership Client
“We hired Honest London to work with and help us during a rainstorm of negative press and online activity. We posted something on our brand social media account which should never have been posted. Honest London produced a strong strategy and were very helpful throughout with regular follow ups to make sure everything was still ok following their success fixing the situation. Highly recommend this talented team.”
—— Crisis Management Membership Client
“After being threatened with a huge PR storm, I was recommended Honest London who organized a call within 20 minutes and I had a contract signed in less than one hour. They worked US hours and I literally cannot find a negative thing on them. Not only did they produce an amazing action plan for me in 24 hours, they were so switched on and available at any given moment. I am beyond impressed and by far the best PR firm I’ve worked with.”
—— Crisis Management Membership Client
“I was being cancelled on an international basis down to fake screenshots accusing me of something illegal. The topic was really serious and could have ended my career, it felt like the whole world was attacking me and put me in a position where I suffered mentally. I was trending worldwide on Twitter, my social media accounts were flooded with death threats/hate and there was a new Youtube video and article uploaded daily. I lost over a million followers across all my social media accounts in four days.
I was recommended Honest London for Crisis Management who were the friendly faces I really needed at this time, they kept in touch daily to check in with me but removed pretty much every bad story, wrote me a script and helped me direct my explanation video and even helped me edit it. They organised a video to push the importance of mental health after the success and positive feedback from the first video, this video did amazing and Honest London covered all of it.
They followed up the ‘cancellation’ by setting up an official partnership with an international mental health charity and me. We still stay in touch and Honest London helps me by checking my social media posts and Youtube videos before they go live, I will forever be grateful for the work done by them and the kindness I really needed at that time. I consider them close friends.”
—— Crisis Management Membership Client
“I’ve worked with Honest London for years just on social media and PR, I finally got my inevitable internet attack and rumours spread that I was high during a TV interview to the point it was trending across Europe. I used Honest London for crisis management and they took over and fixed the situation at hand, removed the press and produced a response from me which went down really well with the public. I would recommend them to anyone who is a crisis situation.“
—— Crisis Management Membership Client