The Times Australia
Small Business News

.

Icon Reputation is launching an e-book today, Surviving Crisis, authored by Mark Forbes

  • Written by Icon Agency


New Surviving Crisis e-book helps organisations survive the ‘new normal’


Icon Reputation has launched an e-book titled
Surviving Crisis, authored by its Director and former Editor-in-Chief of The Age, Mark Forbes.

Now more than ever in the COVID-19 era, managing crises effectively and empathetically is critical for business success – and survival. However, there is a significant disconnect between the crisis preparedness of organisations and the likeliness of a crisis occurring.

Most large organisations are likely to experience at least one serious crisis within five years, and 70 per cent of business leaders have experienced one or more corporate crises in the past five years. Yet, less than one in four companies test their crisis plans annually.

As Mark Forbes says in Surviving Crisis, “organisations must be prepared for when a crisis occurs and have plans and teams ready to spring into action”.

For individuals and organisations, reputational risk is at an all-time high. It’s not a question of if crisis will come, but when. Crisis is the new normal,” he says.

News cycles are accelerating, activism has heightened, regulatory and community scrutiny are intensified. With an explosion of social and digital channels, the spotlight is bright and always on. What once may have been minor is magnified.”

Forbes says the coronavirus crisis has seen many companies subjected to intense scrutiny. “In times like these it’s crucial that an organisation’s communications are clear, concise and accurate, delivered effectively to key audiences.”

We’ve seen missteps, such as Prime Minister Morrison announcing gatherings of more than 500 would be banned, then stating he would attend the rugby that weekend. In another example one leading retailer exhibited a tin ear to community sentiment by exploiting consumers’ fears of missing out on sought-after products like hand sanitiser.”

However, Forbes says many organisations have produced useful, constructive content meeting community needs. “Look at the Victorian Health Department’s fantastic corona virus data dashboard, and the CSIRO’s website highlighting its research into COVID-19, which is engaging and informative.

As stated in the e-book, how an organisation responds and communicates its response to crisis will often have more reputational impact than the trigger event. You need to choose your words carefully, and ensure your deeds match those words.”

Drawing on Icon’s 18 years of integrated communications experience and path-setting digital expertise, as well as Forbes’ Walkley-award winning journalism career, the e-book shares Icon Reputation’s insights on:

  • Understanding whether an organisation is crisis-ready

  • Best-practice principles for responding to a crisis

  • Managing traditional media

  • Monitoring online sentiment

  • The seven deadly sins of crisis management.

The book lists ten key steps to ensure an organisation survives a crisis and is positioned to thrive after it,” Forbes says. “Most importantly, appreciate that the response to a crisis is more of a factor in reputational recovery than the original incident.”

People can read these ten steps and more, by downloading a free copy of the e-book on the Icon Reputation website.

About Icon Reputation

Icon Reputation is reimagining issues and crisis communications for the digital age. Part of the multi-award-winning Icon Agency group, Icon Reputation was founded earlier this year and is headed by Mark Forbes, former Editor-in-Chief of The Age. It defends and shapes reputation through multi-channel thinking, powerful media influence and data-informed tactics.

About Mark Forbes

Director of Icon Reputation, Mark Forbes is a Walkley-award winning journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of The Age in Melbourne. He has also worked at Four Corners and Channel Seven, in the Federal and State parliament press galleries and as an overseas correspondent. Mark brings almost 30 years’ experience to his communications practice, which includes issues management, crisis communications, interview coaching and media relations.

Property Times

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

The Home Buying Process Explained Step by Step

Buying a home is a thrilling milestone, but it can also feel like navigating a maze without a map. With paperwork, finances, and decisions at every turn, understanding the home-buying process is crucial for success. Whether you're a first-time buye...

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know

Selling a home is more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign. It’s a strategic process that involves preparation, pricing, and negotiation - all aimed at getting the best value for your property. Let’s go through the most important steps to take b...

Food & Dining

Onsite Caterer vs a Full Service Venue: 9 important things to explore

Choosing between an external catering company and an all-inclusive venue is a major decision that affects cost, flexibility, food quality, and the overall event experience. Venues with in-house catering offer convenience and streamlined coordinatio...

Meal Prep as Self-Care? The One Small Habit That Could Improve Your Mood, Focus & Confidence

What if the secret to feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally resilient wasn’t found in a supplement or self-help book — but in your fridge? That’s the surprising link uncovered by leading dietitians Anna Debenham and Alex Parker from The Biti...

Cult Favourite, TokyoTaco, Opens Beachfront at Mooloolaba this June

FREE Tokyo Tacos to Celebrate!  Cult favourite Japanese-Mexican restaurant TokyoTaco is opening a beachfront venue at the Mooloolaba Esplanade on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this June.  The doors of the new venue will open on 18 June and to cel...

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Business Times

Agentforce for Financial Services: Merging AI and Human Expertise…

In this rapidly evolving world of financial services, deploying customer experiences that are personalized and intelligen...

Samsara Eco and lululemon announce 10 year partnership

lululemon and Samsara Eco Announce 10-Year Plan to Advance Recycled Material Portfolio Plan will see lululemon source a...

Barelli Bathrooms announces celebrity interior designer Kellie Ri…

Barelli Bathrooms, a leading name in contemporary bathroom accessories and design, is proud to announce its new national ...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...