Learning from the past

I’m in Aspen this week for the Council on Communication Management conference. Beautiful place. The type of place that should make you forget about all your worries.

Aspen’s idyllic charm isn’t working this time. People are talking about swine flu. People are busy with swine flu communication. Some people are worried about swine flu.

In conversations with some attendees during last night’s reception, I found myself agreeing strongly with the idea that we should not be in a panic or a tizzy about swine flu. If you didn’t learn from SARS or from avian flu, and got your crisis communication house in order at that point, then you have bigger problems.

Each time something like this happens we seem to have to relearn that planning is important. Strategic planning and being prepared is a hallmark of a great communication program. Don’t panic now, just work your plan. And, if you haven’t done this planning, just get it done now and move on.