A lifeline for small and medium-sized enterprises during the pandemic

Crisis management guide with practical examples and numerous templates

These two guides enable even those without specialist knowledge to quickly define key messages, responsibilities, content and tone for communicating across different channels. In addition to basic rules and typical questions, they also contain sample wording and illustrative checklists for specific crisis situations and particular stakeholder groups. All templates have been developed for use across all sectors, so that even small businesses – from the hospitality industry to law firms – can make use of the sample texts, minutes and survey templates.

Crisis Communication: Theory and Practice

The two booklets contain theoretical background and practical recommendations for action in the areas of prevention, preparation, management and follow-up during pandemic crises. The guides cover all phases of a crisis: from early detection and risk communication, through planning and organisation, to specific tools for managing the crisis – including the learning process, evaluation and follow-up communication. The focus is on communication with both internal and external stakeholders within the context of crisis management.  
Further key areas, such as dealing with the press or social media, explore particularly sensitive and vulnerable aspects of crisis communication. A glossary of key terms and references to further reading or assistance in an emergency round off this clearly structured work.

Development of the crisis guide

The crisis handbooks were developed by seven female students on the ‘Applied Media and Communication Studies’ programme at Ilmenau University of Technology from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring until the beginning of summer 2020. The aim was to help businesses and the self-employed during the pandemic by providing a creative and practical communication strategy. The two booklets were produced in close collaboration with Brigitte Kaltwasser, who commissioned the project, and Dr Andreas Schwarz, Head of the Public Relations and Telecommunications Department at Ilmenau University of Technology. Both provided the project group with academic and practical input during weekly status meetings via Skype and supported them in the development of the booklets.

Booklet hotline for orders

Both guides on ‘Communication in Pandemic Crises’ can be requested free of charge from Kaltwasser Kommunikation – at help[@]kaltwasser.de or by telephone on 0911 530630, quoting the keyword ‘Rettungsring’. As the booklets are aimed exclusively at small business owners and the self-employed, the guides are sent by post and are only available in print.

Find out more about our crisis communication services.