CoryWest Consulting ~ Fractional CMO | Digital Marketing PR Consulting | AI ChatGPT Strategy’s Post

Twenty-three years ago, today, we remember how 9/11 changed the world – and communications. Where were you on September 11? On September 11, 2001, I got up and went through the usual motions of a working mother with three children – ages 12, 9, and 7. My husband was away on business in Rotterdam. As a PR consultant, I was excited for a meeting with our client, the local school district, about concepting and photographing the annual report. I marveled at how beautifully the day was starting out. On our way out the door to walk my boys to school that morning, the phone rang. A friend was calling with the first news about the attacks. I didn’t say anything to the boys, but I told her I’d call her back after I dropped them off. Walking down our quiet, sunny street the news was surreal. How could a day seem so idyllic when the world was falling apart? Arriving at the school district headquarters, the staff was stunned and silent, listening for updates, and quietly considering crisis communication responses. Every year on this day, I think back to those first few turbulent hours after the tragic event and remember how fragile the world seemed and how strong and calm we needed to be as crisis communicators. The ability to communicate quickly, accurately, and compassionately was paramount, and it’s a lesson that still guides my work today. I hope this article inspires crisis communication planning. You never know how fast things can change. “No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time.” Roman poet Virgil's words at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum #crisiscommunications #crisisPR #neverforget #september11 #reputationmanagement #barbararozgonyi