Yes, the way in which BP’s spokespeople handle the messages, the flow of information and the concerns of the locals affected by the disaster is important but one cannot expect the company’s communications teams (external and internal) to solve the crisis. The bulk of the responsibility is surely on the shoulders of BP management, the disaster recovery teams and engineers finding a solution, and quickly.

Having worked on a gas-to-fuels facility for ten years, I am surprised that a scenario has not been written and practised for a disaster like this. Or could it be that the scenario exists but those responsible thought the proposed recovery plan would suffice?

My first lesson in crisis management came from a seasoned communicator in the South African mining industry – “if you can imagine it, it CAN happen”.

Let’s look at the payments industry and a few of its own scenarios-come-true:

-          The credit crunch and global economic meltdown

-          State control over interchange fees

-          Class action law suits

-          Failing technology solutions

-          Multi-million dollar security breeches

Companies in every industry are pushing the limits in their efforts to remain competitive. Pushing the limits comes at a price and involves bigger risks. Decision makers should take responsibility for implementing big ambitious plans. They should also take responsibility for ensuring that they have disaster recovery plans in place that are regularly tested because if ‘it’ can happen, it will – and it’s no good when it’s too late to expect the communicators to achieve reputational miracles.

As for the communications specialists, your job is to point out the potential issues, to ask the difficult questions, to challenge the recovery plans and to take your place at the decision making table.

Denise Gee

Consider the money in your pocket:

Cards are a safe and easy way to pay abroad and South Africa has an excellent infrastructure that enables you to pay almost anywhere with a card, including at petrol stations and tolls. A prepaid card is a sensible option for everyday use and will enable you to separate your holiday funds from your current account or credit facility, safeguarding these funds from unnecessary risk.

Try to limit the cards you take with you. If you have to take more than one card, take just one in your wallet at any given time while keeping the others in a safe place – if using a hotel, preferably locked up in a safety deposit box.

Separate cards from cash – that way you won’t lose everything – and limit the cash you carry to as little as possible.

Make sure you have the telephone numbers of your card provider’s emergency call centres with you to report any losses or suspected fraud.

Hold bags or wallets close to your body – although a less stylish option, a money belt/bag is still the sensible thing to carry.

When driving, keep your doors locked and the windows closed and do NOT keep handbags, mobile phones, cameras or other valuables on the seat or within sight. Stash these under the seat.

General safety tips

Photocopy your passport and drivers license and keep them in a safe place in case they are lost or stolen.

Use common sense when approached by strangers – don’t ever provide personal details.

Drive defensively on South African roads – the road culture is aggressive!

Make sure you know the route by investing in a good map or sourcing a satellite navigation device. You do not want to get lost.

Don’t walk alone at night. While rural areas are fairly safe, be vigilant in cities and in crowded places.

Be watchful, take precautions, use common sense as you would whenever you travel abroad and you should be fine. Enjoy the World Cup in a truly spectacular and welcoming South Africa or wherever you spend your summer this year.

Denise Gee

Alexander Rolfe, Managing Director of PCM, explained: “With a track record of 15 years in publishing, and our recent expansion into research and consultancy services, Payments Cards and Mobile provides a natural alignment to the services delivered by MagnaCarta.

“We know that many of the innovative and successful companies in this sector often need professional communications help to get their messages across. Who better to provide this than people who understand their industry? That’s where the combined industry experience of MagnaCarta and PCM can make a real difference.”

“This collaboration is good news for our clients,” said MagnaCarta Director, Denise Gee. “Our relationship with Payments, Cards and Mobile helps us keep right up-to-date with what is happening in the industry and tap into the knowledge, rich information and research of one of the leading payments publishing houses. This assists us in advising our clients about what is topical, and when, where and how to position their messages most effectively across the full range of traditional media as well as newer, online, channels.”

Alexander added: “We want to improve the opportunities for all payments vendors and organisations, large and small, to get their voice heard and take part in the payments debate. We believe by working together, PCM and MagnaCarta can provide that forum at rates that are affordable for all.”

NOTE TO EDITORS

MagnaCarta PR Ltd is based in the UK but has an international network of communications specialists who can be called upon to assist with client projects. More information is available at www.magnacartapr.com

We will be publishing regular updates on the world of payment cards as well as what we and our associates are up to around the globe.

If you have any comments, please email us or use the comments button. We look forward to hearing from you!