The Bailey Blog

This is great news…Michigan led the nation in jobs gained in July.  We’ve added 27,800 jobs! 

Tom Walsh’s column in today’s Detroit Free Press started out: “One month of encouraging jobs data is hardly enough to declare a rip-roaring recovery of Michigan’s feeble economy – but it’s nothing to sneeze at, either.”

I don’t know about you but, this one-month statistic makes me feel great.  We’ve known all along that we have great people, employees and employers and we hoped the jobs would come back, but per recent stories we have seen that people keep leaving our state for better pastures.  Now, I know jobs are tough everywhere, not just here in the great state of Michigan, but with this report and with this statistic we now have one month’s success to show the world that we are right and that we do have many things to offer, including jobs!  If we can string a couple of good months together, people may start coming back…or is that too much for me to hope for? 

I am hoping that I am right and that this remains a trend that will continue, whether it is too much to hope for or not.     

It’s been the summertime and I haven’t had a chance to touch base with everyone for a couple weeks.  So, here I am back at it and hoping that everyone is having a great summer!  Now, in light of the Dream Cruise this weekend let’s switch our gears to a little automotive discussion, specifically our automotive industry right here in the Motor City. 

Finally, Detroit’s auto industry is getting some positive national coverage.  I hope the nerds in D.C. and California saw Bill Vlasic’s New York Times column last week and its headline:  “Detroit Goes from Gloom to Economic Bright Spot”.  It talks about job growth in the industry, profit sharing checks for workers, company profits, auto sales, production increases, hiring in the industry, etc.  All very positive news. 

Then, on August 18 the Wall Street Journal said: “Revived Auto Sector Fuels Factory Output”.  These are the quotes I like best, “Output of vehicles and auto parts increased 9.9 percent,” the Federal Reserve stated amid fewer plant shutdowns.  And, “…after a brush with death last year, this segment of the economy is becoming a bright light in the recovery…” 

A little more national love came from an Associate Press (AP) story earlier this week: “Ford, GM Models Top Customer Satisfaction Survey”.  The gist of this story being that for the first time ever, Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury and General Motors’ Buick have taken top spots in the Customer Satisfaction index.  Keep it up!

Now I know that it’s too early to say that recovery in the Detroit-Three is complete, but, these are very nice steps that are being taken and talked about.  Chrysler improved its numbers too in the recently completed month so, they are making progress too. 

Let’s hope this keeps up for a long time and our Big Three continues to revive and strive.   

It’s hard to believe that it has been one year since JB&A was acquired by Lambert, Edwards & Associates (LEA).  In the year we have all been very busy melding two very fine companies together to position the new company for continued growth.  All has gone well and Jeff Lambert and I are very pleased.  Our three Michigan offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Metro Detroit - give us and our clients a huge advantage and our many national clients position us well for continued growth.

Yesterday, August 1, officially marked the date that we become one company, Lambert, Edwards & Associates Public Relations – Investor Relations.  The JB&A name will no longer be used.  This will allow us to brand the one name and pave the way for continued success.  Feel free to also check LE&A out on Facebook or on Twitter @lambertedwards to stay up-to-date on all our happenings. 

One thing that will not change is my continuing role at LE&A.  I will remain with the company service clients, the public relations profession and the community.  I look forward to that challenge and to seeing you again soon. 

I look forward to seeing you all soon and want to thank all of those followers of this blog for always being supportive and my friend. 

Catch you on my next post… 

It is such an exciting time right now as PGA professionals enter the second round tomorrow A.M. (4 a.m. coverage starts for those early risers) of the British Open, or “THE” Open as the British call it.  This year it is being held at St. Andrews Links, the Old Course, the home of golf.  I had the distinct pleasure of playing the Old Course a couple years ago.  It was the golf thrill of a life time.  The course is 600 years old, you know! 

I was on a four-day golf trip to Scotland and St. Andrews Links was the highlight of the trip.  The guys I traveled with, as well as myself, were told by the others that had went “across the pond” to expect all kinds of weather; from sunny and warm, to cold and windy, to sleet and hail.  They failed to tell us that we’d have all of this weather everyday.  We were also told that there are two things that you DO NOT need in Scotland, golf shorts and a golf umbrella. It was May when we went and the temps never got above about 45 degrees. 

One of the thrills at the Old Course is when you tee off on #1.  You step to the tee and are announced as follows:  “Now Representing the United States of America, Mr. John Bailey.  Gentlemen, play away.”   

Fortunately, on #1, I managed to hit it down the left side of the fairway…where you are supposed to…quite by accident.  My second shot was an iron to the green to about 12 feet from the hole.  I missed the birdie but walked away with a par.  I was even par on the Old Course at St. Andrews Links!  Amazing. 

The bunkers at St. Andrews are just what you hear about.  They are six feet deep or more and located everywhere including the middle of the fairway - and even in the rough. 

During our round, we laughed a lot, especially when the wind and sleet came.  You just try to stand up and make a swing…never mind where it goes.  Plus, it is hard to even see the green or your ball in those conditions. 

On the “Road Hole”, #17, one of the most famous golf holes in the world, you have to hit the ball over part of the St. Andrews Hotel to the fairway.  I was first to hit and hit it over the hotel.  I turned to my friends and said my drive was either great or in someone’s drink.  

From there I managed to hit my second shot into one of the famous bunkers along side of the green (six-feet deep) and needless to say took a few more whacks then I should have to get out of the bunker and ended up with an 8 on the hole. 

Then on the finishing hole, #18, I hit a very poor second shot into the long grass way over the green and heard laughter and derogatory comments from the people watching – yes, even in the rain. 

Fortunately I was able to hit it to within an inch of the hole to shut up the “gallery.” 

It was a truly amazing experience. And as we watch the golfers this weekend I don’t care if it is called the British Open or “The Open.”  What I do know though is that it is a true thrill to see the Old Course again.  And if you haven’t been to St. Andrews, I’d recommend waking up early this weekend and watching this spectacular golf event and thinking about booking a trip there some day!     

I keep hearing that there is a major “brain-drain” of Michigan college graduates to other states.  Though it might be fun to say the phrase “brain-drain”, we need to stop that fad.  And we shouldn’t be so quick to pass this judgment as our graduates may not be leaving as fast as we think.  To make things even better, several organizations are working hard to keep these graduates in the great state of Michigan.   

Now, I’m not a journalist, so I don’t have the specific numbers, but, I have heard from various colleges and universities in Michigan that our young folks are not leaving in huge numbers.  One way to ensure to keep them in Michigan is to keep them informed as to opportunities here in the state, specifically those within their areas of study.  But, at the same time, there is a natural lure for college graduates to “leave home” and move to the likes of Chicago, NYC, LA, San Diego, or North Carolina.  I mean, for a recent graduate, leaving Michigan seems so enticing.  Didn’t we all have thoughts of leaving home when we were departing the nest? 

But I am here to tell you that those other locations don’t have many jobs either, nor do they have family and friends around to support the young grads in so many ways.  I remember reading that the folks at Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Wayne State University and Walsh College say that more than 75 – 80 percent of their graduates are staying in Michigan.  That’s a high number, not as high as it could be, but a good step in the right direction. 

To keep these percentages rising we need to encourage businesses to host interns and offer opportunities that make these graduates want to stay.  For example, companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, The Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and Wayne State University have programs in place to look for strong interns and to help graduates find opportunities and therefore remain in Michigan.  

I have to say, if I were at this point in my career, I would definitely check out these organizations and others offering some great opportunities to see what they have to offer.

Looking at the internship program here at our company, I’d have to say it is quite strong.  At times during the year, we have at least three interns employed – as we do right now.  They do a fabulous job and are economical and fun to have around.  Plus, you have the opportunity to look for the best fit for future employees.  We currently have five former interns as full-time staff professionals. 

Trust me, it works folks!

One of my personal rules that I‘ve counseled my colleagues on has always been…”take care of yourself…be in shape for you.”  I have a reason for that, which I will share in a minute. 

Being healthy has never been more important then it is now.  And that is how it should be for everyone.  The trends today illustrate that the healthier you are, the lower your insurance will likely be.  If that’s not enough reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle then here is another one… 

YOU. 

If you are healthy and take care of yourself, you will feel better.  You will be able to perform better at your job and your quality of life will improve.  And, who knows, maybe you’ll even live longer. 

My personal reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle is my six grandsons (no girls).  I want to be able to do things with them for a long time.  For example, I spent this past weekend playing catch, fishing and shooting some baskets with my youngest two grandkids (four and six) and we had a grand ole time.  Then, this weekend my three older grandsons will be over and we will do the same physical activities, but I’m sure it will be much more aggressive.  And, there will probably be a game-or-two of golf played.  For those wondering, YES!, I can still “take them down” and hope to be able to for a long time. 

If you need tips of your own on keeping fit, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has some excellent tools. 

Here’s to living healthy, active lives (and to shooting under par)!

This is the third leg of my series on Communicating in a Crisis.  Part I talked about being ready to communicate.  Part II provided you with tips on what to do to prepare for a crisis and Part III will provide some guidelines on how to communicate during a crisis. 

Part III - After Something Happens

Regarding crisis, I’ve said once and I’ll say it again, there is no simple crisis formula out there unfortunately as all organizations are different and all crises are different.  But the principles outlined in these past couple blogs will give you the basics.  As I’ve mentioned in all segments, work with your public relations professions and attorneys as you make and enact your crisis plan.  If you do not have public relations or legal counsel, find professionals you can work with and have them ready for action. 

And when something happens:  

1.    Meet and/or communicate immediately with your core team to determine if the event is a crisis and what your next steps should be. 

2.    Determine who will be the spokesperson and when you will begin communicating.  Begin as soon as you can.  Even if you only say that “we are looking into the matter and will provide more details later (today)” and then you will need to give a time when you will get back with them. 

3.    Determine what the 10 worst things are that could happen as a result of the situation and the 10 most difficult questions outsiders might ask.  Prepare for these situations and have answers for those questions because I know from experience that your audience will most likely ask those questions first and foremost.   

4.    Gather all facts.  Have experts in place if appropriate to give detailed information.  If you don’t know, say so and tell your audience when you expect you will know. 

5.    Respond to every media question.  As above, if you don’t know, say so but tell them when you expect the information. 

6.    Never lie.  Don’t volunteer negative information, ie, “we haven’t had a problem there but we did have a problem over there.”

7.    Never speculate or go off the record.  Answer the question and stop. 

8.    Don’t use jargon, use standard English. 

9.    Never say: “No comment.”  It looks like you are hiding something.  Say, “we are investigating or reviewing the situation, and will have more information soon.”  Tell them when you expect to have more information – it better be soon, like hours – and tell them when and how you will be releasing your response. 

10.  When you have more information, get it out to all audiences immediately. 

This gives you a framework of information to begin the response in a crisis situation.  But as said, all crises are different and need to be treated that way.  Just know that a crisis can happen to any company at any time.  There are many examples that are in the news today and the past to prove that point (BP!!).   You are not immune.  You should run through your crisis plan at least once a year to make it clear to everyone exactly what their role is. 

Also, remember that a crisis is the beginning for your organization…the beginning of life after the crisis.  Call your public relations professionals for assistance in all matters.