Frequently asked questions

I work with companies, organizations and individuals who need help bringing attention to issues – whether they are new products or services, issues affecting themselves or their communities, or a rapid response to an unfolding crisis.

I typically meet with a new client in person or via web conferencing to discuss what they want to achieve, what their challenges are, what success looks like and how I can help. From there I draft a proposal that clearly spells out goals and objectives, strategy and tactics, and deliverables and timeline. This ensures all contributors and decisionmakers are operating from the same game plan. We sign a contract and non-disclosure agreement and work begins. This usually takes less than a week, but in the case of a crisis situation, work can begin immediately.

I’ve helped individuals operating sole proprietorships. I’ve helped launch more than a dozen startups. I’ve helped manage comms for the merger of two Fortune 500 global defense firms. I’ve also worked with grassroots community groups and on political campaigns. Each client has unique needs and requirements and we’ve always found solutions to achieve their goals.

One of  the best recent descriptions of a crisis situation is from a marine engineer commenting on the megaship Ever Given after it ran aground in the Suez Canal: “Grounding isn’t uncommon. The uncommon thing is if you hit it at the wrong place at the wrong time, you’re in the New York Times.”

Bad things sometimes happen to otherwise good people. In some cases it might be a strategic misstep. In others it might be a random act that thrusts you and your team into the media spotlight. In nearly all cases, time is of the essence to respond clearly and concisely, from a place of integrity, with messaging that positions you in the best possible light.

Over the course of my career I’ve dealt with hostile media inquiries, competitive defamation, Internet trolls, executive malfeasance, industrial sabotage, tense labor negotiations and layoffs, financial theft, government overreach, law enforcement issues, fatalities and assaults, a rocket explosion and a plane crash.

Working through a crisis isn’t easy, but it is manageable. And in many cases – if the situation is handled properly – a company can improve its reputation with customers, stakeholders and the general public.

Each campaign is unique but most have common elements. Results can occur within as little as 24 hours, but usually require a week or more based on the complexity of the project.

I bill by project or monthly retainer. The amount varies with the nature and complexity of the project.

Yes. And Ethereum.

No. I do, however, work with some breathtakingly talented people who do. If you’re looking for someone with those skills, I’m happy to make recommendations.