Key Insights from the Interview with John David
This weekend I had the opportunity to sit down with an expert in crisis communications in the field of real estate development, John David; a public relations consultant for over 30 years, focusing on the intricate details that occur when projects go sideways.
Understanding Crisis Communications
Based in Miami, Florida, John’s primary focus now is crisis communications within the real estate development industry. This entails handling circumstances when projects encounter crises, either with the media or with varying audiences. The goal is to defuse the situation when a project is under fire. John emphasized the shift in community focus as technology advances. He remarked on the increasing ability for community groups to mobilize and potentially create crises for projects, and this is particularly relevant as they can now gain significant traction through platforms like Facebook.
Addressing Concerns
These crisis situations arise from concerns around aspects such as obscured views, congestion, increased traffic and effects of construction like noise, and dirt. There is a significant need for developers to communicate effectively with the community during such situations. John pointed out that ‘engaging with audiences and being sympathetic’ is key, developers should assure community members that they will adhere to all rules and regulations during construction while also trying to decrease effects like dirt and noise.
Adopting the Right Strategy
Creating an effective strategy is integral for developers during such crisis situations. This includes understanding the different audiences and preparing comprehensive presentations for those making the decisions such as the planning commission or the city council. Developers should effectively communicate the benefits of the new development and seek the understanding of those against it. It’s essential not to escalate the situation into a fight. From his extensive experience, John has learned that successful projects have mutual give and take with the opposition. John emphasizes, it’s crucial to portray yourself as a good neighbor and make some concessions to the community where you can.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Development
John David works country-wide and is always available to discuss crisis communications in real estate development. Describing himself as a ‘sounding board,’ he becomes engaged with each unique situation. As developers face new challenges every day, having an expert like John to advise them can make the difference between a project’s success or failure. To conclude, the conversation reinforced the importance of crisis communications in real estate development, offering actionable advice for developers on how to effectively navigate possible community opposition.
