Much to the dismay of many companies, the best weapon in a business crisis cannot be prepared in a hurry. Instead, it must be figured out in advance, hopefully before you have to deal with a crisis.

This amazing tool is...

an 800 telephone number just to deal with calls on the crisis subject.

Certainly everyone has seen a number like this for a product recall or a food contamination issue. Although 800 number service can be used for all kinds of calls, it cannot be set up overnight. It must be researched and paid for in advance, since it takes almost two weeks to be ready. When your business is under media attack, this waiting period will never allow the tool to be effective.

Instead, call and set up an 800 number with your long distance provider right now. You can do most of the set up in advance, and hold the number in reserve (it should only cost a few dollars per month since there are no calls going to it) then make the number live when you are launching the service. It could be a life saver when you are faced with a lot of customer feedback an no means to take the calls.

Read more tips like this in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name