CONTRACTORS NEED TO BE AWARE OF PERCEPTION, REGARDLESS OF REALITY

Think your company image is above reproach?  Think again.  As the US Presidential race has shown, it’s open season on big business from at least some quarters. How your firm is perceived can change rapidly and have little to do with your actual performance.  This is especially true for government contractors who work in a politically charged business environment all of the time.  Making mistakes on a high profile contract can get you hauled before a Congressional oversight committee, or worse, but even simply doing your job may put you at risk as “corporate greed” becomes an accepted image.  Make sure your firm is ready with an actionable communications plan for when, not if, government contractors as a group become the whipping boy of those seeking public office.  The typical “truth, justice and the American way” campaign that is often the default for contractors will likely need to modified for today’s debates.  Volunteer hours, charitable contributions, and great employee benefits are more likely to be the issues that help keep your corporate brand strong.  Make sure your firm doesn’t get caught flat-footed if the fickle finger of fate points at you.