CDG Interactive Blog

Today’s post starts with a short etymology lesson. (Indulge me. I was an English major.) The word “panic” comes from “Pan,” the name of a feisty Greek God who liked to scare people by making mysterious noises in the woods. Folks would freak out because they didn’t know what was out there waiting for them—and their fear was contagious.

Cut to the 21st century. Panic is still fueled by the unknown, or more accurately, a lack of information. Like those ancient Greeks, we tend to go a little batty when we don’t know exactly what’s going on.

Which brings us to the other “pan” word of the day—pandemic. The swine flu is here, it’s spreading, and people are getting edgy. We don’t yet have a cure for swine flu (aka the N1H1 Flu), but we do have a cure for panic: Information.

So if you’re involved in a sector impacted by the swine flu—travel, health, hospitality, etc.—start inoculating your customers against panic. Tell your clients what you know about the situation, what you’re doing to respond and how it will impact them. Even if you’re just monitoring the situation as it develops—say it. Your clients will feel more confident and secure knowing that you’re on top of it.

Better yet, consider providing some resources to your customers. By passing on quality information, you’re not only helping quell panic, you’re establishing yourself as a helpful, responsible corporate citizen.

Here are a few links we’ve found that offer reliable and helpful information about the swine flu:

• Centers for Disease Control Swine Flu website
• CDC Twitter feed
• The World Health Organization
• WebMd Swine Flu FAQs
• Twitter Stop Swine Flu feed
• Google Maps N1H1 Swine Flu Map

Have a helpful swine flu link? Share it.