Uber has had more than its share of PR disasters over the past few years – privacy and tracking concerns, erratic behavior from its CEO, a plot to evade regulators through a complex program named “Project Grayball,” allegations of systemic sexual assault, being banned in London, etc. – and they may have played a role in the company’s disappointing IPO in May. Shares dropped 7.6% on its first day of trading, and three months later they remain under water.
The lesson: Get your public relations house in order before asking investors to trust you.
Jeremy Story is a Vice President at GroundFloor Media, where he co-leads the firm’s Crisis Communication & Reputation Management practice. He has more than 20 years experience helping companies ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 100 prepare for, manage, and recover from crisis issues.
