When 60 Minutes called us, we immediately called Benchmark Communications! Having worked with them for many years, we knew they would have the right strategies and insights to help us negotiate the terms of the interview, develop targeted messages and prepare our spokesperson to succeed. As expected, they delivered solid results!

When the American Chemistry Council (ACC) invited me to attend Benchmark’s Media Crisis Training, I half-way dreaded it – thinking it was going to be just “another” one like so many before. Boy, was I wrong! Within the first 15 minutes, I knew they had some powerful and unique strategies. Their expertise in Neuro Linguistics Programming (NLP) makes all the difference. I learned invaluable new skills around matching perspectives and emotions, and I am now aware of the psychological barriers that impact my effectiveness with the media and stakeholders. I walked away with new skills that benefit all aspects of my career!

Benchmark Communications provides a wealth of experience, expertise and capabilities that give clients the tools required to create, maintain and enhance an organization's image and reputation, while also developing key management as effective spokespersons. They have provided training to executives at the Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies where I have served in management as a communications professional. Expert at facilitating a wide array of communications training topics, Benchmark provides excellent value, first-rate results and enduring counsel and support. It is with great appreciation and enthusiasm that I endorse Benchmark Communications.

Benchmark’s Media Crisis Training may be the most beneficial training in my 35 year career in the chemical industry. Thankfully, a crisis is not required to utilize the lessons learned. I have used techniques like alignment versus boxing in both professional and personal settings — and the outcomes have been remarkable! Benchmark’s coaches are engaging, passionate, knowledgeable, and creative. Well done!

“We depend on Benchmark for their crisis management and stakeholder engagement expertise. Their team has provided on-site crisis response support during events that attracted widespread media scrutiny. They have updated our crisis plans and media kits, partnered on crisis response drills, provided media training, frontline crisis training, helped us communicate regulatory issues and mapped out solid stakeholder engagement plans for our company. As a result, our stakeholder relationships are stronger and we better prepared. Benchmark has some great people and working with them is rewarding!”

Benchmark’s media crisis training is very worthwhile. Having attended other such trainings while I was with Marathon Oil Company and later with Range Resources, I went into this training with skepticism. But, this class was head and shoulders better! It was much more thorough, more professional and will, no doubt, ultimately prove to be more useful. Benchmark’s approach is empathetic, thoughtful and measured; it emphasizes honesty and recognizing key perspectives. Their techniques are invaluable – and their team makes learning fun!

Benchmark’s Media Masters Training is an eye-opener! In my job, I have to address groups of employees, local community groups and at times the media. This training made me think more about the audience, the message and the delivery all at the same time. And the hands on exercises showed me how to be better prepared for future interviews and speaking engagements. I highly recommend this training to executives or managers who have these same responsibilities.

Benchmark’s leaders are great people and working with them is fun! At Shell Oil Company they helped my team with stakeholder relations, crisis communications and crisis media training; their work could not have been matched by any other group, because their leaders have a very unique set of skills, including business strategy, the law, news media and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP). Their skills allow them to offer a broad range of expertise and value.