ZOOM was the darling of the media two weeks or so ago, as Working From Home and all kinds of ZOOM meetups became the flavor of the day. Then as security issues arose ZOOM became the harlot, and many media were as quick to damn them as they were to praise them. So goes the idea of loyalty and trust. Sure, ZOOM has had their issues, and yes states and some countries are banning its use. So too has Google, telling their employees ZOOM is not approved for use any longer due to "security" concerns.
So never being shy about seizing opportunity from another company's misfortune, both Microsoft and Google have launched massive PR and marketing efforts around Teams, Skype and Meet (the app formerly known as Hangouts Meet).
Microsoft and Google may take their shots and they may fan the flames by leaking things like bugs. If any company excelled at opposition PR over the years it has been Microsoft. And Google, with their search engine and news page, well, they have the ability to pour gasoline on the fire and have it go, um, ZOOM.
Yesterday I watched the weekly webinar as ZOOM’ CEO handled the “crisis” very well. He was open, honest, addressed things clearly (despite his accent). He could have ducked the problem. He could have had another company officer handle the webinar. Instead he showed leadership. He didn’t waver, and most of all he was candid.
In times of crisis leaders get in front of the camera, and deal with the problem. They get their story out, so the right facts are there. Zoom, between the series of webinars, blog posts and media briefings is handling things very well. And for Microsoft and Google, what goes around comes around.
You don’t yet see the media jumping on the issues with GMail or the Google Dashboard yesterday. No, those items are buried, missed or forgotten. ZOOM is a much more interesting target because while not an overnight success, they did become an overnight sensation in the eyes of the fickle media members.
So while the big bullies pick on the radical independent, ask yourself who is willing to get out in front and tell things that are happening, and who isn’t. Then decide where you put your support.
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