Using a Sample Communications Plan
By using a sample communications plan when you need to document your project’s communication pathway, the benefits will soon become obvious. This is extremely true if your sample plan was made with the same project management template program you are about to use.
There are a few precautions that you need to take when following a sample communications plan from the past. Even thou it is from your own organization, there will be some changes to what you will be creating. By using the template, you will be able to cut n paste many of the sections in, but just make sure all of the information is up to date.
One of the most common changes from your sample communications plan from the past to your current one is the list of stakeholders. This can change and an up to date list must be included in your current communications plan. Another point connected to the shareholders is if they have changed their preference for how they are to be communicated with. With the integration of cell phones, smart phones, blackberries and tables, knowing the correct line of communication to reach them will not unduly upset them when the need arises.
Your communication events along with their dates and times will have changed from the sample communications plan you are using. If these are forgotten, then your work will look unprofessional. Also make sure the same resources for the communication events are still available. If nor make the appropriate adjustments. This way the lines of communications within your organization will work as it is intended to.
By creating this kind of comprehensive communication plan and starting with the sample communications plan, you will not start from scratch. It is the best way to build on past experience and have a firm foundation to stand on.
The sample communications plan is just one of the project management tools you can use to make sure the message you are sending out is received as it was sent. This allows for all concerned parties to be informed about the same information so no ambiguity occurs when attempting to communicate.