There are four basic components to include in any recognition program communication plan:

Message: What do you want to communicate?
Audience: Who do you want to communicate to?
Method: What communication tools will you use?
Resources: How will you communicate?

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Let Internal Branding Do the Work for You

The most effective way to present your message is by branding. Branding is a marketing term that means “to establish a common look and feel.” By creating a logo, using consistent colors and layouts, you will create a brand image for your program. Employees of your organization will be able to pick out elements relating to your program based on the look and feel. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be for participants to recognize the message.

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Maximize Internal Resources

In order to get your message out to the entire audience, you need some help from other areas of the organization. Use the resources and expertise inside your organization to promote the program.

For example, contact the marketing department for help in communicating the details of the program, use the graphic arts department to help design a logo, contact finance to help you track dollars spent, etc. As you elicit help from other areas of the company, you will have the opportunity to educate each department about the program and build buy-in.

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Hidden Benefits to a Communication Plan

Establishing a consistent internal communication plan for your recognition program will help the organization in a variety of ways. Most importantly, internal communications will help ensure that every employee lives the brand, mission, and purpose of the organization. Internal communications also helps the organization with:

Recruitment
Training
Re-training
Reinforcing Company Values

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Build Your Action Plan

Basic Communication Plan Components
What do you want to communicate? List the top 3 things you want members of your organization to know about the program. Add more key messages if necessary.
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2)
3)

Who do you want to communicate with? List all of the departments, employee groups, or individuals of the organization for which the program is designed.
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What communication tools will you use?

* List all electronic tools
* List all advertising tools such as newsletters, posters, etc
* List other ways to get the message out
* What other resources are available to promote the program?

List all of the individuals that can advocate for the program
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2)
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5)

Send an email to marketing@crystal-d.com for your Communication Action Plan Template!