How can you use a benefits realization blog to improve your program management skills?

1 What is a benefits realization blog?

A benefits realization blog is a type of online journal that captures the benefits of your program as they are realized over time. It is not a formal report or a dashboard, but a narrative that tells the story of your program's achievements, challenges, and learnings. A benefits realization blog can include text, images, videos, graphs, charts, quotes, feedback, and testimonials that illustrate the outcomes and value of your program. It can also link to other sources of information and evidence, such as surveys, reports, or case studies.

2 Why use a benefits realization blog?

A benefits realization blog can help you improve your program management skills in several ways. First, it can help you clarify and communicate the benefits of your program to your stakeholders and sponsors, who may not be familiar with the details or the complexity of your program. By showing them the results and the impact of your program in a clear and compelling way, you can increase their awareness, trust, and support. Second, it can help you monitor and evaluate the performance and progress of your program, by providing you with a record of the benefits achieved and the gaps or issues encountered. You can use this information to adjust your plans, strategies, and actions as needed. Third, it can help you learn and improve your program management skills, by allowing you to reflect on your experiences, successes, and failures. You can use this feedback to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and to apply best practices and lessons learned.

3 How to create a benefits realization blog?

To create a benefits realization blog, you need to follow some basic steps. First, you need to define the purpose and scope of your blog. What are the main benefits of your program that you want to showcase? Who are your target audience and what are their needs and expectations? How often and how long will you update your blog? Second, you need to choose a platform and a format for your blog. You can use any online tool that allows you to create and publish content, such as WordPress, Medium, or Google Sites. You can also choose a format that suits your style and preference, such as a chronological, thematic, or episodic blog. Third, you need to plan and produce your content. You need to decide what type of content you will use to demonstrate the benefits of your program, such as data, stories, testimonials, or visuals. You also need to ensure that your content is relevant, accurate, reliable, and engaging. You can use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to guide your content creation.

4 How to maintain a benefits realization blog?

To maintain a benefits realization blog, you need to follow some best practices. First, you need to update your blog regularly and consistently. You need to keep your audience informed and interested in your program's progress and impact. You can use a content calendar to schedule and organize your updates. Second, you need to interact with your audience and invite feedback. You need to encourage your stakeholders and sponsors to read, comment, and share your blog posts. You can also ask them questions, solicit suggestions, or request testimonials. Third, you need to review and improve your blog. You need to monitor and measure the effectiveness and the value of your blog. You can use analytics, surveys, or interviews to collect and analyze data on your blog's reach, engagement, and satisfaction. You can also use this data to identify and address any issues or gaps in your blog.

5 What are the benefits of a benefits realization blog?

As a program manager, a benefits realization blog can bring you many advantages. It can demonstrate the value and impact of your program to stakeholders and sponsors, monitor and evaluate performance and progress, build trust with your audience, and enhance your reputation. Moreover, this powerful tool can help you improve your program management skills and deliver strategic outcomes and benefits. With a benefits realization blog, you can document and share the story of your program's successes, difficulties, and lessons learned to show the value of your program to your organization and beyond.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?