Business Operational Plan: Writing Tips & Free Template

Are you a business owner seeking to expand your company’s reach? Writing a business operational plan is critical to achieving your goals.

The document outlines your business objectives, strategies, resources, processes, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs). If you’re wondering how to write a business operational plan, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed roadmap on how to write a business operational plan. Along with some examples to help you get started. Whether you’re a fledgling venture or an established business, this guide will help you create a plan tailored to your needs and goals.

What is an Operational Plan?

An operational plan is a blueprint that details the day-to-day activities of your business. It’s a roadmap that guides your business toward achieving its strategic goals.

An operational plan includes a detailed description of the products or services offered. Also, the target market, operational activities, resources required, and how they will be allocated. The document provides a clear and concise framework for running your business.

Why are Operational Plans necessary?

An operational plan helps you to focus on your business’s daily operations and improves your chances of success. It also allows you to identify and solve potential problems before they occur. Here are some other reasons why an operational plan is critical to your business:

Provides direction

An operational plan provides a clear path for your business. It outlines what you need to do and how you need to do it. It helps to ensure that all team members are working towards the same goals.

Identifies strengths and weaknesses

An operational plan can help you identify your business’s strengths and weaknesses. It allows you to focus on your strengths and address your weaknesses.

Improves decision-making

An operational plan helps you make better decisions. It provides you with the information you need to make informed decisions quickly.

Enhances communication

An operational plan improves communication between team members. It ensures that everyone understands their role and responsibilities.

How to Write A Business Operational Plan

Now that you know why an operational plan is essential, let’s dive into how to create an operational plan that works for your business.

Identify your objectives

Start by identifying your business objectives. These are the goals that your business aims to achieve. Your objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Define your strategies

Once you have identified your objectives, you need to clarify your strategy. Your strategies should be specific, actionable, and aligned with your business objectives.

Identify your resources

Identify the resources you need to achieve your objectives. Ensure that you have the necessary resources to achieve your objectives. Resources include staff, equipment, and financial resources.

Define your processes

Define the processes you need to achieve your objectives. Processes include how you will produce your products or services, how you will market them, and how you will distribute them.

Allocate your resources

Allocate your resources to your processes. Ensure that you allocate resources effectively to achieve your objectives.

Set your timelines

Set realistic timelines for achieving your objectives. 

Monitor and evaluate

Monitor and assess your progress regularly. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure your progress. Make adjustments where necessary to ensure that you achieve your objectives.

Operational Plan Examples

To help you create an operational plan for your business, here are some operational plan examples:

Example of an Operational Plan for a Restaurant Business

Objective: To increase revenue by 20% in the next 12 months.

Strategies

• Expand the menu by adding more vegetarian and vegan options.
• Launch a loyalty program to incentivize repeat customers.
• Improve customer service by conducting regular training sessions for staff.

Resources

• Hire one additional chef to handle the increased demand.
• Purchase new kitchen equipment to support the expanded menu.
• Allocate a budget for staff training.

Processes

• Revise the menu to include new vegetarian and vegan options.
• Train staff on the new menu items and customer service.
• Launch the loyalty program and promote it through social media and email marketing.

Timelines

• Menu expansion and staff training to be completed within two months.
• Loyalty program to be launched within three months.
• Revenue increase to be achieved within 12 months.

KPIs

• Monthly revenue reports.
• Number of loyalty program sign-ups.
• Customer satisfaction surveys

Example of an Operational Plan for a Technology Startup

Objective: To launch a new software product within the next six months.

Strategies

• Perform a market analysis to understand the demands and preferences of customers.
• Develop and test the software product.
• Launch a marketing campaign to promote the product.

Resources

• Hire additional software developers to support the project.
• Purchase new hardware and software for the development team.
• Allocate a budget for marketing and advertising.

Processes

• Perform a market analysis to understand the demands and preferences of customers.
• Develop and test the software product.
• Launch the marketing campaign through social media and online advertising.

Timelines

• Market research completion period – one month.
• Software development and testing completion period – four months.
• Marketing campaign completion period – five months.
• Product launch completion period – six months.

KPIs

• Number of software downloads.
• Number of social media and online ad clicks.
• Customer satisfaction surveys

Example of an Operational Plan for a Construction Company

Objective: To complete a commercial building project within the next 12 months.

Strategies

• Hire additional construction workers to support the project.
• Purchase new construction equipment to increase efficiency.
• Implement safety protocols to minimize accidents and injuries.

Resources

• Hire additional construction workers to support the project.
• Purchase new construction equipment.
• Allocate a budget for safety training and equipment.

Processes

• Develop a project timeline and schedule.
• Implement safety protocols and conduct regular safety training sessions.
• Monitor progress and adjust the project timeline and schedule as needed.

Timelines

• Construction to begin within one month.
• Safety training to be conducted before construction begins.
• Project to be completed within 12 months.

KPIs

• Project completion date.
• Number of accidents and injuries.
• Customer satisfaction surveys

These are just a few examples of operational plans. Still, they demonstrate the importance of setting clear objectives, identifying strategies and resources, defining processes, setting timelines, and monitoring progress through KPIs.

Wrapping Up

Crafting a business operational plan may seem daunting, but it is essential for success. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can create a plan tailored to your business’s unique needs and goals. Remember, an operational plan is not a one-time document. The content must be consistently checked and modified to reflect your business’s changing needs and goals.

An operational plan is a vital tool for any business owner. It assists in staying attentive to your business objectives, identifies potential problems, and improves decision-making. Creating a well-crafted operational plan can set your business on a path towards success.