business planning roles

What Does a Business Planning Manager Do?

Find out what a Business Planning Manager does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Business Planning Manager.

The Business Planning Manager plays a strategic role in steering the company’s direction through comprehensive market analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation. This position involves synthesizing complex data into actionable strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals and financial objectives. By closely monitoring industry trends and evaluating business performance, the Business Planning Manager ensures that the organization remains agile and responsive to changing market demands. Collaboration with various departments to develop and implement plans that enhance operational efficiency and profitability is also a significant aspect of the role. Through a balanced approach to risk management and opportunity identification, the Business Planning Manager supports the company in maintaining a competitive edge and achieving sustainable growth.

Business Planning Manager Job Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
• Analyze and forecast financial, economic, and other data to provide accurate and timely information for strategic and operational decisions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to develop business strategies and objectives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Evaluate competitive market strategies through analysis of related product, market, or share trends.
• Identify and drive initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including process improvements, cost reduction, and systems enhancements.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among departments to ensure that business planning and strategies are aligned with company-wide goals.
• Oversee the preparation of operational and risk reports for management analysis.
• Spearhead the development of new business opportunities, including expansion, mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships.

Business Planning Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors affecting a Business Planning Manager’s salary include industry sector, company size, years of experience, and specific skills in strategic planning, financial modeling, and market analysis. Performance outcomes and the ability to influence business growth also significantly impact compensation.

• Median Annual Salary: $110,250 ($53/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $152,000 ($73.08/hour)

The employment of business planning managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of global markets, the need for strategic planning in competitive environments, and the demand for innovation in product and service development. Business Planning Managers are pivotal in navigating these challenges, making their role more critical than ever.

Business Planning Manager Job Requirements

Education: A Business Planning Manager typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. Coursework often includes strategic management, financial analysis, market research, and organizational behavior. Advanced degrees like an MBA can enhance prospects, focusing on leadership, advanced strategic planning, and international business. Specialized courses in data analysis, project management, and economics are also beneficial, equipping candidates with the necessary skills to excel in developing and implementing business strategies.

Experience: Business Planning Managers typically come from diverse experience backgrounds, with a significant portion having substantial experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, and project management. Many have progressed through roles that required increasing responsibility in business strategy and operations. On-the-job training is common, often through mentorship or rotational programs within a company, allowing for hands-on experience in different business units. Training programs focusing on leadership, data analysis, and market research are also valuable, equipping candidates with the skills to lead cross-functional teams and drive business growth. Successful candidates often demonstrate a blend of practical experience in business planning and strategic initiatives, coupled with formal training programs that enhance their analytical and leadership capabilities.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Business Planning Manager.

Business Planning Manager Skills

Strategic Forecasting: Leveraging data-driven insights, a Business Planning Manager predicts market trends to develop strategies that align with organizational goals. This involves synthesizing diverse information sources to anticipate challenges and opportunities, keeping the company agile and competitive.

Market Analysis: Through the meticulous examination of trends, customer behaviors, and competitor activities, Business Planning Managers can forecast market demands and pinpoint opportunities or threats. This skill hinges on thorough data collection and interpretation to inform strategic decisions.

Financial Modeling: Business Planning Managers create detailed, predictive models of a company’s financial future to forecast revenue, assess risk, and efficiently allocate resources. This requires a solid grasp of accounting principles, spreadsheet software proficiency, and the ability to interpret market trends for data-driven strategic planning.

Risk Management: By identifying potential threats and developing strategies to mitigate them, Business Planning Managers protect the organization’s interests and ensure its long-term sustainability. Analyzing market trends, financial forecasts, and operational vulnerabilities is crucial for preemptively addressing challenges.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining strong relationships with investors, partners, and internal teams is critical for aligning business strategies and meeting project milestones. This skill ensures smoother project execution and fosters an environment of trust and mutual respect.

Performance Optimization: Data-driven insights and lean methodologies are used to streamline operations, reduce waste, and boost business efficiency. Analyzing performance metrics, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategic interventions are key for sustained organizational improvement.

Business Planning Manager Work Environment

A Business Planning Manager typically operates within a structured office environment, where the workspace is designed to foster both concentration and collaboration. The setup usually includes personal computers, advanced planning software, and access to data analytics tools, essential for strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Work hours might extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5, especially during critical planning phases, though many organizations offer flexibility to accommodate work-life balance. The dress code tends to align with corporate standards, leaning towards business casual or formal, depending on the company’s culture and external meeting requirements.

The role demands frequent interaction with team members, stakeholders, and departments, necessitating strong communication channels and a cooperative atmosphere. Travel may be required for industry events or company-wide meetings, adding variety to the routine.

Professional development opportunities are often available, encouraging continuous learning and advancement in strategic planning methodologies and leadership skills. This role thrives in a setting that values analytical thinking, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving.

Advancement Prospects

A Business Planning Manager can ascend to higher strategic roles within an organization, such as Director of Strategy or Chief Operations Officer (COO), by demonstrating exceptional analytical, leadership, and decision-making skills. Success in this career path hinges on the ability to drive business growth and efficiency through innovative planning and execution.

To achieve these advancements, a Business Planning Manager should focus on spearheading high-impact projects and initiatives that align with the company’s long-term goals. Gaining experience in cross-functional team leadership and developing a deep understanding of the industry’s competitive landscape are crucial.

Building a track record of successful business plans and strategies that have significantly contributed to the company’s profitability and market position will set a solid foundation for moving into top executive roles. Engaging in high-level decision-making processes and demonstrating a keen insight into market trends and business opportunities are essential steps toward career progression in this field.

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Business Planning

Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by subject matter experts.

Updated on June 08, 2023

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Table of contents, what is business planning.

Business planning is a crucial process that involves creating a roadmap for an organization to achieve its long-term objectives. It is the foundation of every successful business and provides a framework for decision-making, resource allocation, and measuring progress towards goals.

Business planning involves identifying the current state of the organization, determining where it wants to go, and developing a strategy to get there.

It includes analyzing the market, identifying target customers, determining a competitive advantage, setting financial goals, and establishing operational plans.

The business plan serves as a reference point for all stakeholders , including investors, employees, and partners, and helps to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same objectives.

Importance of Business Planning

Business planning plays a critical role in the success of any organization, as it helps to establish a clear direction and purpose for the business. It allows the organization to identify its goals and objectives, develop strategies and tactics to achieve them, and establish a framework of necessary resources and operational procedures to ensure success.

Additionally, a well-crafted business plan can serve as a reference point for decision-making, ensuring that all actions taken by the organization are aligned with its long-term objectives.

It can also facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common goal.

Furthermore, a business plan is often required when seeking funding or investment from external sources, as it demonstrates the organization's potential for growth and profitability. Overall, business planning is essential for any organization looking to succeed and thrive in a competitive market.

Business Planning Process

Step 1: defining your business purpose and goals.

Begin by clarifying your business's purpose, mission, and long-term goals. These elements should align with the organization's core values and guide every aspect of the planning process.

Step 2: Conducting Market Research and Analysis

Thorough market research and analysis are crucial to understanding the industry landscape, identifying target customers, and gauging the competition. This information will inform your business strategy and help you find your niche in the market.

Step 3: Creating a Business Model and Strategy

Based on the insights from your market research, develop a business model that outlines how your organization will create, deliver, and capture value. This will inform the overall business strategy, including identifying target markets, value propositions, and competitive advantages.

Step 4: Developing a Marketing Plan

A marketing plan details how your organization will promote its products or services to target customers. This includes defining marketing objectives, tactics, channels, budgets, and performance metrics to measure success.

Step 5: Establishing Operational and Financial Plans

The operational plan outlines the day-to-day activities, resources, and processes required to run your business. The financial plan projects revenue, expenses, and cash flow, providing a basis for assessing the organization's financial health and long-term viability.

Step 6: Reviewing and Revising the Business Plan

Regularly review and update your business plan to ensure it remains relevant and reflects the organization's current situation and goals. This iterative process enables proactive adjustments to strategies and tactics in response to changing market conditions and business realities.

Components of a Business Plan

Executive summary.

The executive summary provides a high-level overview of your business plan, touching on the company's mission, objectives, strategies, and key financial projections.

It is critical to make this section concise and engaging, as it is often the first section that potential investors or partners will read.

Company Description

The company description offers a detailed overview of your organization, including its history, mission, values, and legal structure. It also outlines the company's goals and objectives and explains how the business addresses a market need or problem.

Products or Services

Describe the products or services your company offers, emphasizing their unique features, benefits, and competitive advantages. Detail the development process, lifecycle, and intellectual property rights, if applicable.

Market Analysis

The market analysis section delves into the industry, target market, and competition. It should demonstrate a thorough understanding of market trends, growth potential, customer demographics, and competitive landscape.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Outline your organization's approach to promoting and selling its products or services. This includes marketing channels, sales tactics, pricing strategies, and customer relationship management .

Management and Organization

This section provides an overview of your company's management team, including their backgrounds, roles, and responsibilities. It also outlines the organizational structure and any advisory or support services employed by the company.

Operational Plan

The operational plan describes the day-to-day operations of your business, including facilities, equipment, technology, and personnel requirements. It also covers supply chain management, production processes, and quality control measures.

Financial Plan

The financial plan is a crucial component of your business plan, providing a comprehensive view of your organization's financial health and projections.

This section should include income statements , balance sheets , cash flow statements , and break-even analysis for at least three to five years. Be sure to provide clear assumptions and justifications for your projections.

Appendices and Supporting Documents

The appendices and supporting documents section contains any additional materials that support or complement the information provided in the main body of the business plan. This may include resumes of key team members, patents , licenses, contracts, or market research data.

Benefits of Business Planning

Helps secure funding and investment.

A well-crafted business plan demonstrates to potential investors and lenders that your organization is well-organized, has a clear vision, and is financially viable. It increases your chances of securing the funding needed for growth and expansion.

Provides a Roadmap for Growth and Success

A business plan serves as a roadmap that guides your organization's growth and development. It helps you set realistic goals, identify opportunities, and anticipate challenges, enabling you to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively.

Enables Effective Decision-Making

Having a comprehensive business plan enables you and your management team to make well-informed decisions, based on a clear understanding of the organization's goals, strategies, and financial situation.

Facilitates Communication and Collaboration

A business plan serves as a communication tool that fosters collaboration and alignment among team members, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same objectives and understands the organization's strategic direction.

Business planning should not be a one-time activity; instead, it should be an ongoing process that is continually reviewed and updated to reflect changing market conditions, business realities, and organizational goals.

This dynamic approach to planning ensures that your organization remains agile, responsive, and primed for success.

As the business landscape continues to evolve, organizations must embrace new technologies, methodologies, and tools to stay competitive.

The future of business planning will involve leveraging data-driven insights, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics to create more accurate and adaptive plans that can quickly respond to a rapidly changing environment.

By staying ahead of the curve, businesses can not only survive but thrive in the coming years.

Business Planning FAQs

What is business planning, and why is it important.

Business planning is the process of setting goals, outlining strategies, and creating a roadmap for your company's future. It's important because it helps you identify opportunities and risks, allocate resources effectively, and stay on track to achieve your goals.

What are the key components of a business plan?

A business plan typically includes an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management structure, product or service line, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections.

How often should I update my business plan?

It is a good idea to review and update your business plan annually, or whenever there's a significant change in your industry or market conditions.

What are the benefits of business planning?

Effective business planning can help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities for growth, improve decision-making, secure financing, and stay ahead of competitors.

Do I need a business plan if I am not seeking funding?

Yes, even if you're not seeking funding, a business plan can be a valuable tool for setting goals, developing strategies, and keeping your team aligned and focused on achieving your objectives.

About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide , a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University , where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon , Nasdaq and Forbes .

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What does a Business Planning Manager do?

Published November 13, 2022 3 min read

A business planning manager is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of an organization's business plan. They work with senior management to set strategic goals and objectives, and then create actionable plans to achieve those goals. The business planning manager is also responsible for tracking progress and performance against the plan, and making adjustments as necessary.

Business Planning Manager job duties include:

• Developing long-term plans for the company based on market research and analysis
• Coordinating with other departments to ensure that plans are executed effectively
• Monitoring progress and making adjustments to plans as needed
• Identifying opportunities for growth and expansion
• Developing budgets and forecasting financial performance
• Overseeing the development of marketing plans
• Evaluating new business opportunities
• Analyzing competitor activity
• Preparing reports for upper management

Business Planning Manager Job Requirements

A Business Planning Manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a certified public accountant (CPA) designation. In addition, the Business Planning Manager must have several years of experience working in corporate finance, financial analysis, or a related field.

Business Planning Manager Skills

• Business planning
• Financial modeling
• Business strategy
• Business analysis
• Financial analysis
• Project management
• Change management
• Process improvement
• Communication

Related : Top Business Planning Manager Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Business Planning Manager

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a Business Planning Manager, as the role will vary depending on the company and sector. However, there are some key skills and qualities that will be essential for success in this role.

First and foremost, you will need strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be responsible for reviewing data and financial reports, identifying trends and issues, and developing solutions to improve business performance. You must be able to think strategically and be comfortable making decisions based on data.

Excellent communication and presentation skills are also essential, as you will be required to present your findings and recommendations to senior management. The ability to build relationships and influence others will be crucial in this role.

You will also need to be highly organised and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong project management skills are essential in this role.

If you have the necessary skills and qualities, then a career as a Business Planning Manager can be very rewarding. It is a challenging role that offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the performance of a company.

Related : Business Planning Manager Resume Example

Related : Business Planning Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

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Table of Contents

What is a business plan, the advantages of having a business plan, the types of business plans, the key elements of a business plan, best business plan software, common challenges of writing a business plan, become an expert business planner, business planning: it’s importance, types and key elements.

Every year, thousands of new businesses see the light of the day. One look at the  World Bank's Entrepreneurship Survey and database  shows the mind-boggling rate of new business registrations. However, sadly, only a tiny percentage of them have a chance of survival.   

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of small businesses fail in their first year, about 50% in their fifth year.

Research from the University of Tennessee found that 44% of businesses fail within the first three years. Among those that operate within specific sectors, like information (which includes most tech firms), 63% shut shop within three years.

Several  other statistics  expose the abysmal rates of business failure. But why are so many businesses bound to fail? Most studies mention "lack of business planning" as one of the reasons.

This isn’t surprising at all. 

Running a business without a plan is like riding a motorcycle up a craggy cliff blindfolded. Yet, way too many firms ( a whopping 67%)  don't have a formal business plan in place. 

It doesn't matter if you're a startup with a great idea or a business with an excellent product. You can only go so far without a roadmap — a business plan. Only, a business plan is so much more than just a roadmap. A solid plan allows a business to weather market challenges and pivot quickly in the face of crisis, like the one global businesses are struggling with right now, in the post-pandemic world.  

But before you can go ahead and develop a great business plan, you need to know the basics. In this article, we'll discuss the fundamentals of business planning to help you plan effectively for 2021.  

Now before we begin with the details of business planning, let us understand what it is.

No two businesses have an identical business plan, even if they operate within the same industry. So one business plan can look entirely different from another one. Still, for the sake of simplicity, a business plan can be defined as a guide for a company to operate and achieve its goals.  

More specifically, it's a document in writing that outlines the goals, objectives, and purpose of a business while laying out the blueprint for its day-to-day operations and key functions such as marketing, finance, and expansion.

A good business plan can be a game-changer for startups that are looking to raise funds to grow and scale. It convinces prospective investors that the venture will be profitable and provides a realistic outlook on how much profit is on the cards and by when it will be attained. 

However, it's not only new businesses that greatly benefit from a business plan. Well-established companies and large conglomerates also need to tweak their business plans to adapt to new business environments and unpredictable market changes. 

Before getting into learning more about business planning, let us learn the advantages of having one.

Since a detailed business plan offers a birds-eye view of the entire framework of an establishment, it has several benefits that make it an important part of any organization. Here are few ways a business plan can offer significant competitive edge.

• Sets objectives and benchmarks: Proper planning helps a business set realistic objectives and assign stipulated time for those goals to be met. This results in long-term profitability. It also lets a company set benchmarks and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) necessary to reach its goals. 
• Maximizes resource allocation: A good business plan helps to effectively organize and allocate the company’s resources. It provides an understanding of the result of actions, such as, opening new offices, recruiting fresh staff, change in production, and so on. It also helps the business estimate the financial impact of such actions.
• Enhances viability: A plan greatly contributes towards turning concepts into reality. Though business plans vary from company to company, the blueprints of successful companies often serve as an excellent guide for nascent-stage start-ups and new entrepreneurs. It also helps existing firms to market, advertise, and promote new products and services into the market.
• Aids in decision making: Running a business involves a lot of decision making: where to pitch, where to locate, what to sell, what to charge — the list goes on. A well thought-out business plan provides an organization the ability to anticipate the curveballs that the future could throw at them. It allows them to come up with answers and solutions to these issues well in advance.
• Fix past mistakes: When businesses create plans keeping in mind the flaws and failures of the past and what worked for them and what didn’t, it can help them save time, money, and resources. Such plans that reflects the lessons learnt from the past offers businesses an opportunity to avoid future pitfalls.
• Attracts investors: A business plan gives investors an in-depth idea about the objectives, structure, and validity of a firm. It helps to secure their confidence and encourages them to invest. 

Now let's look at the various types involved in business planning.

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Business plans are formulated according to the needs of a business. It can be a simple one-page document or an elaborate 40-page affair, or anything in between. While there’s no rule set in stone as to what exactly a business plan can or can’t contain, there are a few common types of business plan that nearly all businesses in existence use.  

Here’s an overview of a few fundamental types of business plans. 

• Start-up plan: As the name suggests, this is a documentation of the plans, structure, and objections of a new business establishments. It describes the products and services that are to be produced by the firm, the staff management, and market analysis of their production. Often, a detailed finance spreadsheet is also attached to this document for investors to determine the viability of the new business set-up.
• Feasibility plan: A feasibility plan evaluates the prospective customers of the products or services that are to be produced by a company. It also estimates the possibility of a profit or a loss of a venture. It helps to forecast how well a product will sell at the market, the duration it will require to yield results, and the profit margin that it will secure on investments. 
• Expansion Plan: This kind of plan is primarily framed when a company decided to expand in terms of production or structure. It lays down the fundamental steps and guidelines with regards to internal or external growth. It helps the firm to analyze the activities like resource allocation for increased production, financial investments, employment of extra staff, and much more.
• Operations Plan: An operational plan is also called an annual plan. This details the day-to-day activities and strategies that a business needs to follow in order to materialize its targets. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the managing body, the various departments, and the company’s employees for the holistic success of the firm.
• Strategic Plan: This document caters to the internal strategies of the company and is a part of the foundational grounds of the establishments. It can be accurately drafted with the help of a SWOT analysis through which the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats can be categorized and evaluated so that to develop means for optimizing profits.

There is some preliminary work that’s required before you actually sit down to write a plan for your business. Knowing what goes into a business plan is one of them. 

Here are the key elements of a good business plan:

• Executive Summary: An executive summary gives a clear picture of the strategies and goals of your business right at the outset. Though its value is often understated, it can be extremely helpful in creating the readers’ first impression of your business. As such, it could define the opinions of customers and investors from the get-go.  
• Business Description: A thorough business description removes room for any ambiguity from your processes. An excellent business description will explain the size and structure of the firm as well as its position in the market. It also describes the kind of products and services that the company offers. It even states as to whether the company is old and established or new and aspiring. Most importantly, it highlights the USP of the products or services as compared to your competitors in the market.
• Market Analysis: A systematic market analysis helps to determine the current position of a business and analyzes its scope for future expansions. This can help in evaluating investments, promotions, marketing, and distribution of products. In-depth market understanding also helps a business combat competition and make plans for long-term success.
• Operations and Management: Much like a statement of purpose, this allows an enterprise to explain its uniqueness to its readers and customers. It showcases the ways in which the firm can deliver greater and superior products at cheaper rates and in relatively less time. 
• Financial Plan: This is the most important element of a business plan and is primarily addressed to investors and sponsors. It requires a firm to reveal its financial policies and market analysis. At times, a 5-year financial report is also required to be included to show past performances and profits. The financial plan draws out the current business strategies, future projections, and the total estimated worth of the firm.

The importance of business planning is it simplifies the planning of your company's finances to present this information to a bank or investors. Here are the best business plan software providers available right now:

• Business Sorter

The importance of business planning cannot be emphasized enough, but it can be challenging to write a business plan. Here are a few issues to consider before you start your business planning:

• Create a business plan to determine your company's direction, obtain financing, and attract investors.
• Identifying financial, demographic, and achievable goals is a common challenge when writing a business plan.
• Some entrepreneurs struggle to write a business plan that is concise, interesting, and informative enough to demonstrate the viability of their business idea.
• You can streamline your business planning process by conducting research, speaking with experts and peers, and working with a business consultant.

Whether you’re running your own business or in-charge of ensuring strategic performance and growth for your employer or clients, knowing the ins and outs of business planning can set you up for success. 

Be it the launch of a new and exciting product or an expansion of operations, business planning is the necessity of all large and small companies. Which is why the need for professionals with superior business planning skills will never die out. In fact, their demand is on the rise with global firms putting emphasis on business analysis and planning to cope with cut-throat competition and market uncertainties.

While some are natural-born planners, most people have to work to develop this important skill. Plus, business planning requires you to understand the fundamentals of business management and be familiar with business analysis techniques . It also requires you to have a working knowledge of data visualization, project management, and monitoring tools commonly used by businesses today.   

Simpliearn’s Executive Certificate Program in General Management will help you develop and hone the required skills to become an extraordinary business planner. This comprehensive general management program by IIM Indore can serve as a career catalyst, equipping professionals with a competitive edge in the ever-evolving business environment.

What Is Meant by Business Planning?

Business planning is developing a company's mission or goals and defining the strategies you will use to achieve those goals or tasks. The process can be extensive, encompassing all aspects of the operation, or it can be concrete, focusing on specific functions within the overall corporate structure.

What Are the 4 Types of Business Plans?

The following are the four types of business plans:

Operational Planning

This type of planning typically describes the company's day-to-day operations. Single-use plans are developed for events and activities that occur only once (such as a single marketing campaign). Ongoing plans include problem-solving policies, rules for specific regulations, and procedures for a step-by-step process for achieving particular goals.

Strategic Planning

Strategic plans are all about why things must occur. A high-level overview of the entire business is included in strategic planning. It is the organization's foundation and will dictate long-term decisions.

Tactical Planning

Tactical plans are about what will happen. Strategic planning is aided by tactical planning. It outlines the tactics the organization intends to employ to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan.

Contingency Planning

When something unexpected occurs or something needs to be changed, contingency plans are created. In situations where a change is required, contingency planning can be beneficial.

What Are the 7 Steps of a Business Plan?

The following are the seven steps required for a business plan:

Conduct Research

If your company is to run a viable business plan and attract investors, your information must be of the highest quality.

Have a Goal

The goal must be unambiguous. You will waste your time if you don't know why you're writing a business plan. Knowing also implies having a target audience for when the plan is expected to get completed.

Create a Company Profile

Some refer to it as a company profile, while others refer to it as a snapshot. It's designed to be mentally quick and digestible because it needs to stick in the reader's mind quickly since more information is provided later in the plan.

Describe the Company in Detail

Explain the company's current situation, both good and bad. Details should also include patents, licenses, copyrights, and unique strengths that no one else has.

Create a marketing plan ahead of time.

A strategic marketing plan is required because it outlines how your product or service will be communicated, delivered, and sold to customers.

Be Willing to Change Your Plan for the Sake of Your Audience

Another standard error is that people only write one business plan. Startups have several versions, just as candidates have numerous resumes for various potential employers.

Incorporate Your Motivation

Your motivation must be a compelling reason for people to believe your company will succeed in all circumstances. A mission should drive a business, not just selling, to make money. That mission is defined by your motivation as specified in your business plan.

What Are the Basic Steps in Business Planning?

These are the basic steps in business planning:

Summary and Objectives

Briefly describe your company, its objectives, and your plan to keep it running.

Services and Products

Add specifics to your detailed description of the product or service you intend to offer. Where, why, and how much you plan to sell your product or service and any special offers.

Conduct research on your industry and the ideal customers to whom you want to sell. Identify the issues you want to solve for your customers.

Operations are the process of running your business, including the people, skills, and experience required to make it successful.

How are you going to reach your target audience? How you intend to sell to them may include positioning, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

Consider funding costs, operating expenses, and projected income. Include your financial objectives and a breakdown of what it takes to make your company profitable. With proper business planning through the help of support, system, and mentorship, it is easy to start a business.

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Business Planning as a Function of Management

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The Importance of Clear Objectives, Directions & Project Plans

Purpose of maintenance planning, the best practices in strategic implementation.

• What Are the Four Basic Functions That Make Up the Management Process?
• What Merits Are There in Breaking Down the Planning Process by Business Units to Multiple Leaders?

There's a common saying in business that something well-planned is half done. Planning in business management is absolutely critical to the proper functioning of an organization. Business owners and managers have to plan all aspects of a business, from budgeting to supply management and human resources. Part of planning is developing goals and objectives and mobilizing employees to get on board with the implementation of the plans.

What is Planning?

For businesses, a big part of the planning function of management is deciding which course of action is best suited to achieving the business's goals. Planning is a preparatory step, which means that it helps managers and business owners to determine which steps are necessary to implement goals and it takes into consideration the available resources that are needed.

These resources include money, equipment and, not least of all, people. Planning is a basic management function, because it pervades every aspect of the business's operations.

Establishing Your Objectives

One of the more important business management aspects is establishing objectives that align with the company's goals and mission statement, explains Management Study Guide . These objectives should ideally provide a rationale for the business policies and processes that managers undertake to guide operations. Moreover, the objectives should focus the attention of the business on the end results.

Objectives should therefore be outlined in SMART format . This means that they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Outlining objectives in this way helps to create accountability and provides the planning process with a clear methodology.

Securing Buy-in

The objectives articulated in the planning process are of little use if a business's managers and employees have not bought into them. Think of this as building confidence in the organization's mission and objectives. Including various levels of employees in the planning process will help foster a culture of open communication and will motivate employees to implement the plans.

This creates a win-win situation – the organization can get valuable feedback and various opinions from employees at the same time as the employees are becoming interested in helping management to carry out the plans.

Following Up on Plans

The planning process must, of course, ultimately lead to the implementation of the plans and objectives. During the implementation process, it is necessary for the management and business owners to evaluate the effectiveness of the plans. Sometimes it will be necessary to tweak the objectives and so more planning might be in order.

There is link, therefore, between planning and controlling. In essence, the managers' planning is never done – there are always new business process and policies that will require brainstorming, planning and implementation.

• Management Study Guide: Planning Function of Management
• MindTools: SMART Goals

Jeremy Bradley works in the fields of educational consultancy and business administration. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree.

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• 1 Definition of Business Planning
• 2 Three Types of Objectives for Planning
• 3 How Does Planning Relate to Other Management Functions?
• 4 The Differences Between Business Planning & Corporate Planning

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What is a business planning manager and how to become one

A business planning manager is a professional who oversees the business management process. They recruit and train new staff, handle budgets, and identify opportunities to increase revenue resources. They also coordinate with clients for updates and adjust business plans as needed. These managers use a variety of skills, from communication and leadership to financial analysis and forecasting. They manage teams to achieve long-term objectives and ensure the smooth running of the business. They also use tools and templates to increase efficiency and effectiveness in business processes. They are responsible for tasks such as demand planning, financial reports, and risk calibration meetings. They also use techniques like DOE and 6 Sigma to resolve recurring issues and improve efficiency.

How long does it takes to become a business planning manager?

It takes approximately 12 to 14 years to become a business planning manager.

Year 1-4: Earn a Bachelor's degree.

Year 5-14: Gain 8-10 years of work experience.

Additionally, expect to complete 1-3 months of on-the-job training.

• Salary $115,251
• Growth Rate 10%
• Jobs Number 133,931
• Most Common Skill Business Planning
• Most Common Degree Bachelor's degree
• Best State Washington

Business Planning Manager career paths

A business planning manager can advance their career in various ways. They can become a finance director, a vice president, or a business development director. They can also move into sales roles such as senior sales director or director of sales. Some business planning managers may also pursue marketing roles, such as director of sales, or manager, channel marketing. Others may venture into product management, store management, or group product management. They can also become directors of global operations or strategic accounts, or even managing directors.

Key steps to become a business planning manager

Explore business planning manager education requirements, most common business planning manager degrees.

Bachelor's

Master's

Start to develop specific business planning manager skills

Business planning managers need a range of skills, from financial analysis and accounting to supply chain management and market research. They must have the ability to track budgets and capital expenditures, manage customer service, and analyze data to monitor procurement cost savings initiatives. They also need to develop demand planning processes and management cadence and monitor financial results to provide financial reports and analysis to senior management. Additionally, they must be able to coordinate supply chain planning activities for critical new products, track achievement of project metrics, and create program policies, EMR documentation processes, and performance and evaluation reports.

Complete relevant business planning manager training and internships

Research business planning manager duties and responsibilities.

Business planning managers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including demand planning for various product lines, identifying business and sales opportunities, managing customer service divisions, and providing financial analysis. They also develop market research and competitive analysis strategies, manage the sales pipeline, track and analyze budgets and capital expenditures, and facilitate monthly revenue planning sessions. Additionally, they estimate retail consumer price elasticity, develop and implement demand planning processes, coordinate supply chain planning activities, provide production-forecasting expertise, and monitor financial results. They also create and communicate business performance reports and analyze data to monitor procurement cost savings initiatives.

• Lead central team summarizing and prioritizing all DOD opportunities, enabling more efficient and effective resource allocation across several program departments.
• Create and implement new product BOM's.
• Verify WIP movement transactions are complete and with the latest BOM changes.
• Provide management with managerial reporting, variances explanations, and KPIs for decision making.

Prepare your business planning manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business planning manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a business planning manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Business Planning Manager Resume templates

Apply for business planning manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a business planning manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

Are you a Business Planning Manager?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average business planning manager salary

The average Business Planning Manager salary in the United States is $115,251 per year or $55 per hour. Business planning manager salaries range between $87,000 and $151,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do business planning managers rate their job?

Updated March 14, 2024

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The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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Understanding The Distinction Between a Business Plan & Business Planning

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, our choice of words matters. Our vocabulary can often become a veritable alphabet soup of jargon, acronyms, and those buzzwords (I'm looking at you, "disrupt").

And let's not get started on business cliches – "circle back," "synergy," “deep-dive,” etc.

Yet sometimes, it's worth pausing to consider the words we casually sprinkle around in our business conversations. In a previous article, we explored the differences between strategic and tactical business planning , two related but distinct approaches to guiding a business. Now, we're going to delve into another pair of terms that often get used interchangeably but have unique implications: "business plan" (the noun) and "business planning" (the verb).

The business plan, a noun, is a tactical document. It's typically created for a specific purpose, such as securing a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan . Think of it as a road map – it outlines the route and the destination (in this case, the coveted bank loan). But once you've reached your tactical goal (in this case, getting the loan), it often gets shoved in the glove compartment, forgotten as part of the organization's action plan until the next road trip (i.e., additional funding ).

Business planning is not a static concept, but rather a dynamic verb. It's an ongoing process that necessitates continual adjustments. It's about creating a holistic, interconnected value-creating strategic plan that benefits all stakeholders. This includes attracting top-tier employees, ensuring a return on lending or investment, and making a positive impact on the community, whether online or in real life.

That being said, the customer remains at the heart of this process. Without customers, there are no sales, no revenue, and no value. Everything else is contingent on this key element.

If we were to compare the business plan to a map, then business planning would be the journey. It's a continuous process of making strategic decisions, adapting to new paths, and steering the business towards its goals. Sometimes, it even involves redefining objectives midway.

So, let's do a "deep-dive" (I couldn't resist) into these two terms, examining their application in the real world. Along the way, we'll uncover some tools that can aid us in the ever-evolving process of strategic business planning and the more finite task of crafting a winning business plan.

The Business Plan is a Document

Alright, let's take a closer look at a phrase we've all tossed around: the business plan. Imagine it as the detailed blueprint of your organization's goals, strategies, and tactics. It's like the North Star for your entrepreneurial ship, shedding light on the key questions: what, why, how, and when (speaking of questions, here are some FAQs about the business plan ).

Writing a solid business plan isn't easy , especially if you're just dipping your toes into the world of business planning. But don’t worry; we'll get to that (eventually).

So, let's break it down. What does a business plan document consist of, exactly?

• Executive Summary: Just as it sounds, this is a quick overview of the nitty-gritty that's in the rest of your business plan. It's the introduction to your organization, highlighting your mission statement and serving up the essential details like ownership, location, and structure.
• Company Overview: This is where you will detail your products and/or services, their pricing, and the operational plan. If you're opening a restaurant, this section is where you present your menu, and it's also where you talk about your ingredient sourcing, the type of service you'll provide, and the ambiance you're aiming for. 
• Market Analysis Summary: This section demands a comprehensive analysis of your industry, target market, competitors, and your unique selling proposition. Without access to top-notch (and often not free) research tools, it can be challenging to find current industry data. Check out our  guide on the best market research tools to get started.
• Strategy and Implementation Summary: Here, you'll lay out your short-term and long-term objectives along with the strategies you'll implement to attract and retain customers. This is where you’ll talk about all the different marketing and sales strategies you'll use to charm your future customers.
• Management Summary: This is your chance to spotlight your company's key personnel. Detail the profiles of your key leaders, their roles, and why they're perfect for it. Don't shy away from acknowledging talent gaps that need to be filled, and do share how you plan to fill them!
• Pro Forma Financials: This is where you get down to the dollars and cents with a detailed five-year revenue forecast along with crucial financial statements like the balance sheet and the profit & loss statement.

A business plan is an essential instrument, not just for securing funding, but also for communicating long-term goals and objectives to key stakeholders. But, while a business plan is essential for many circumstances, it's important to understand its scope and limitations. It's a tactical tool, an important one, but it's not the be-all and end-all of business strategy. Which brings us to our next point of discussion: business planning.

Business Planning is a Process

If we view the business plan as a blueprint, then business planning is the architect. But let's be clear: we're not building just any old house here. We're building the  Winchester Mystery House of business. Just as the infamous Winchester House was  constantly under construction , with new rooms being added and old ones revamped, so too is your business in a state of perpetual evolution. It's a dynamic, ongoing process, not a one-and-done event.

In the realm of business planning, we're always adding 'rooms' and 'corridors' – new products, services, and market strategies – to our 'house'. And just as  Sarah Winchester reputedly consulted spirits in her Séance Room to guide her construction decisions, we consult our customers, market data, and strategic insights to guide our strategy. We're in a constant state of assessing, evolving, executing, and improving.

Business planning touches all corners of your venture. It includes areas such as product development, market research, and strategic management. It's not about predicting the future with absolute certainty – we’re planners, not fortune tellers. It's about setting a course and making calculated decisions, preparing to pivot when circumstances demand it (think global pandemics).

Business planning is not a 'set it and forget it' endeavor. It's akin to being your company's personal fitness coach, nudging it to continually strive for better. Much like physical fitness, if you stop the maintenance, you risk losing your hard-earned progress.

Business Planning Case Study: Solo Stove

Now that summer is here, my Solo Stove stands as a tangible testament to effective business planning.

For those unfamiliar, Solo Stove started with a simple yet innovative product – a smoke-limiting outdoor fire pit that garnered over $1.1 million on Kickstarter in 2016, far exceeding its original objective. Since then, it has expanded its portfolio with products tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. From flame screens and fire tools to color-changing flame additives, each product is designed to fit seamlessly into modern outdoor spaces, exuding a rugged elegance that resonates with their target audience.

This strategic product development, a cornerstone of business planning, has allowed Solo Stove to evolve from a product to a lifestyle brand. By continually listening to their customers, probing their desires and needs, and innovating to meet those needs, they've built a brand that extends beyond the products they sell.

Their strategy also includes a primary "Direct To Consumer" (DTC) revenue model, executed via their e-commerce website. This model, while challenging due to increased customer acquisition costs, offers significant benefits, including higher margins since revenue isn’t split with a retailer or distributor, and direct interaction with the customer.

Through its primary business model,  Solo Stove has amassed an email database of over 3.4 million customers . This competitive advantage allows for ongoing evaluation of customer needs, driving product innovation and improvement, and enabling effective marketing that strengthens their mission. The success of this approach is evident in the company's growth: from 2018 to 2020,  Solo Stove’s revenue grew from $16 million to $130 million , a 185% CAGR.

While  85% of their revenue comes from online DTC channels, Solo Stove has also enhanced their strategic objectives by partnering with select retailers that align with their reputation, demographic, and commitment to showcasing Solo Brands’ product portfolio and providing superior customer service.

Solo Stove's success underscores how comprehensive business planning fosters regular assessment, constant evolution, and continual improvement. It's more than setting goals – it's about ceaselessly uncovering ways to deliver value to your customers and grow your business.

However, even successful businesses like Solo Stove can explore additional strategic initiatives for growth and diversification, aligning with their strategic direction and operational planning. For instance, a subscription model could provide regular deliveries of products or a service warranty, creating a consistent revenue stream and increasing customer loyalty. Alternatively, a B2B model could involve partnerships with adventure tourism operators, who could purchase Solo Stove products in bulk.

These complementary business models, when integrated into the operational plan, could support the primary DTC model by driving customer acquisition, providing ongoing revenue streams and expanding the customer base. This strategic direction ensures that Solo Stove continues to thrive in a competitive market.

The Interplay between the Business Plan (Noun) and Business Planning (Verb)

In the realm of business strategy, there's an intriguing chicken-and-egg conundrum: which comes first, the business plan or business planning? The answer is both straightforward and complex: they're two sides of the same coin, each indispensable in its own right and yet inextricably linked.

The process of business planning informs and modifies the business plan, just as the business plan provides a strategic foundation for the planning process. This interplay embodies the concept of Model-Based Planning™, where the business model serves as a guide, yet remains flexible to the insights and adaptations borne out of proactive business planning.

Let's revisit the Solo Stove story to elucidate this concept. Their business model, primarily direct-to-consumer, laid the groundwork for their strategy. Yet, it was through continuous business planning  –  the assessment of customer feedback, market trends, and sales performance –  that they were able to refine their model, expand their product portfolio, and enhance their growth objectives. Their business plan wasn't a static document but a living entity, evolving through the insights gleaned from ongoing business planning.

So, how can you harness the power of both the tactical business plan and strategic business planning in your organization? Here are a few guiding principles:

• Embrace Model-Based Planning™: Start with a robust business model that outlines your strategic plan. But remember, this isn't set in stone—it's a guiding framework that will evolve over time as you gain insights from your strategic planning process.
• Make business planning a routine: Regularly review and update your business plan based on your findings from market research, customer feedback, and internal assessments. Use it as a living document that grows and adapts with your business.
• Foster open communication: Keep all stakeholders informed about updates to your business plan and the insights that informed these changes. This promotes alignment and ensures everyone is working towards the same goals.
• Be agile and adaptable: A key part of business planning is being ready to pivot when necessary . Whether it's a global pandemic or a shift in consumer preferences, your ability to respond swiftly and strategically to changing circumstances is crucial for long-term success.

Fanning the Flames: From Planning to Plan

The sparks truly ignite when you understand the symbiotic relationship between tactical business plans, strategic business planning, and the achievement of strategic goals. Crafting a tactical business plan (the noun) requires initial planning (the verb), but then you need to embark on continuous strategic planning (the verb) to review, refine, and realign your strategic business plan (the noun). It's a rhythm of planning, execution, review, and adjustment, all guided by key performance indicators.

Business planning, therefore, isn't a one-off event, but rather an active, ongoing process. A business plan needs constant nurturing and adjustment to stay relevant and guide your organization's path to success. This understanding frames your business plan not as a static document, but as a living, breathing entity, evolving with each step your business takes and each shift in the business landscape. It's a strategic roadmap, continually updated to reflect your organization's objectives and the ever-changing business environment.

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Strategy Job Descriptions

Business planning analyst job description, business planning analyst.

As a Business Planning Analyst at [Company Name], you will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth and success. You will be part of the [Team], reporting to the [Reporting To]. In this role, you will work closely with the [Teams Collaboration] to support and strengthen the company's business planning and strategy.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct market research and analysis to identify new business opportunities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of business plans and strategies.
• Analyze financial data and create reports to support decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess and optimize business processes.
• Monitor and track key performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of business initiatives.
• Prepare presentations and reports for senior management and stakeholders.
• Support the development and execution of budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive landscape to provide insights and recommendations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field.
• [X years of experience] years of experience in business planning, strategic analysis, or a similar role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and financial modeling.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with business intelligence tools and ERP systems is a plus.

Success Metrics:

• Timely completion of business plans and strategies.
• Accuracy and quality of financial analysis and reports.
• Contribution to improved business processes and efficiency.
• Positive feedback from senior management and stakeholders.

Your role as a Business Planning Analyst at [Company Name] will be instrumental in driving the company's growth, development, and achievement of strategic objectives. By providing valuable insights and supporting the implementation of effective business plans and strategies, you will contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Add [Contact Name] at [Email] to apply.

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Find your next business planning analyst.

Use our free tailored job description for the role of Business Planning Analyst. Our job description provides detailed responsibilities, requirements, success metrics, and more. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. Take the guesswork out of hiring and ensure you find the perfect candidate for the job.

About the Business Planning Analyst

A Business Planning Analyst plays a crucial role in the organization's strategic planning and execution. They are responsible for analyzing market trends, financial data, and business performance to develop actionable plans and recommendations. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for growth, improve operational efficiency, and drive overall business success.

FAQs about the Business Planning Analyst

What is the role of the business planning analyst about.

The role of the Business Planning Analyst is to support the organization's strategic planning and execution efforts. They gather and analyze data, develop insights, and provide strategic recommendations to drive business growth. Our tailored job description provides a detailed overview of the responsibilities, requirements, and success metrics for this role. Examples of tasks may include conducting market research, creating financial models, and assisting with budget planning.

Why do you need a Business Planning Analyst?

A Business Planning Analyst is essential for effective strategy execution. They help organizations make informed decisions, identify growth opportunities, and align resources to achieve strategic goals. This supporting strategy execution role depends on the specific needs and structure of the organization. However, having a skilled Business Planning Analyst can significantly enhance the organization's ability to drive success and navigate complex business challenges.

What would be an average salary for the Business Planning Analyst?

The average salary for a Business Planning Analyst in the US ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, and company size. This estimate is based on data from reputable sources like Glassdoor and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each position.

Ready to find your next Business Planning Analyst? Create your tailored job description.

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The Business Planning Process: 6 Steps To Creating a New Plan

In this article, we will define and explain the basic business planning process to help your business move in the right direction.

What is Business Planning?

Business planning is the process whereby an organization’s leaders figure out the best roadmap for growth and document their plan for success.

The business planning process includes diagnosing the company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, improving its efficiency, working out how it will compete against rival firms in the future, and setting milestones for progress so they can be measured.

The process includes writing a new business plan. What is a business plan? It is a written document that provides an outline and resources needed to achieve success. Whether you are writing your plan from scratch, from a simple business plan template , or working with an experienced business plan consultant or writer, business planning for startups, small businesses, and existing companies is the same.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

The best business planning process is to use our business plan template to streamline the creation of your plan: Download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template and finish your business plan & financial model in hours.

The Better Business Planning Process

The business plan process includes 6 steps as follows:

• Do Your Research
• Calculate Your Financial Forecast
• Draft Your Plan
• Revise & Proofread
• Nail the Business Plan Presentation

We’ve provided more detail for each of these key business plan steps below.

1. Do Your Research

Conduct detailed research into the industry, target market, existing customer base,  competitors, and costs of the business begins the process. Consider each new step a new project that requires project planning and execution. You may ask yourself the following questions:

• What are your business goals?
• What is the current state of your business?
• What are the current industry trends?
• What is your competition doing?

There are a variety of resources needed, ranging from databases and articles to direct interviews with other entrepreneurs, potential customers, or industry experts. The information gathered during this process should be documented and organized carefully, including the source as there is a need to cite sources within your business plan.

You may also want to complete a SWOT Analysis for your own business to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential risks as this will help you develop your strategies to highlight your competitive advantage.

2. Strategize

Now, you will use the research to determine the best strategy for your business. You may choose to develop new strategies or refine existing strategies that have demonstrated success in the industry. Pulling the best practices of the industry provides a foundation, but then you should expand on the different activities that focus on your competitive advantage.

This step of the planning process may include formulating a vision for the company’s future, which can be done by conducting intensive customer interviews and understanding their motivations for purchasing goods and services of interest. Dig deeper into decisions on an appropriate marketing plan, operational processes to execute your plan, and human resources required for the first five years of the company’s life.

3. Calculate Your Financial Forecast

All of the activities you choose for your strategy come at some cost and, hopefully, lead to some revenues. Sketch out the financial situation by looking at whether you can expect revenues to cover all costs and leave room for profit in the long run.

Begin to insert your financial assumptions and startup costs into a financial model which can produce a first-year cash flow statement for you, giving you the best sense of the cash you will need on hand to fund your early operations.

A full set of financial statements provides the details about the company’s operations and performance, including its expenses and profits by accounting period (quarterly or year-to-date). Financial statements also provide a snapshot of the company’s current financial position, including its assets and liabilities.

This is one of the most valued aspects of any business plan as it provides a straightforward summary of what a company does with its money, or how it grows from initial investment to become profitable.

4. Draft Your Plan

With financials more or less settled and a strategy decided, it is time to draft through the narrative of each component of your business plan . With the background work you have completed, the drafting itself should be a relatively painless process.

If you have trouble writing convincing prose, this is a time to seek the help of an experienced business plan writer who can put together the plan from this point.

5. Revise & Proofread

Revisit the entire plan to look for any ideas or wording that may be confusing, redundant, or irrelevant to the points you are making within the plan. You may want to work with other management team members in your business who are familiar with the company’s operations or marketing plan in order to fine-tune the plan.

Finally, proofread thoroughly for spelling, grammar, and formatting, enlisting the help of others to act as additional sets of eyes. You may begin to experience burnout from working on the plan for so long and have a need to set it aside for a bit to look at it again with fresh eyes.

6. Nail the Business Plan Presentation

The presentation of the business plan should succinctly highlight the key points outlined above and include additional material that would be helpful to potential investors such as financial information, resumes of key employees, or samples of marketing materials. It can also be beneficial to provide a report on past sales or financial performance and what the business has done to bring it back into positive territory.

Business Planning Process Conclusion

Every entrepreneur dreams of the day their business becomes wildly successful.

But what does that really mean? How do you know whether your idea is worth pursuing?

And how do you stay motivated when things are not going as planned? The answers to these questions can be found in your business plan. This document helps entrepreneurs make better decisions and avoid common pitfalls along the way. ​

Business plans are dynamic documents that can be revised and presented to different audiences throughout the course of a company’s life. For example, a business may have one plan for its initial investment proposal, another which focuses more on milestones and objectives for the first several years in existence, and yet one more which is used specifically when raising funds.

Business plans are a critical first step for any company looking to attract investors or receive grant money, as they allow a new organization to better convey its potential and business goals to those able to provide financial resources.

How to Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

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With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

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• Five Key Roles Of A Business Plan

by James Burgess | Jun 10, 2020 | Business Planning | 0 comments

Business plans are like road maps or your GPS – they make your trip more efficient. Although you can proceed with your startup business without a business plan, there are high chances of getting lost along the way. On the other hand, if you have a road map or a plan to guide you, you will remember where you are headed and you can reach it faster with more effective strategies.

3.       Preparing for the big ones A lot of small and medium enterprises do not get to last for five years because they do not prepare for the big mistakes or the most common mistakes that cause the failure of a lot of businesses. These common reasons for failure are addressed in the business plan. Here are some of the most common mistakes:

•         There is no market need, which means nobody needs or wants what is being sold
•         There is a lack of capital or the company runs out of money
•         Your hired team or employees are not the right people for the business
•         Competition around you is rigid resulting in a very unprofitable situation
•         Prices for products or services are either too high or too low

4.       Recognizing viability A business plan will help you recognize if your vision is viable in the market. A business plan can ground your lofty business idea and acknowledge it as having sound business sense.

2. Use our FREE business planning program FOCUS Yourself; A 7 Module Business Plan Program . This is not a business plan template, it is a full business plan that is EASY and FAST , making your plan SUSTAINABLE and entirely PRACTICAL . Start your business plan NOW

3. Not sure why you need a small business plan? REGISTER for a FREE FOCUS Discovery Consultation where you will talk business, your business, with international best-selling author James Burgess

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Director, Business Planning Job Description

Director, business planning duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective director, business planning job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included director, business planning job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Director, Business Planning Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Licensing or Certifications for Director, Business Planning

List any licenses or certifications required by the position: PMP, APICS, FCIAA, RNUA, MSB, PMI, SAP, PMBOK, PM, SAFE

Education for Director, Business Planning

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the director, business planning job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business, MBA, Finance, Accounting, Business/Administration, Education, Marketing, Management, Engineering, Economics

Skills for Director, Business Planning

Desired skills for director, business planning include:

Desired experience for director, business planning includes:

Director, Business Planning Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Manage all the communication and interface with Customers, Sales Key Account and Supply chain in terms of order management and execution
• Ensure continue processes improvements to best operate and improve Customers Satisfaction
• Monitor flow of initial assortment reorders to stores by classification and by style
• Partner with the VP of MPA to develop strategic annual and three year plans at the store, and product level
• Serve as the business lead for the selection and implementation of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) solution for Planning & Reporting)
• Create and develop a monthly meeting with key leadership to review the commercial state of our business globally
• Influence the dimensions of the business - Analyze and understand business requirements to shape the vision for core processes
• Lead process evolution - Define a clear execution strategy including required interlocks to other processes, deliverables, and measures of success
• Establish your Expertise - Challenge and develop your expertise consistently in order to design best-in-class process standards
• Incubate Practices - Strategically pre-select ideal areas for incubation and align with Business Partners to define next steps
• Ability to understand both the detailed analytics the macro level findings and communicate on both levels
• Advanced Business Degree or equivalent required (MBA, PhD, or CFA)
• Substantial analytical experience
• Candidate should also have solid experience producing results working across internal business lines (setting cross-team goals, timelines, deliverables, and achieving those goals)
• Be able to demonstrate the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and command respect
• String demonstrable experience managing numerous projects and tasks by displaying excellent time-management and mulit-tasking skills
• Be a Thought Leader - Establish your credibility, influence change, and obtain buy-in to enable smooth process adoption and success
• Support Prevention and Wellbeing senior leadership in setting a 3 - 5 year plan to develop business strategy, business management and key business priorities efforts related to product development and innovation
• Work directly with senior leaders to drive successful completion of enterprise efforts
• Work with product suite leads and growth office to gain visibility into product enhancement pipeline in order to ensure we are providing our clients with the most effective answers to their healthcare challenges
• Manage relationships with key enterprise wide shared service partners in operations, technology, and finance, ensuring business, budget, and delivery alignment
• Develop and support Prevention and Wellbeing Merger and Acquisition plan
• Help coordinate across Optum to establish alignment and visibility of new CSG initiatives
• Develop and create internal and external meeting materials, including presentations
• Facilitate events and meetings for internal and external participants
• Anticipate and proactively gather information regarding trends and upcoming events
• Must have experience being policy spokesperson, with proven ability to coordinate across physically distant offices or time zones
• Familiarity with InfoSource (or substitutable business objects tools) is helpful but not essential
• Any coding experience, such as R, visual basic, or similar computer languages is a plus
• Experience with Deltek products (Costpoint/Maconomy) or similar ERP
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in middle to senior level professional role in multi-national companies to support business management, planning or operations
• Ability to define strategic needs of the business, analyzes business strategies, translates into potential sales effectiveness and productivity goals
• Synthesize and present information to business and CSG leadership
• Partner with finance to perform financial and conceptual business case analysis
• Serve as a reviewer and approver for work performed by others
• Support Business and Strategic Planning and other adhoc needs as directed
• Manages Collaborative Planning Forecasting & Replenishment process and relationship with assigned suppliers
• Organizes the planning process from StratPlan to Budget/LF for Cost and Services (Qs) for REFS
• Manage REFS finance operations and processes
• Lead for financial evaluation of capital investments/ divestments according to guidelines
• Leads computation of annual $500M+ charging model for Divisions working closely with REFS and Division teams on assumptions, drivers, spend allocation keys
• Responsible for providing timely, accurate and meaningful monthly financial management reporting on operation and project cost for ongoing performance management
• BA/BS in marketing, business or related degree required
• 10-15 years experience in key account retail-related buying, in a sales role at a leading consumer products manufacturer, or mass retailer/licensor experience required
• 10+ years in a combined finance, advertising and/or sales operations role, preferably in a media or entertainment company
• 7+ years managing people and leading teams
• Ability to work autonomously, take initiative and follow through on projects
• A Bachelor’s degree is required (preferred engineering or business degree)
• SPOC for Division Finance team to coordinate project accounting planning and proper reporting across divisions
• Actively mentor and coach process managers to help support and further their growth in aspects of the professional content of their project management role
• Provide team members/direct reports with clear direction and targets that are aligned with markets needs and HQ strategy
• Collaborate with regional and center led teams to coordinate timely and accurate closing, budgeting & forecasting cycle
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the assumptions underlying the budget and forecasts, including sales volumes, impact of strategic initiatives and innovation, pricing, foreign currency exposure (translational and transactional), productivity, inflation, product and geographic mix, brand investments and operating expenses
• Collaborate with key business partners throughout GMS
• Executes to strategic plan, manages multiple strategic engagements at once, owning process improvement end results
• Oversee definition and agreement to a single Marketing capabilities roadmap
• Establish and govern an intake, prioritization and planning cadence for all Marketing initiatives/projects
• Responsible for business process creation, optimization and standardization by leveraging Lean Six Sigma methods and tools
• Potential international travel
• Lead the volume target/forecast discussion among Franchise team and BG HO
• Create and continue to improve the planning processes through the application of information technology and strengthening working relationships with regions and functions to improve joint business planning capability
• An integrated process working with regional & functional management to filter & analyze information for competitive insight
• Lead ad hoc analysis, preparing presentations/briefing books for business needs
• Minimum of 12 years of professional experience, with demonstrated success across planning, product, marketing, operations and / or finance
• Organize activities in planning cycle, strategy workshops, interlock meetings
• Strategic lead on biosimilar deal scenario development and adaptation based on “win rate” and competitor actions
• Creates overall scenarios for deal “Wins” by customer
• Collects current insight from KAM and market analytics as inputs for the overall “Wins & Losses” scenarios
• As a member of the biosimilar business identifies new offerings beyond price (services ) and works with brand team to develop new tactics
• Responsible for strategic goals, services, profit goals and supply considerations for deals
• Creates execution performance goals with Market Access (Pricing & Contracting) and monitors progress to goals for biosimilar business
• Alerts biosimilar business of bottlenecks or delays impacting deal execution timelines
• Prepares and recommends deal strategy and individual deals for sign off by biosimilar leadership
• Leads and coordinates input by cross functional stakeholders into deal model and leads governance committee
• High learning agility & learn fast
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in financial planning, reporting and analysis roles
• Extensive experience with Enterprise Performance Management solutions in the Planning & Forecasting fields
• 12+ years of professional working experience within operations or related functions such as Finance
• Proven experience in planning, budgeting, and analysis within business groups
• Experience in executing multi-year plans

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Onboarding New Employees — Without Overwhelming Them

• Julia Phelan

Give people the space and time they need to thrive in their new job.

A great onboarding experience can keep new hires engaged and committed, and increase their learning and preparedness for their new role. In trying to ensure new employees feel supported and properly prepared, some organizations flood new hires with far too much information. Even if managers have the best intentions, bombarding new hires with tasks  — such as asking them to read every single page of the employee manual or requiring them to get set-up on Slack, email, Box, and all the other platforms all at once — will backfire. Three strategies can help organizations mitigate this overload and ensure employees have the space, time, and mental resources available to learn and thrive in their new job.

We know that effectively onboarding new employees has huge value. A good onboarding process — with clear information on job requirements, organizational norms, and performance expectations — not only enhances employee productivity but helps increase loyalty and engagement, and decrease s turnover .

• JP Julia Phelan , Ph.D. is a learning design consultant and expert in applying learning science principles to create effective learning experiences. She works with organizations to help build a strong workplace learning culture by improving training design, implementation, and outcomes. She is the co-founder of To Eleven , and a former UCLA education research scientist. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Goldman's CEO is under fire from an influential investor advisor after a string of personnel and business missteps

• Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon faces a challenge from a big investor advisor.
• The advisor recommended separating the CEO and chairman roles for more independent oversight.
• The annual-meeting vote comes amid scrutiny of Goldman's consumer business and personnel issues.

Goldman Sachs' CEO is facing a fresh challenge to his leadership from an advisor to some of the bank's biggest investors.

The proxy advisor Institutional Shareholder Services wants Goldman to separate the CEO and chairman roles. David Solomon has been CEO since October 2018 and took on the chairman title months later.

In a report sent on Wednesday before the bank's April shareholder meeting, ISS asked for more "independent oversight" of the company, according to Reuters . ISS, which recommends how investors vote at company meetings, gave "cautionary support" for Goldman's executive pay.

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During Solomon's CEO tenure, the stock has soared 83%. But a string of recent issues has intensified the spotlight on him. The bank sprang into damage-control mode in recent weeks after a March Wall Street Journal story about Goldman's lack of female leadership, including a stream of women exiting under Solomon. One of those executives, Stephanie Cohen , led the bank's big bet on the consumer space . After losing billions of dollars, Goldman is now retreating from the business.

"Solomon's foray into the consumer realm has been met with missteps and steep losses, which seem to have trickled into further human capital issues," ISS wrote in the report on Wednesday.

After Goldman's governance committee evaluated the dual CEO-chairman role in December, the board reaffirmed that it was "the most effective leadership structure," per the company's annual-meeting materials .

Goldman didn't respond to a request for comment from Business Insider sent outside normal business hours.

ISS recommended voting for Goldman's slate of directors, including the next lead independent director, David Viniar. He joined the board in 2013 after stepping down from the bank, where he was most recently the chief financial officer.

"Some may question the decision to elevate a former Goldman executive to the role at this time," ISS wrote.

Watch: How Twitter panic took down Silicon Valley Bank

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