Every small business needs to know where it wants to go. O strategic planning is just that: a fundamental process for guiding the company towards its long-term objectives. It defines the general goals and main strategies of the business. *
For example, a strategic goal could be open two new stores in the next five years or increase market share. From these long-term goals comes tactical planning and, finally, operational planning to carry out the plan.
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning defines what the company wants to achieve and why. According to Sebrae, it involves setting goals, identifying resources and creating strategies to achieve the objectives set. *
It is usually decided by the partners or the board of directors looking 3-5 years ahead. For example, a common strategic objective is to become a benchmark in a niche market. From there, a mission, vision and major initiatives are defined to get there.
ProcessWhat we are going to achieve (Objective) > What needs to be done (Goals) > What is the easiest and/or most solid way? (Brand, Marketing, Sales and Delivery Strategies).
Tactical Planning
Tactical planning details how to execute the strategy. It breaks down a big goal into intermediate short- or medium-term objectives (usually 1-3 years). *
For example, if the strategic objective is to double the customer base in 2 years, the tactical plan could include actions such as making services more accessible, investing in customer loyalty and strengthening the brand.
At this stage, each manager sets deadlines and tasks for their team, rather than focusing on daily actions. It is the bridge between the big plans and the day-to-day running of the company.
Operational Planning
Operational planning takes care of the practical day-to-day execution. It details specific actions and routine tasks (daily or weekly) to achieve the tactical goals. *
For example, following the plan above, at the operational level the team can create weekly content for social networks, respond to daily budgets quickly or monitor the production of materials. In short, the operative is the one who makes it happen: he organizes who does what, when and how.
In short, each level answers a different question: strategic = what we want (vision of the future), tactical = how we're going to do it (medium-term plans), operational = day-to-day. *
Practical exampleImagine a digital marketing agency that has set itself the (strategic) goal of doubling its client base in two years. Then, at the tactical level, strategies are drawn up such as offering more affordable packages, investing in customer retention and strengthening the brand's presence in the market. *
In operations, these became daily actions: researching the target audience, creating a progressive discount program and producing constant content on social media. Thus, a major objective became concrete goals and tasks for each team. *
Conclusion
In short, strategic, tactical and operational planning is fundamental to the success of any small business. Each level of planning plays a crucial role in transforming ambitious goals into concrete actions and real results.
Strategic planning defines the course and the major long-term goals, while tactical planning details the intermediate steps to achieve these objectives. Operational planning, on the other hand, focuses on the day-to-day actions that ensure the efficient execution of the plan.
By integrating these three layers of planninga company can align your resources, optimize efforts e achieve your goals consistently and effectivelypromoting sustainable growth and success in the competitive market.
