What is an Action Plan? Definition, How to Make It, and Examples

In the business world, especially one that moves quickly like the culinary industry, you can't just rely on instinct and enthusiasm. It requires planning that is clear, structured, and can be implemented consistently. 

Well, this is where it is important to understand action plans. Due to the fact, action plans are strategic tools that can help you stay focused, efficient and directed in pursuing business targets.

In this article, we will discuss the question in full action plan is, starting from the meaning, benefits, how to make it, to examples of its application in the restaurant business. Come on, let's look at them one by one so you can immediately practice later!

Understanding Action Plan

Before going deeper, let's start from the most basic things. The action plan is a document that details the steps you must take to achieve a goal. 

So, it's not just a to-do list, but detailed strategic planning. Starting from who is responsible, when the target will be completed, to the resources needed.

If you are still confused, just imagine it like a GPS. Without it, you will get lost and end up wasting time and energy. 

However, if you use an action plan, you will know the fastest and safest way to get to your destination.

Read Also: Understanding Scale Up: The Key to a Growing Business, Here's the Strategy!

Benefits of an Action Plan that cannot be ignored

Source: Freepik

Not just documentation, the action plan has many important functions for the progress of your business, especially in the F&B field. 

Let's take a look at the following benefits:

1. Goals become clearer

The plan of action is a concrete way for you to organize steps towards your goal. Instead of just saying "I want to increase my revenue next month", with an action plan you can know what needs to be done to achieve that target.

2. All Teams One Vote

Action plans are not just for owners or managers. All teams can know the direction of their work through this document. So, you can create more solid teamwork and minimize miscommunication.

3. Make monitoring easier

With a clear time frame and specifically written who is doing what, you can know progress. 

So, that's one of the things that must be done in the second stage of the action plan evaluation of work results. 

So that the strategy can continue to be adjusted, you also need to know how to make an action plan, right? Don't worry, you can read the following explanation.

How to Make an Action Plan

Making an action plan does take time, but if you already know the steps, the process will be easier. Come on, follow the guide below!

1. Set SMART Goals

The first step, you really have to determine a clear goal. Use approach SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based. For example, "Increase the number of repeat order customers by 15% within 3 months."

2. Detail the tasks in detail

Once you know the goal, you have to explain what tasks need to be done. Be as detailed as possible. For example:

• Send weekly promo emails
• Improve service during peak hours
• Create a QR-based loyalty program

This step is also in line with the principles plan do check action is an effective cyclical approach to ensure everything goes according to plan.

3. Set Deadline and PIC

Each task must have deadlines and people who are responsible. Don't let the entire team feel like they "don't know whose job it is". This is where it is important to make a structured plan.

4. Allocate Resources

Make sure you have thought about what resources are needed. Be it costs, tools, or the amount of labor.

5. Carry out routine monitoring

After all the walking, you must diligently monitor progress. Check what has been completed and what is still stuck. If there is a problem, immediately evaluate and revise.

Read Also: Recommended Cloud Applications for Your Restaurant

Example of an Action Plan for a Restaurant

Source: Freepik

So that you can better imagine, here is an example action plan is a practical version that you can use for your restaurant business. Target: Increase signature menu sales by up to 20% in 1 month. Breakdown:

1. Task 1: Create promotional content (IG Story, Feed, and TikTok)

• PIC: Tim Marketing
• Deadline: 3 days

2. Task 2: Give a "buy 1 get 1" promo for the first week

• PIC: Outlet Manager
• Deadline: According to promo schedule

3. Task 3: Monitor sales results and customer feedback

• PIC: Supervisor + Cashier
• Deadline: Daily

4. Task 4: Evaluate results and determine promotion extension

• PIC: Owner + Marketing
• Deadline: Week 4.

In this way, you can know which strategies are successful and which ones need to be improved. 

Well, this is also in line with the principle plan to check action. The key is that the strategy you formulate can be flexible and continue to develop.

Conclusion

Now you know, right? An action plan is an important strategy that can help you achieve your targets more measurably and efficiently. 

Starting from small things like weekly promotions, to large operations you can manage them well!

And remember, one of the things that must be done in the second stage of the action plan is evaluate results and continually improve strategies. So, don't stop at the planning stage!

If you are serious about wanting your F&B business to level up, don't just focus on the kitchen. Also focus on strategy and execution. Use technology like ESB POSLite and ESB POS to make it easier to record orders and manage stock.

You can also directly ask or consult with the ESB Team about the operational system for your restaurant or culinary business.

So you can focus on what's important, namely developing your business to the next level. Let's start preparing your action plan right now!