Business Planning & Reporting: An Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight. The Internal Side of Public Affairs (20)

Alan Hardacre, PhD

Co-Founder Advocacy Academy, Advocacy Strategy

Business planning and internal reporting often get a bad rap in the Public Affairs world (well in most worlds to be honest). They’re seen as tedious tasks to be completed rather than strategic opportunities to seize. Done right, business planning and reporting can become powerful tools for Public Affairs teams to educate and align with organizational goals and showcase their value. If nothing else they should be a key part of a drumbeat of internal communications for your work. So, here’s how to turn this process into a strategic advantage.

1. Understand and Align with Organizational Goals

The foundation of effective business planning and reporting is a deep understanding of the company’s strategic objectives. You can then tailor your Public Affairs initiatives directly to them.

2. Integrate with Business Units

Integrate your planning and reporting processes with other business units. Collaborate with other functions to ensure your initiatives complement and enhance their efforts. This integrated approach not only amplifies impact but also showcases your understanding of and contribution to the broader business landscape.

3. Communicate Impact

Leverage data to communicate the impact of your Public Affairs activities. Highlight how your efforts have contributed to the business (either risk or opportunity). Data-driven reporting underscores your strategic value. And make sure you always focus on business impact.

4. Development-Action-Impact

Use the powerful formula of development (what happened / is happening / will happen) followed by action (what we will do / not do) and then end with impact (what will this mean for the organization).

5. Adapt and Evolve

The business environment is dynamic, and your approach to planning and reporting should be the same. This adaptability demonstrates your agility and commitment to staying aligned with the company’s evolving needs.

6. Educate and Advocate

Use the business planning and reporting process as an opportunity to educate and advocate within the organization. You can educate on WHAT you do and also HOW you are trying to do it. 

Business planning and internal reporting are not just administrative chores; they are strategic opportunities waiting to be harnessed. Done right you’ll find that planning and reporting become strategic tools that enhance your influence and effectiveness.

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