The Complete Guide on How to Do a Swot Analysis

How to Do A SWOT Analysis

1. Strengths

Strengths are things that your business is good in or ways that distinguish you from your competitors. Think about the advantages that your company has over other companies in the same industry.

Your strengths are a very integral part of the SWOT analysis of a company; therefore, think about what you do better than anyone else? What values drive your company? Determine and evaluate your company's unique selling proposition.

Ask yourself what competitors might see as your strength. Every aspect of your business is only a strength if it brings you a clear competitive advantage. This could be something intangible such as the business brand attributes. It could also be your employees and strong leadership.

2. Weaknesses

SWOT analysis of a business will only be valuable if you gather all the information you require. It is essential to be honest and realistic and face any unpleasant truth as soon as possible. Weaknesses are inherent features; therefore, they focus on people, systems, resources, and procedures.

Take time to evaluate why your competitors are doing better than you. Ask yourself what's holding your company back? This may include challenges such as lack of skilled personnel or budgetary and financial limitation.

3. Opportunities

After identifying and analyzing your company's strengths and weaknesses, the next step is to determine the opportunities. Opportunities are chances for something positive to occur, but you'll need to claim them yourself.

Opportunities arise from situations that are outside your business. They can arise as the development in the market you serve or in the technology you use. Identifying and exploiting the opportunities can make a big difference to your company's ability to take the lead in your market.

Determine the trends in the market, which could have an impact on your business. Opportunities do not have to be game-changers. Even small advantages can increase the company's competitiveness. You should closely monitor the change in government policies related to your industry. Changes in lifestyle, population profiles, and social patterns can all throw up exciting opportunities.

4. Threats

The final element in the SWOT Analysis of a company is the threats. Threats are anything that poses a risk to either your business itself or the likelihood of growth and development. Threats are factors that you don't have control over that could negatively affect you.

Ask yourself what obstacles do I face in getting the products to market and selling? Examples of threats that can affect your business include a shift in market requirements, supply chain problems, and recruits shortage. It is essential to identify threats and take action before you become a victim of them.

Always look at what your competitors are doing and whether you should change your company's emphasis to meet the obstacles. Remember, what your competitors are doing might not be the right thing for you to do, and avoid imitating them without knowing how it will improve your position.