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In the first box of this analysis, list all the strengths of your family business, operating division, sales territory or whatever you are analyzing. This isn't the time for modesty. One of the strengths you take for granted might be something that your customers value and that your competition doesn't have or do. Brainstorm. Write down words that characterize your business. You can edit later.
In the top right box list weaknesses - things you don't have, things you cannot do, things you don't do well. This is the time for brutal honesty - you are not producing a selling document so there is no point in fooling yourself. But also a time for realism... sure, you don't have a billion dollars, and you aren't likely to get it soon, nor could you do well with it if you did get it... so stick within the realm of reason.
The lower left box is for opportunities. What is the market NOT doing, what are your competitors NOT doing - what does the market need that you could perhaps provide? Think in terms of what would benefit your customer - cheaper, easier, more convenient, faster...
Lower right is for threats - what do you see that could make you obsolete; that could wipe you out. What are your competitors doing that will change things for you... building automobiles, so there will not be horses drawing carriages, so your buggy whips will no longer be needed [unless you can keep them for long enough for them to become valuable collectors items to be sold online at an eBay auction!].
Notice that the top two [Strengths and Weaknesses] relate to matters that are INTERNAL to your family business, while the bottom two [Opportunities and Threats] relate to EXTERNAL matters.
A couple of hints here - things that throw our clients off more than anything else when they do this type of analysis...
Family businesses can gain critical insights into the factors that influence operational effectivness by using Family Business SWOT Analysis. SWOT ANALYSIS
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Don't have the answers - don't know who to ask? It's FREE to ASK THE EXPERT Contact the FAMILY BUSINESS HELP DESK Reply within 48 hours. http://www.family-business-experts.com/cms-form.html |
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It's a snapshot, but do a SWOT Analysis regularly and review them occasionally to track progress. Your SWOT Analysis is an excellent basis for your initial call to our Managing Director.
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