SWOT Analysis In Business (With Examples)

Here is a simple strategic SWOT analysis that you can use as a highly effective method for creating an edge in the market and to insure long term success.

SWOT is an acronym for the Strengths and Weakness of a business and the Opportunities and Threats facing the business. It is used to understand Current and Future, Internal and External factors that may have an effect on a  business results and success.

The Strengths and weaknesses are focused inward to analyze what your company does well and where it could be better. Opportunities and Threats are focused externally towards the industry, which analyze any potential negative effect on the business.

How To Carry Out A SWOT Analysis In Business

To carry out a SWOT analysis for your business, summarize the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats of your business relative to competitors. A SWOT analysis is a simple, yet highly effective method for conducting an analysis on a business, product or service. Before you try writing a business or marketing plan, it is highly recommended that you first complete a SWOT analysis.

A SWOT approach to planning requires owners to look very closely and analytically at every aspect of their operation, so that objectives can be evaluated as achievable, while also building up a clear picture of the strategies that need to be adopted under the constraints that have been recognized.

When completing a SWOT analysis, the aim is to reflect on all aspects of your business’s operations. You may wish to do this exercise alone or include your staff, spouse or business advisor. Whether you choose to do it alone or with others, make sure you allow a solid chunk of time to complete the analysis without being interrupted.

A SWOT analysis is a brainstorming exercise and to get the best results I suggest you allow yourself at least thirty minutes, or preferably an hour. This allows your mind to free itself of the multitude of thoughts and minor details of day to- day living. It takes time to get a flow of ideas going, so be patient and allow yourself time. Once you have allotted sufficient time to focus on this exercise it is time to get started.

SWOT Analysis Template: Excel Download

SWOT Analysis Template: PDF Download

SWOT Analysis - STRENGTH  

Examples

The first step is to reflect on what you do really well. What is working for you at the moment? Can you consolidate on any of these strengths and make them an even bigger advantage for your business? Try asking yourself the following questions

What are your business’s strengths?

• Location
• Attractive shopfront
• Operating hours
• Industry experience
• Follow-up service
• What do you do well?
• What unique resources can you draw on?
• What do others see as your strengths?
• How are you superior to your competitors?
• Why are your products or services so good?
• What is it that makes your business unique?

Potential Internal Strengths Can Be:

• Adequate financial resources.
• Well thought of by buyers.
• An acknowledged market leader.
• Well-conceived functional area strategies.
• Insulated from strong competitive pressure.
• Proprietary technology.
• Cost advantages.
• Better advertising campaigns.
• Product innovation skills.
• Proven management.
• Better manufacturing capability.
• Superior technological skills.
• Other?

SWOT Analysis - WEAKNESS Examples

Weaknesses need to be understood so you can compensate or improve them. This is not the time to start beating yourself up for being less than perfect. Everyone has weaknesses. Your first task is to identify anything you think you need to improve. These could include:

• Time management
• Marketing strategy
• Certain products or services
• Cleaning up your work environment
• Follow-up procedures
• What could you improve?
• Where do you have fewer resources than others?
• What are others likely to see as weaknesses?

Potential Internal Weaknesses Can Be:

• No clear strategic direction.
• Obsolete facilities.
• Low profitability because …
• Lack of managerial depth and talent.
• Poor track record in implementing strategy.
• Internal operating problems.
• Too marrow a product line.
• Weak market image.
• Weak distribution network.
• Below-average marketing skills.
• Unable to finance needed changes.
• Higher overall costs relative to key competitors.
• Other?

Make a comprehensive list and start reviewing which ones you could start transferring into strengths. If you find it difficult to be objective, ask someone you trust for his or her feedback on your perceived weaknesses.

SWOT Analysis - OPPORTUNITY 

Examples

The third stage of the analysis process is to look at the opportunities that your business has available. Where could you start gaining an advantage over your competitors? The more you know about what your competitors are doing, the easier it will be for you to see opportunities to create something different and compelling. Another great way to discover possible opportunities is to ask your current customers. They will often have all the answers if you are brave enough to ask the question.

• What external factors can you take advantage of?
• Are there current resources that are underutilized?
• How can you turn your strengths into opportunities?
• What trends could you take advantage of?
• What good opportunities are open to you?

Potential External Opportunities Can Be:

• Serve additional customer groups.
• Enter new markets or segments.
• Expand product line to meet broader range of customer needs.
• Diversify into related products.
• Falling trade barriers in attractive foreign markets.
• Complacency among rival firms.
• Faster market growth.
• Other?

There are always opportunities. Take the time to brainstorm a comprehensive list and don’t sensor your ideas. There will be time to eliminate the most impractical ideas later. For now, just get the ideas down on paper.

SWOT Analysis - THREAT  

Examples

Finally, you need to assess any current or future threats to your business. All potential threats should be brainstormed. It is better to be aware of problems that might arise than to be hit with them out of the blue. This list could include things like changes in legislation, a multinational competitor opening a store or a lack of products due to importing issues. Whatever the possible threats, list them and assess whether they are real or unlikely. Are there any threats to your current market share? When all areas have been plotted and identified, you will be in a much better position to plan your future.

Take the time to complete this exercise thoroughly as the benefits are very real.

• What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?
• What is your competition doing?
• What trends could harm you?

Potential External Threats Can Be:

• Entry of lower-cost foreign competitors.
• Rising sales of substitute products.
• Slower market growth.
• Adverse shifts in foreign exchange rates and trade policies of foreign governments.
• Costly regulatory requirements.
• Changing buyer needs.
• Adverse demographic changes.
• Other?

SWOT Analysis Examples