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V The first step in writing a SWOT Analysis Report is to identify the company's  and
  . Three questions that can be asked are:
1. What is the company's reputation?
2. How do consumers feel about our product or service?
3. Is our customer service excellent?
If the company's reputation is good, for example, this would be considered a strength. Otherwise,
this would be a weakness. However, one way to find out about the company's reputation is to
hire an outside firm to take an independent, anonymous survey, asking employees, current
customers and potential customers their opinions of the company.
V The second step in writing a SWOT Analysis Plan is to identify  

 . Two questions
that can be asked are:

1. Are there other distribution channels, geographic locations, and demographic or

population that we can expand?
2. Can we diversify our product to make other product lines?

V The third step in writing a SWOT Analysis Plan is to identify  . Five questions to ask are:

1. Who are our main competitors?

2. What do their product line/services consist of?
3. What are their manufacturing capabilities in comparison to our capabilities?
4. What are their distribution channels and geographic locations?
5. What market share do they have in comparison to our company?

V The fourth step in writing a SWOT Analysis Plan is to identify  . This is very important
because trends change; therefore, failure to keep abreast of trends could lead to your company's
demise. For this reason, four questions to ask are:

1. What is the latest trend in my field?

2. Have my competitors taken advantage of the trend?
3. If I do not take advantage of the trend, what are the possible consequences?
4. Does my company have the resources?














V 1
A SWOT template is a large square that is divided into four equal squares. At the top of the
diagram, leave space for your objective. Label the top left square of the diagram "Strengths," the
top right square "Weaknesses," the bottom left "Opportunities" and bottom right square
"Threats."
V 3
Create your objective. Write down what questions you want to answer as a result of the SWOT.
Refine this objective, making it as clear and concise as possible. ë


 is
perhaps the most important part of creating a SWOT analysis. If necessary, ask for feedback
from trusted advisers.
V x
List the  of your business as they relate to the objective. Be clear and frank. It is
important to make sure that your strengths are internal attributes. For example, your organization
may have an established base, good employee morale or a strong reputation.
V 0
List the   of your business as they relate to the objective. This is a confidential
document, so you can be open and honest. Make sure that the weaknesses are directly related
to the objective and that they are internal factors. For example, your company might have a
reputation that is poor or not well-established, a small customer base or a lack of experience as it
relates to your objective.
V G
List the  

 . These are external factors that are beyond your control and the control of
the company. For example, your company may have a readily available, inexpensive labor force,
favorable trade regulations or good market timing.
V D
List the  . These are also external factors that are beyond the control of your company.
Think about competition, an unfavorable tax situation, an expensive labor force or a saturated
market.
V [
Analyze your findings. If you have started with a clear and concise objective, you should find that
your SWOT analysis helps you to determine whether your objective is good. Evaluate whether
the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats you have listed are clear. Refine your lists,
if necessary.