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Personal SWOT Analysis

Making the most of your talents and opportunities.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

"Chance favors the prepared mind." – Louis Pasteur

You are most likely to succeed in life if you use your talents to their fullest extent. Similarly, you'll suffer fewer problems if you know what your weaknesses are and if you manage these weaknesses so that they don't matter in the work you do.

So how do you go about identifying these strengths and weaknesses, and analyzing the opportunities and threats that flow from them? SWOT Analysis is a useful technique that helps you do this.

What makes SWOT especially powerful is that, with a little thought, it can help you uncover opportunities that you would not otherwise have spotted. And by understanding your weaknesses, you can manage and eliminate threats that might otherwise hurt your ability to move forward.

If you look at yourself using the SWOT framework, you can start to separate yourself from your peers, and further develop the specialized talents and abilities you need to advance your career and help you achieve your personal goals .

(You can find out how to carry out a wider SWOT analysis for your organization in our article here .)

How to Perform Your Personal SWOT Analysis

First print out our free worksheet , and write down answers to the following questions.

  • What advantages do you have that others don't have (for example, skills, certifications, education, or connections)?
  • What do you do better than anyone else?
  • What personal resources can you access?
  • What do other people (and your boss, in particular) see as your strengths?
  • Which of your achievements are you most proud of?
  • What values do you believe in that others fail to exhibit?
  • Are you part of a network that no one else is involved in? If so, what connections do you have with influential people?

Consider this from your own perspective, and from the point of view of the people around you. And don't be modest or shy – be as objective as you can. Knowing and using your strengths can make you happier and more fulfilled at work.

And if you still have any difficulty identifying your strengths, write down a list of your personal characteristics. Some of these will hopefully be strengths!

Think about your strengths in relation to the people around you. For example, if you're a great mathematician and the people around you are also great at math, then this is not likely to be a strength in your current role – it may be a necessity.

  • What tasks do you usually avoid because you don't feel confident doing them?
  • What will the people around you see as your weaknesses?
  • Are you completely confident in your education and skills training? If not, where are you weakest?
  • What are your negative work habits (for example, are you often late, are you disorganized, do you have a short temper, or are you poor at handling stress)?
  • Do you have personality traits that hold you back in your field? For instance, if you have to conduct meetings on a regular basis, a fear of public speaking would be a major weakness.

Again, consider this from a personal/internal perspective and an external perspective. Do other people see weaknesses that you don't see? Do co-workers consistently outperform you in key areas? Be realistic – it's best to face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.

Opportunities

  • What new technology can help you? Or can you get help from others or from people via the internet?
  • Is your industry growing? If so, how can you take advantage of the current market?
  • Do you have a network of strategic contacts to help you, or offer good advice?
  • What trends (management or otherwise) do you see in your company, and how can you take advantage of them?
  • Are any of your competitors failing to do something important? If so, can you take advantage of their mistakes?
  • Is there a need in your company or industry that no one is filling?
  • Do your customers or vendors complain about something in your company? If so, could you create an opportunity by offering a solution?

You might find useful opportunities in the following:

  • Networking events, educational classes, or conferences.
  • A colleague going on an extended leave. Could you take on some of this person's projects to gain experience?
  • A new role or project that forces you to learn new skills, like public speaking or international relations.
  • A company expansion or acquisition. Do you have specific skills (like a second language) that could help with the process?

Also, importantly, look at your strengths, and ask yourself whether these open up any opportunities – and look at your weaknesses, and ask yourself whether you could open up opportunities by eliminating those weaknesses.

  • What obstacles do you currently face at work?
  • Are any of your colleagues competing with you for projects or roles?
  • Is your job (or the demand for the things you do) changing?
  • Does changing technology threaten your position?
  • Could any of your weaknesses lead to threats?

Performing this analysis will often provide key information – it can point out what needs to be done and put problems into perspective.

A Personal SWOT Example

What would a personal SWOT assessment look like? Review this SWOT analysis for Carol, an advertising manager.

  • I'm very creative. I often impress clients with a new perspective on their brands.
  • I communicate well with my clients and team.
  • I have the ability to ask key questions to find just the right marketing angle.
  • I'm completely committed to the success of a client's brand.
  • I have a strong, compulsive need to do things quickly and remove them from my "to do" list, and sometimes the quality of my work suffers as a result.
  • This same need to get things done also causes me stress when I have too many tasks.
  • I get nervous when presenting ideas to clients, and this fear of public speaking often takes the passion out of my presentations.
  • One of our major competitors has developed a reputation for treating their smaller clients poorly.
  • I'm attending a major marketing conference next month. This will allow for strategic networking, and also offer some great training seminars.
  • Our art director will go on maternity leave soon. Covering her duties while she's away would be a great career development opportunity for me.
  • Simon, one of my colleagues, is a much stronger speaker than I am, and he's competing with me for the art director position.
  • Due to recent staff shortages, I'm often overworked, and this negatively impacts my creativity.
  • The current economic climate has resulted in slow growth for the marketing industry. Many firms have laid off staff members, and our company is considering further cutbacks.

As a result of performing this analysis, Carol takes the bold step of approaching her colleague Simon about the art director's maternity leave. Carol proposes both she and Simon cover the job's duties, working together and each using their strengths.

To her surprise, Simon likes the idea. He knows he presents very well, but he admits that he's usually impressed by Carol's creative ideas, which he feels are far better than most of his.

By working as a team, they have a chance to make their smaller clients feel even better about the service they're getting. This takes advantage of their competitor's weakness in this area.

Personal SWOT Analysis Infographic

See our Personal SWOT Analysis Infographic .

reflective essay on swot analysis

A SWOT matrix is a framework for analyzing your strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats that you face. This helps you focus on your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, and take the greatest possible advantage of opportunities available to you.

Use our Personal SWOT Analysis Skillbook to explore further how you can use this great tool!

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Comments (93)

I never believe there is a cure to this herpes 1&2 because all the hospitals have told me there is no cure to it, a few months ago I came across this EMAIL [email protected] on the internet from a message shared by someone who he helped with his herbal cure. I contacted him through the email and asked for the cure and he informed me about the process and this man sent me a herbal medicine from africa which I took according to the way he instructed for weeks. I can’t believe when I go for a test my result comes out negative after all the symptoms have gone. I am so happy to share this to the world there is real cure to this herpes you can also contact DR ABA through his email address on [email protected]

about 20 hours

Monica Lopz

HERPES is a very common infection. It is caused by two but closely related viruses. The viruses are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both are easy to catch. They remain in the body for life and can produce symptoms that come and go. Both forms of herpes can infect the oral area, the genital area, or both. When the infection is on or near the mouth, it is called oral herpes. Oral herpes is caused most often by HSV-1. When a herpes infection is on or near the sex organs, it is called genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused most often by HSV-2. More than half of American adults have oral herpes. And about 1 out of 6 American adults have genital herpes. Millions of people do not know they have herpes because they never had, or noticed, the herpes symptoms…. You can as well contact Dr Wonder for his great herbal remedy for quick treatment [email protected] or https://wa.me/message/2N5QF23SYYAOO1 for help….......

HERPES is a very common infection. It is caused by two but closely related viruses. The viruses are herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both are easy to catch. They remain in the body for life and can produce symptoms that come and go. Both forms of herpes can infect the oral area, the genital area, or both. When the infection is on or near the mouth, it is called oral herpes. Oral herpes is caused most often by HSV-1. When a herpes infection is on or near the sex organs, it is called genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused most often by HSV-2. More than half of American adults have oral herpes. And about 1 out of 6 American adults have genital herpes. Millions of people do not know they have herpes because they never had, or noticed, the herpes symptoms…. You can as well contact Dr Wonder for his great herbal remedy for quick treatment [email protected] or https://wa.me/message/2N5QF23SYYAOO1 for help…

George Aaron

Greetings to everyone who read my testimony. Using this opportunity to thank the great real spell caster called Dr Ughulu is so exciting to me. I have been looking for a way to cure my HIV Disease but everything seems so wrong with all the herbal remedies I have taken. I was notified on my phone about how Dr. Ughulu cures someone out of herpes Disease. I read all the news that I was notified on the phone so luckily his website was there. That's when I went through it and I saw he is a powerful man so I took advantage and sent him a message to help me cure my HIV Disease. I was very happy when he responded to me and told me the items needed to be able to cure my HIV Disease after I had spent a lot of money in the Hospitals and also with different types of traditional medicine in my country. Dr Ughulu did his best and sent me herbal remedies to cure my HIV Disease. It didn't take up to a month. I was cured from HIV Disease. So when I met my Doctor to do a check up and my doctor told me I am fine now and free from HIV Disease. WEBSITE: https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu EMAIL: [email protected] GET A QUICK RESPOND WHATSAPP: +1 (249) 202-7318

Emilly Runda

I'm recommending Dr Osato to everyone who has herpes simplex virus to get the cure from him. I was diagnosed with genital herpes in 2019 and i have been searching and asking questions to see if i could get something to cure the disease because i did not believe what the doctors say that no cure is found yet. I came across a comment on Youtube and the person testified how she was cured from herpes and hpv after using Dr Osato herbal medicine. I quickly contacted Dr Osato and explained my problem to him and he prepared the herbs and sent it to me through UPS and gave me instructions on how to use it and told me to go for checkup after usage which i did after two weeks of taking the herbal medicine and my result was NEGATIVE. I waited another month and retested, the result was still NEGATIVE and my doctor told me that I am completely free from herpes. Am so happy and grateful to Dr Osato for what he has done for me and i will continue to share this for people out there to know that there is a cure for herpes. You can contact Dr Osato on email and WhatsApp to get the cure from him. Email: [email protected] and WhatsApp +2347051705853. 

HOW I GOT CURED FROM HERPES: I already gave up on ever getting cured of herpes because I have tried many treatment and none has work, I have gone to different hospitals they always recommend me same drugs and it not working on me, until I came across a post about DR ABA on the net from a lady who is recommending people, then i contacted him that day, and he started giving me hope and then prepared some herbal medicine which I took according to his prescription on them, so I was still doubting if it was working on me so at a time my Husband just ask me to go for check up and I did, so I found out that I was cure and free from the herpes virus, thanks to DR ABA once again. his email address is [email protected] or WhatsApp him on +2348107155060

frances tony

I thought the physicians says there is no cure for HSV 2!!! I am telling you today that DR.UMA cure HSV 2 with his herbal medicine and once you get cured you are cured forever it is never reversible, I have been suffering for this deadly disease called h HSV 2 for more than a 2years and lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for HSV 2. Brethren I saw a testimony on the internet on how DR.UMA cure HSV, Hapatitis etc with his herbal medication and an email and watsapp to contact him was also displayed, I thought this was joke but I decided to contact him and he replied telling me not to worry that my problem is over . DR.UMA sent me a herbal medication to drink for one month but only 2weeks I feel strange and I went to my doctor and he confirmed me negative. He can help you too. Contact him via [email protected] WhatsApp +2347035619585. He is capable of curing AUTISM, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&2, HEPATITIS A B C, and DIABETES.

AN AMAZING REMEDY FOR HSV 1 & 2. It's so unbelievable how wonderful herbs can be. when I first saw a post that said that a man have a perfect cure for HSV 1&2, i was like could this be real or some kind of scam but due to my eagerness to be cured I took the risk of contacting him, he gave me reasons to believe he is a real herbalist so I followed all his instructions on how to take the drugs for 14 days and now all my test results shows HSV 1&2 (-) negative , Dr Aba have the most safe cure for herpes and other stubborn virus which are HSV 1&2,STI,STD just name it he has the cure for them all. Contact him via his personal email address which is [email protected] . Trust me you will like this method, it's safe, cheap and easy. Do well to let others know about this.

Dalia Lukacs

I thought they said there is no cure for Herpes!!! I am telling you today that I have been cured from this virus with herbal medicine. I suffered from this nasty disease called herpes for more than 2years and lost all hope because my doctor says there is no cure for the virus. Brethren I have been cured after using the herbal medicine that was sent me to drink by a herbal man called Excel herbal cure. I used the herbal medication for 2weeks then I felt better so I went to the lab and was confirmed negative. He can cure you too from that herpes virus so Contact him via his website. https://excelherbalcure.com

Violet Wholt

Using herbal natural remedy was what got me tested negative to HSV 2 after being diagnosed for years. I have spent so much funds on medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), Famciclovir (Famvir), and Valacyclovir (Valtrex). But it was all a waste of time and my symptoms got worse. To me It is very bad what Big pharma are doing, why keep making humans suffer greatly just to get profits annually for medications that don't work. I'm glad that herbal remedies are gaining so much awareness and many people are getting off medications and activating their entire body system with natural herbal remedies and they have become holistically healed totally, It’s also crucial to learn as much as you can about your diagnosis. Seek options visit ( worldrehabilitateclinic.com).

Am really grateful and thankful for what Dr Aba has done for me and my family. I Was having HERPES for good three years with no solution, the diseases almost took my life and because I was unable to work and I was also loosing lots of money for medication, but one faithful day when I went online, I met lots of testimonies about this great man so I decided to give it a try and to God be the glory he did it. he cured me of my diseases and am so happy and so pleased to Write about him today. if you need his help or you also want to get cured just the way I got mine, just email him below [email protected] or Whatsapp ;+2348107155060

I want to use this as opportunity to appreciate DR Excel for curing me from genital herpes virus after 2 years of having it, It was shocking to me when I was diagnosed of herpes because I didn't know how I got it and I became depressed when my doctor said there was no cure to it and every attempt I made to get cured failed until a friend told me about DR Excel and I contacted him at once through his website and he sent me his herbal medication and also guide me through on how I'm to be drinking it and now I'm free from that nasty virus. You can contact him through his WhatsApp +1 [438] 792-9488 or get to know more about his herbal medication through his website https://excelherbalcure.com

It is true that natural remedies work. If they didn't, we wouldn't have used them for thousands of years. And pharmaceutical companies wouldn't study plants, take extracts from them, and patent them as drugs. this is not a statement or a lie. I have been completely cured of HPV and Herpes and my sister has also been cured of cancer by the herbalist. Dr Isaac remedy is definitely the best. I suggest you try it if you have health problems and also to get well. Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp: +27606307392

Greetings to everyone who will listen to my story.. I was heartbroken and depressed when I was diagnosed with genital herpes.. I was given pills to take called acyclovir which made me even sicker and gave me headaches to the point of vomiting. I searched everywhere for a solution then I came across this herbalist called Isaac who gave me hope that he could totally cure me of the virus with his herbal medicines so I tried and he prepared and sent me the medicine via DHL, I have been drinking the herbs for several days, the sores were the first to disappear and I have just tested negative for the virus for the second time. believe me, it's real! Get to know this herbalist and order his herbs by email [email protected] or WhatsApp: +27606307392

So cool how i was able to beat the genital herpes with the help of Dr. Isaac on Facebook he's really worth the hype. Visit his facebook page [email protected] or WhatsApp: +27606307392

What kind of disease or virus are you diagnosed with kindly worry no more. as doctor Isaac the best herbal doctor is here to help you fight that virus you are suffering from, kindly send a DM to his Facebook page to discuss your health issues with him. blessings to a good doctor like Dr Isaac, here's his contact information👇 Email: [email protected] or whatsApp +27606307392

I did a good research before ordering the right herbal remedy for herpes from doctor Isaac, I highly recommend his herbal remedies as the best remedy for herpes' I was very lucky when my doctor told me I was negative again 🤩 if you suffer from herpes or HPV, you can contact doctor Isaac EMAIL here: [email protected]

ALEXIS JENNETH

DO YOU WANT AN URGENT HERBAL CREAM FOR PENIS ENLARGEMENT:CONTACT DR HARRY THROUGH HIS WEBSITE:  https://drharrysolutionhea.wixsite.com/healinghome Sincerely I was unhappy because i had a very small penis, about 2.5 inches soft and 4 inches hard not nice enough to satisfy a woman, i have been in so many relationship, but cut off because of my situation, i have used so many product which doctors prescribe for me, but none could offer me the help i searched for. I saw some comments on the internet about this specialist called Dr, HARRY and I decided to contact him on his website I saw on the internet so I decided to give his herbal product a try. i emailed him and he got back to me, he gave me some comforting words with his herbal pills for Penis Enlargement, Within 3 week of it, i began to feel the enlargement of my penis, " and now it just 4 weeks of using his products my penis is about 9 inches longer, and i had to settle out with my Ex girlfriend Ella, i was surprised when she said that she is satisfied with my sex and i have got a large penis. Am so happy, thanks to Dr HARRY I also learned that Dr HARRY also helps with Breast Enlargement Hips and Bums Enlargement etc.. If you are in any situation with a little Penis, weak ejaculation, small breast_hips_bums do get to Dr HARRY now for help on his email ([email protected]) website https://drharrysolutionhea.wixsite.com/healinghome  or add him on whatsapp line +2349036417079 

Dena Streling

I want to thank Dr Ughulu for what he has done for me, it has been 1 year and 4 months I have being suffering from HIV disease all because I cheated on my husband I had this HIV disease through the man I had sex with when I was cheating behind my husband, so after I have been suffering from the HIV disease I have spent a lot of money in the hospital just to get a cure and nothing work out for me, one day I was searching something online that I saw a comment about how someone testify Dr Ughulu , so when I saw it and I read it I was afraid to message him but I make up my mind and I sent him a message I explain everything to him, he told me what to do that can cure my HIV disease so I did exactly what he said, it didn't take up to 2 weeks my HIV disease was totally cured. Then I went for a checkup. The doctor told me I no longer have HIV disease in my body anymore. That was the beginning of my happiness. Thank you so much Dr Ughulu for all you have done for me. You can also contact him through his email: [email protected] or WHATSAPP: +1 (249) 202-7318 you can also visit his website: https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu

I still can't believe that I really got cured from Genital Herpes after drinking a herbal treatment from Dr Excel who I met through a friend of mine, I actually couldn’t believe it at first and it sounded impossible to me because they all say there is no cure for the virus. Dr Excel prepare and sent me his herbal medicine which I took as instructed. I'm living a happy life once again because I have been confirmed negative, and all the warts and blister were the first to go away when I started drinking the medication. A big thanks to Dr Excel contact him through his web https://excelherbalcure.com

magriet dennis

Get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots and Herbs, i was once infected with HERPES and after using Dr UMA Herbal Medicine for couple of weeks i couldn't trace it anymore, i even went for checkup and my test came out Negative. Get your cure today from this wonderful herbalist, Dr. UMA. You can also reach doctor UMA on WhatsApp +2347035619585 or Email [email protected]. .

Darien Mitchel

DR. OSATO`S CURE FOR HERPES1&2 - A NATURAL WAY TO GET HERPES1&2 CURED. If you have been looking for ways to naturally get rid of the herpes simplex virus from your body totally, then you are welcome to read further. Let's face reality here, you have tried so many counter drugs and you are confused, weak and angry because nothing seems to work. Good News For you my friend.... Yes, I came with good news that will liberate you from the pains and stress of herpes outbreak, you will get total cure from this virus using Dr. Osato Herbal Methodology. Who is Dr. Osato? You may ask. Dr. Osato is a herbalist and a naturalist. He researched and identified some herbs and established a unique methodology to healing the human body using Herbal medicine that was confidently entrenched in his over 30 years of experience. According to him, he has the cure for so many diseases/virus like GENITAL HERPES, HIV, DIABETES, CANCER, HPV, HSV1&2, GENITAL WART, SHINGLES, VAGINAL INFECTION and so many more. You can reach Dr Osato on his email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +2347051705853. You can also contact him through his website: https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com  I am using this medium to inform everyone how to get treated of herpes using Dr Osato recommended Herbal methodology.

antonio luna

Hi Friends I'm so glad writing this article today to tell the world how I got cured from herpes virus. I was diagnosed with HSV-1&2 for two years before Dr Excel cured me with his herbal medication, I contacted him through his website and we end up talking on the phone and then he prepared and sent me the meds which I drink for almost two weeks as he instructed and the virus were gone completely. if you are going through same situation you can also contact him on his website Excelherbalcure.com or you can add him on WhatsApp +1 [438] 792-9488

I’m sharing this good news of the healing breakthrough that I got from Dr Hamu herbal medication. I had herpes simplex 2 since 8years ago and I have been having a lot of disturbing Symptoms until I found Dr Hamu who helped me to be cured of my herpes simplex 2 from a connect from a friend who he healed from hepatitis B. I never knew that I will be cured as I have been taken drugs that was prescribed by my doc that there is no remedy, but with the herbal medicine there is, and I can tell you am no longer sick of herpes virus. Just by drinking the medicine with the instructions from Dr Hamu, Contact if you’re battling with the same virus.  [email protected]  or WhatApp his line: +2348131316143

glenn jimena

I have a boyfriend who at a time had a cold sore and we assumed that it was just a spot because we never got to know about herpes until now, we engaged in oral s@x and that’s how I got herpes. I'm glad that I found Dr Excel online who prepared me an herbal meds that I only drink for 14 days with faith that I will be cured, then I went for a checkup, and I was totally cured (herpes Negative). His herbal medication is safe with no side effects and there is no special diet when drinking the medication. you can contact him on his website: https://excelherbalcure.com

Stella Bruno

I still don’t know the right words to express my gratitude to Herbalist Dr. UGHULU. After being diagnosed with Herpes Virus 2 months ago, I was given so many health prescriptions and advice with no improvement, I totally lost hope, until I found testimonies of Great Dr. UGHULU online when I was researching on a Blog, Like anybody would be, I was very skeptical about contacting him but I later did and he opened up to me and told me what was involved and he started. the remedies for my health. Thank God, I was cured from Herpes Virus by the herbal medication I received from him. I never thought that Herpes Virus can be cured, From the bottom of my heart I'm truly grateful and I pray you have long life so you can help many more people on earth with your herbal medical support, You can Email him via email :[email protected] or for easy and fast communication, Here is his Website https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu/ WHATSAPP: +1 (249) 202-7318 One thing I love most about Dr. UGHULU he is a good man with kind hearted, He is very polite with his patience, Everything he told me was what he did and his herbal medicine are very affordable.

its obvious some people with Herpes Virus are being enslaved to the antiviral and other supplementary Orthodox medicine just to help suppress the virus and not a cure. I have been with the virus since 2020 until I was introduced by a blogger who also narrated her story online how she was cured of herpes after drinking herbal medicine. All thanks to almighty for using this great herbalist to heal me. I have promised to keep telling good things about him Please feel free to share Your problems with him on his website https://excelherbalcure.com don’t forget to tell him I did refer you to Him.

I want to thank Dr Osato for curing me from HSV-2 with his herbal medication. All the symptoms of herpes are completely gone from my body and it's been over 3yrs now since i got cured from herpes with Dr Osato herbal medicine and my result still shows Negative and my doctor confirmed with me that I am totally cleared from herpes. I just want to let you all know that Dr Osato herbs cures herpes completely from the body and you can contact him for the cure if you are suffering from HIV/AIDS, HERPES-1 & 2, HPV, DIABETES AND CANCER. You can contact Dr Osato on his email: [email protected] or WhatsApp him on +2347051705853 to get the herbal product and get rid of the virus away from your body. Dr Osato is real and a great herbalist who can help you from your illness. His website is https://osatoherbalcure.wordpress.com or you can message him on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Osato-Herbal-Cure-106002928040920

Maria Helena

Hello, everyone's, my name is Maria Helena from the United kingdom and I want to use this opportunity to thank Dr Ughulu for helping me to cure my Herpes disease, it has been over 2 years now I had this disease I don't even know how it got throw me, i have been going to difference hospital just to make sure I get cure and nothing works out for me, until the day I saw a comment online about how someone testify how Dr Ughulu cure her herpes disease and It was so very interesting to me, I really think about it for few minutes before I sent him a message and he said you're welcome my daughter, he list out what he will buy to work for me and also he said I shouldn't worried. I will be fine, so I really did the right thing he asked me to do. It didn't take up to three weeks until I was healed from my herpes disease, I went for a checkup and the doctor told me nothing is wrong with me. Please join me to thank Dr Ughulu. I really appreciate his good work. My God will continue to bless you forever. You can visit his website: https://drughulupowerfulsp.wixsite.com/my-site-ughulu CALL/TEXT: +1(252) 409-1841 or email:[email protected]

Carol brian

Hello everyone are you looking for natural remedies without side effects then Dr Festus is the right person for you to talk to contact him on his email: [email protected]....

Valerie Lancaster

Hello everyone I want to let the whole world know how Dr Great has restored my broken relationship with Wayne. We have been together for 3 years and he told me that he doesn’t love me like he used to. Things have not been good for about 4 months and he ended this about 2 weeks ago. I was miserable and just don’t want to go on anymore. I did text him right after this but he didn’t even respond to me. One day I was searching for a way to get him back on the Internet when I saw a post of a lady testifying of how a love spell caster called Dr Great helped her to get back her Ex, I was so desperate to get mine back so I messaged him and explained my situation to him and he instructed me to do somethings which I did and 24 hours later my boyfriend Wayne came back kneeling and begging for my forgiveness and I forgive him and our relationship was back to normal again, if your Ex broke up with you or you have any problem then you problem has come to an end because Dr Great can solve all marriage and relationship problems. If you need his urgent help email him at [email protected] OR [email protected] You can also call or add him on WhatsApp +2348118829899 BLOG http://infinitylovespell1.blogspot.com

I want to share this great story to the world about how I got cured from HSV1&2 with herbal medication, I was nervous when I first contact this herbalist about the cure for HSV but I still decided to give him a try because I was desperate to get cured and be free from the virus. he prepared the herbal medication and sent it through DHL delivery company which I drink just the way he instructed me. I’m glad to be a beneficiary of this herbal cure! I went back to the hospital after waitin two to three weeks I tested Negative for the virus after all the symptoms had long gone! If you are going through the same situation you can also contact him on his website https://excelherbalcure.com don’t live all your life with such nasty viruses, it’s not worth it.

PROFESSIONAL SPELL CASTER WHO CAN HELP YOU WITH LOVE-SPELL TO GET YOUR EX LOVER BACK URGENTLY AFTER BREAKUP/DIVORCE EVEN IF YOUR SITUATION SEEMS HOPELESS! CONTACT: [email protected] IS CERTAINLY THE BEST SPELL CASTER ONLINE AND HIS RESULT IS 100% GUARANTEE..  After 3 Years in a relationship with my Boyfriend, my Boyfriend started going out with other girls and showing me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to broke-up with me if I dare question him about his affair with other girls, I was totally devastated and confused until an old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet DR GREAT who help people with their relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love Spells, At first I doubted If such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, When I contact him, he told me everything I needed to do and I did and he helped me cast a Love Spell and within 28Hours my boyfriend came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with girls and he is with me for good and for real. Contact this Great spell Caster for your relationship or marriage problem.  Here's his contact.. CALL/WHATSAPP: +2348118829899 EMAIL: [email protected]  OR  [email protected]   BLOG http://infinitylovespell1.blogspot.com

It was very difficult to trust someone you haven’t met or seen before but this herbalist has restored my life by curing me from a nasty virus, He has helped me and my friend in situations of Herpes positive. he cured me with his herbs, There is no harm in trying to get help curing your mess so get to know about this herbalist on his web if you’re in same situation because he’s got potentials in putting herbs together to cure herpes virus https://excelherbalcure.com

Get rid of all kinds of Herpes and virus infections, Diabetes, Hepatitis A B C, Menopause and HIV with Natural Roots and Herbs, i was once infected with HERPES and after using Dr UMA Herbal Medicine for couple of weeks i couldn't trace it anymore, i even went for checkup and my test came out Negative. Get your cure today from this wonderful herbalist, Dr. UMA. You can also reach doctor UMA on WhatsApp +2347035619585 or Email [email protected].

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HOW I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK My name is Lori. i just want to share my experience with the world on how DR MARIAN, A great spell caster with 35 years plus experience and specialization in love spell casting got my lover back and saved my marriage easily. I was married for 7 years with 4 kids and we lived happily until things started getting ugly and we started having fights and arguments almost every time… it got worse at a point that he filed for a divorce… I tried my best to make him change his mind & stay with me cause i loved him with all my heart and didn’t want to loose him but everything just didn’t work out… he moved out of the house and still went ahead to file for divorce… I pleaded and tried everything but still nothing worked. The breakthrough came when someone introduced me to this wonderful, great spell caster DR MARIAN, who eventually helped me out… I have never been a fan of things like this but just decided to try reluctantly cause I was so desperate and left with no choice… DR MARIAN did special prayers and did cast a love spell on him. Within 24hours he called me and he was sorry for all the emotional trauma he had cost me, he moved back to the house and we continued to live happily, the kids are happy too and we are expecting our fourth child… I have introduced him to a lot of couples with problems across the world and they have had good news and testimonies too… Just thought I should share my experience cause I strongly believe someone out there needs it and i urge you not to give up as DR MARIAN is the right one to help you as he has proven worthy to so many of us already. You can contact him via: EMAIL : [email protected] WHATSAPP : +2349160402535

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Clara Fredrick

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I already gave up on ever getting cured from Herpes because I have tried several treatment and none of them work out for me and they always say there is no cure for herpes, then I came across a post on the internet about a herbal medicine being use to cure the same virus then I quickly contacted the herbal man on his website and he sent the herbal medicine to me which I took according to the way he instructed, I doubted at first because I never know herbal medicine was so potent but I was cured from the virus after I finish drinking/using the herbal medication. my medical doctor just confirmed me negative of the virus and all the blisters were the first to go. feel free to send him a message on his website. https://excelherbalcure.com

HOW I GOT MY HUSBAND BACK WITH THE HELP OF PRIEST WISDOM CONTACT ON WHATS_APP NUMBER +2348124644470 This is my testimony about the good work of priest wisdom who helped me ... I'm Ann Earnis from North Carolina USA. And am sorry for putting this on net but i will have to, by this world best spell caster that brought back my husband who left me out for past 3 years, i eventually met this man on a blog site posting by one of is client for help, i explained everything to him and he told me about a spell caster that he had heard about and he gave me an email address to write to the spell caster to tell him my problems. In just 1 days, my husband was back to me. I just want to say thank you to this truthful and sincere spell caster, sir all you told me have come to pass and thank you sir. Please I want to tell everyone who is looking for any solution to their problem, I advise you to kindly consult this spell caster, he is real,he is powerful and whatever the spell caster tells is what will happen, because all what the spell caster told me came to pass. You can kindly contact him on: his email address is [email protected] or directly on whats-app/Telegram +2348124644470 https://supernaturalspell21.blogspot.com/ facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/PRIESTWISDOM11

about 1 month

Vee Lavinia

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All thanks to doc excel for bringing my life back to normal because I just got cured from HSV 1&2 with the herbal medicine that he sent me to drink. I got to know about doc excel through a friend that was cured from genital herpes with the same medicine. His herbal medicine works magic without any side effects. I would recommend Him to everyone suffering from any type of herpes disease. You can contact him through His web address: https://excelherbalcure.com

Absolutely useless articles. Does not explain what to do if you have no strengths or opportunities. In fact it has the opposite effect. If all you can come up with after spending a long time is weaknesses, with maybe a few threats, this only reinforces feeling of inferiority. Don't do it, it only makes you feel worse!!

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reflective essay on swot analysis

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How to Write a SWOT Analysis (Template and Examples Included)

#scribendiinc

Written by  Scribendi

Planning for the Future

Where do you see yourself in five years? How about your career? Your business? 

These questions keep a staggering amount of people awake at night. All too often, the future can seem like a dark, ominous cloud that looms just out of view. As the old proverb goes, we fear the unknown—and little can possibly be more unknowable than the future.

While there is no crystal ball that can accurately predict future market trends or the steps you should take to optimize your productivity and sharpen your competitive edge, we can offer some advice: Reframe the question. Rather than trying to pinpoint where you think you might be in five years, think about where you want to be at that point in time. Once you have a destination in mind, you can start planning a route to get there. After all, maps are great tools, but they can't help you if you don't know where you're going.

So, what's the metaphorical map in this scenario? We present to you the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.

How to Write a SWOT Analysis

SWOT analyses are great strategic tools that are useful in project planning, business development , financial strategizing, and personal advancement . Simple, honest, and to-the-point, they facilitate a profound understanding of your or your business's current standing. Essentially, a SWOT analysis is a comparative list of all your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

There's more power in this process than you might think. You may be only hazily aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. However, thoughtfully recording and reflecting on them creates a thorough, conscious familiarity with both the resources available to you and the obstacles standing in your way. This awareness allows you to map out a path toward your goals with great precision and purpose. Writing a SWOT analysis will help you clearly evaluate whether your goals are feasible according to your resources and needs.

In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to write a SWOT analysis and provide a few examples along the way. Feel free to use our SWOT analysis template, given below, to write your own!

Our SWOT Analysis Template

reflective essay on swot analysis

Your list of strengths should focus on your current resources and abilities. It should relate to things that you do or that your company does well. These might be your or your company's accomplishments—both great and small—and the assets that you or your company have. Your strengths give you your greatest edge; they are the resources that propel you forward and that you can continue to develop as you progress.

When you draw up your first SWOT analysis, you may find yourself at a loss. Don't worry—it's difficult for most people to come up with an objective list of strengths and weaknesses on the spot. For your convenience, we've included a list of questions you can ask yourself to get started.

These questions should help you identify a few of your strengths. Remember, while our example questions mostly relate to business strengths, they can also apply to personal strengths. Go ahead and boast as much as you can.

  • What sets your company apart from others?
  • What do you have that other companies don't?
  • What are you most proud of about your company?
  • What makes clients come back to you?
  • What does your company do well?
  • What assets do you have access to?
  • What qualities does your company have that other companies try to emulate?
  • What has always been easy for your company? 

Listing your weaknesses might be a little more uncomfortable than detailing your strengths, but trust us—doing so will help you in the long run. Understanding the obstacles in your path and the elements of your business or skills you may need to improve is just as important as appreciating your strengths. Once you're aware of your weaknesses, you can start working on them and building your next steps around them.

Your list of weaknesses should pertain to any current problems and challenges. Check out the list of questions below—it should give you an idea of where to start. Again, if you'd rather focus on your personal or career growth, feel free to alter these questions to suit your needs.

  • What makes your company blend in with its competition?
  • What do other companies have that you don't?
  • What are the most common criticisms that you receive from clients?
  • Why have certain clients not returned to you?
  • What does your company need to improve upon?
  • What kind of feedback do you receive from your employees?
  • What might your competition consider to be a weakness?
  • What has always been difficult for your company?
  • What are you unwilling to do or change?

Opportunities

Think about the opportunities available to you as potential future strengths. Your opportunities are the assets, resources, and events that could be beneficial to you in some way in the future. You may need to change some of your current approaches or adapt in other ways to capitalize on these opportunities, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to identify your potential opportunities:

  • What is happening in the current market that you could capitalize upon?
  • What changes have you been making that have returned positive results?
  • What is working for other companies?
  • How could you introduce new technology to make your processes more efficient?
  • What costs can you cut?
  • Could you access new sectors or demographic groups?
  • How can you improve or modernize your marketing techniques?
  • How can you remove existing obstacles?

  Threats

Just as your opportunities are based on potential, so are your threats; these are the possible obstacles or issues that are not yet directly affecting your progress. But this doesn't mean that you shouldn't start thinking about them! Being aware of the challenges that you may encounter will help you either plan around them or confront them with solutions. Try to come up with several future events that may realistically hinder the momentum you build from engaging with your strengths and opportunities.

To get started, take a peek at our list of questions:

  • What obstacles might your weaknesses create?
  • Do changing market trends negatively affect your competitive edge?
  • What might stand in the way of the changes you make to accommodate your strengths and opportunities?
  • Do you have a lot of debt?
  • Could your competition exploit your weaknesses?

How did you do? Do you feel like you've listed everything? Or do you think you're missing something? Below, we've drafted examples of a business and a personal SWOT analysis to provide you with some perspective on what a completed one might look like.

An Example of a Personal SWOT Analysis

reflective essay on swot analysis

An Example of a Business SWOT Analysis  

reflective essay on swot analysis

Final Words

The humble but effective SWOT analysis will produce a detailed map of your current environment—its hills and valleys alike. Knowing how to write a SWOT analysis will provide you with the vantage point you need to choose a direction and blaze a trail toward your goals. SWOT analyses may not be crystal balls, but they are something like compasses. Use them wisely, and you will never be lost.

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reflective essay on swot analysis

reflective essay on swot analysis

Your Full Guide on How to Write a SWOT Analysis

reflective essay on swot analysis

SWOT analysis is one of those tools that you'll come across in any field. For example, it's used to define a product's competitive advantage, create a strategic plan for a business, and gain insights into consumer behavior. 

But it's not just businesses that benefit from this technique. Personal SWOT analysis helps people plan their careers in the most optimal way possible, too.

As versatile as it is, SWOT analysis is not at all complicated. That's why its adoption rate is through the roof. And that's why you should learn how to take advantage of it, whether for an assignment or not.

To help you out with that, let's rely on our rich writing services experience and use it to break down in detail:

  • What a SWOT analysis is;
  • How it's applied in business strategies and marketing efforts;
  • How to use the SWOT framework for any task;
  • 4 real-world SWOT analysis examples.

What Is SWOT Analysis, Exactly?

Any SWOT analysis template contains four sections, presented in a two-by-two matrix:

What Is SWOT Analysis, Exactly

  • Strengths – your inherent qualities, resources, or skills that set you apart from the rest;
  • Weaknesses – whatever is or may be stopping you or the business from performing well;
  • Opportunities – external factors that you can use to your advantage to become more competitive;
  • Threats – external factors that may harm your performance in the short or long run.

Internal and External Factors in SWOT Analysis

Each section represents a list of factors. These sections can be grouped into two broader categories: internal and external factors.

Internal factors – Strengths and Weaknesses in the first row – are inherent to you or the company. However, you can also do something about them if need be. Think of your skills as a professional if you're working on a personal SWOT analysis, for example.

External factors – Opportunities and Threats in the second row – aren't under your personal or the company's control. But they have an impact on you or the business, nonetheless. Once-in-a-lifetime pandemics, inflation, or industry trends are good examples here.

Positive vs Negative Factors

Another way to think about the SWOT matrix is by juxtaposing negative and positive factors :

  • Strengths and Opportunities can help you or the company achieve your goal or succeed at a project. So, they represent positive factors.
  • Weaknesses and Threats can negatively impact your progress and have to be mitigated. They're negative factors.

Why is SWOT Analysis Important?

Now that the question ‘What is a SWOT Analysis?’ is answered, you must have several others on your mind. So let's answer them one by one.

Who Should Do a SWOT Analysis?

Businesses of all sizes and in all industries can benefit from SWOT analyses. So, whether you're a prospective entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a C-level executive, this technique will be a useful arrow in your quiver.

You can also benefit from conducting a personal SWOT analysis. It would be best if you did it when looking for a job or facing a major life decision.

Why Should You Do a SWOT Analysis?

At its core, SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique. It's meant to help you organize all the factors. That, in turn, enables you to gain key insights into where you stand and how you can move from point A to point B.

How does it help you in strategic planning, exactly? The SWOT matrix shows you:

  • Which strengths you should maximize and emphasize;
  • Which weaknesses you should minimize and keep at bay;
  • Which opportunities you can take advantage of;
  • Which threats you should look out for and counter.

All of this leads to one outcome: better, more informed decision-making. Plus, SWOT analysis is notorious for challenging your assumptions as long as everyone involved is straightforward and honest in their answers.

What Can SWOT Framework Be Used For?

Now, let's talk about real-life practical applications of this technique. Here are three SWOT analysis examples:

  • Choosing the business model for a new enterprise;
  • Creating a break-even analysis and a business plan;
  • Analyzing the company's quarterly and annual performance.

At a personal level, you can also conduct your own SWOT analysis to:

  • Increase your chances of landing a job;
  • Position yourself for getting a promotion;
  • Understand what needs to change in your life in general.

Stay on Top of Your SWOT Analysis Homework!

Turn to our professional writers for your upcoming assignment.

How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis in 8 Steps

SWOT analysis isn't complicated to conduct, and that's why they are so popular. Yet, it might be a wrong first impression.

A good SWOT analysis can take hours and should involve multiple people in a brainstorming session. It should also be as objective as possible – which can be harder to achieve than it seems.

movie review Step-by-Step Guide

So, how do you use a SWOT analysis – and get a quality result for your strategic decision-making process? Here's your step-by-step SWOT analysis example that you can use as a guide. If you need a custom writing -address to professionals.

1. Determine Your Goal

Starting brainstorming without a goal means getting into the SWOT analysis blind. And your SWOT matrix will be useless – or misleading – in the long run.

For example, depending on your goal, the same factor can be a key strength or an irrelevant note. For example, if you aim to reach the 18-25 demographic in your marketing campaign, your active presence on TikTok will be a great asset. But if you need to find a way to attract more quality candidates in the hiring process, the TikTok presence will only help you a little.

So, zero in on what you want to achieve with this SWOT analysis. This can be a decision you or the company have to make – for example, whether to launch a certain product line. Your goal can also be to solve a certain problem or to create/reassess your strategy.

2. Do Your Research

Your research wouldn't be complete if you googled ‘What is a SWOT analysis?’ You'll need a lot of data during your brainstorming session. If you have it, you'll avoid guessing your company's or your own strengths or external threats related to your goal.

What Data to Look For

Your research should consist of two parts:

  • Internal research . You'll need every piece of information on your or the company's performance to pinpoint the internal factors in SWOT analysis. That can include financial, sales, marketing, and other reports with key metrics.
  • External research . Gather the data on your competitors, the market, the company's position and market share, and the industry as a whole. This data will be the basis for assessing your opportunities and threats.

There's one footnote, though. Depending on the goal, you'll need different data sets. So, focus on relevant data.

3. Pinpoint Your or Your Organization's Strengths

Now, it's time for the brainstorming session. If you're doing a SWOT analysis for a business, go with it: bring the right people to the table, virtual or not. It'll help you get a more objective, realistic, and complete matrix.

Start with the internal factors, namely your internal strengths: they're always easier to home in on.

Need a SWOT analysis example of a company's strengths? Here are five of them:

  • Outstanding customer service with a high satisfaction rate;
  • Strong financial performance;
  • The first-mover advantage;
  • Positive brand attributes;
  • Strong technical expertise in the field.

5 Questions to Ask

Here are five questions to kick off your brainstorming and help you discover your company's strengths – or your own:

  • What do you or the company do well?
  • What are your strongest assets?
  • Is there something only you or the company do?
  • What is your competitive edge?
  • What do customers appreciate about the company?

4. Zero in on Your or Your Company's Weaknesses

Now, it's time to move on to a more difficult part of assessing your internal factors: your weaknesses. Take a hard look at your or the business's performance and define what could be going better. Don't try to embellish the truth here!

Keep in mind: there are some weaknesses that you can eliminate and some others that you can only mitigate.

Looking for weaknesses SWOT analysis examples for students who run their businesses? Here are five of them:

  • Poor brand recognition among the target audience;
  • Suboptimal employee productivity;
  • Limited resources, human or otherwise;
  • Lack of intellectual property for key technologies;
  • Long delivery times.

To explore your personal or business weaknesses, ask the following five questions:

  • What do your competitors beat you at?
  • What do customers complain about?
  • What is holding back your or the company's success?
  • What resources do you or the company lack?
  • What are the gaps in your internal business processes?

5. Identify External Opportunities

Before you can exploit opportunities, you need to identify them in your SWOT analysis – and determine which ones are worth using, too.

For that, you'll need to turn to the external environment research you've done. Then, look at that data and pinpoint which trends or events you could take advantage of.

Need a SWOT analysis example or two here? Take a look at these three business opportunities:

  • New markets emerging within the industry;
  • New advertising channels rising to prominence;
  • Particular customer needs that remain underserved.

4 Questions to Ask

If you don't know how to start zeroing in on opportunities, start with these four questions:

  • Are there ways to gain useful resources you don't have or have little of?
  • Are there any technological advancements that can help you mitigate your weaknesses?
  • Are there any new or overlooked opportunities that you can exploit?
  • How can the current economy or market trends be of use to you?

6. Home in on Potential Threats

Time to move on to the final part of a standard SWOT analysis: threats. These external trends and events can get in your way – or already are.

If you're working on a personal SWOT analysis, threats can include:

  • High competition for the job you're after;
  • Potential layoffs due to a financial crisis.

If you're conducting one for a large company or a small business, negative external factors can include:

  • New emerging competitors, direct or indirect;
  • New regulations that can entail considerable additional costs for the business;
  • Unfavorable investment climate.

3 Questions to Ask

If you need a push in the right direction, here are three questions to help you zero in on the threats:

  • Who are your competitors, and what is their market position?
  • What is the state of the economy, industry, and market? Are they in decline?
  • Are there any new regulations that can harm the business?

7. Review Your SWOT Analysis Matrix

Having a good SWOT analysis right after brainstorming is impossible. You need to review every factor you've written down and edit the list. Leave only the elements that truly matter – and make them more specific if required.

3 Things to Pay Attention to

There are some common caveats that you can overlook if you need to be more careful during this step. Here are three of them to avoid:

  • Factors that aren't specific enough – clarify or cross them out;
  • Factors that aren't evidence-based – find proof or get rid of them;
  • Factors that are over- or underestimated – have a fresh pair of eyes to look at the list.

8. Decide on the Solution

Once you've finished filling out and editing your SWOT analysis template, your work is only beginning. Now, you need to take your SWOT matrix and use your findings to find the solution to your key issue.

4 Questions to Pose

Here are four questions to guide you in your solution-seeking:

  • How can you maximize your strengths? Which ones should be the top priority to boost?
  • How can you mitigate or eliminate your weaknesses? Which ones should be taken care of first?
  • Which opportunities should you take advantage of? Which ones will pay off the most?
  • Which threats can do the most harm? How can you limit their impact?

4 SWOT Analysis Examples for Students

Need something more than just a SWOT analysis template? Let's see how this tool can be applied to practice with these four real-world SWOT analysis examples for students.

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Self-Reflection through SWOT Analysis

Anupam Kher, an Indian Film Actor published a book in 2011, which was titled, “The best thing about you is you” . The book revolves around the process through which a person attains self-awareness and inner peace through citing examples from the authors life. One of the chapters spoke about how we’re the masters of our own happiness and sadness. He used a corporate lingo as reference and which I’m going to talk about in great detail today. It’s called a SWOT analysis .

SWOT

Companies follow the same practice. The SWOT analysis acts not only as a benchmark but also as a guideline on how to move forward. In Business, we consider the company as a separate entity of it’s own. We give life to it. The creators of a company treat the company as their own child. Nurturing it and helping it grow. Naturally, the elements of the company, which are the people, are also considered as the conscience of the company. They perform the job of self-reflection from the company’s perspective to understand what are it’s advantages, what are it’s limits, where can it exploit opportunities and how it can avoid threats.

Before we go in more depth on SWOT Analysis and it’s tools. Let’s give a basic definition to each of the 4 characters of the SWOT along with examples using the players of the streaming business.

In terms of corporate, Strength’s are a company’s tools and characteristics that help it to combat threats and seize opportunities. Strengths generally give a company a competitive advantage over it’s rivals. It’s interesting to note that every company has at least one unique strength.

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Strengths - SWOT Analysis

Example: In the Streaming Industry, Netflix offers freedom to content creators to break barriers and borders when it comes to writing content for shows on their platform. However a streaming service like Apple keeps a very close watch on the kind of content writers are producing for their platform. Netflix’s offer of almost zero restrictions proves as a strength to attract more writers to the platform.

They are internal defaults or characteristics, which prove to be a setback and a hindrance in the functioning of business. Weaknesses can range from Financial, quality of product, personnel etc.

Weaknesses - SWOT Analysis

Example: While Netflix enjoys the market share in the streaming business because of it’s early entry advantage, the business is slowly going to lose share within a few years due to it’s financial limitations. Competitors such as Apple & Amazon are billion dollar valued companies and so have the advantage of excess cash flow to fund numerous projects as compared to Netflix.

Opportunities

One of the natures or a characteristic of an entrepreneur is to always look for and identify opportunities. It’s as the saying goes, if you think of a yellow car, all you’ll see around you are yellow cars. Likewise, an entrepreneur is always thinking for opportunities so naturally, he’s always looking around for opportunities that would benefit the company. While there are a lot of factors to consider, time is the one main factor which pressures companies as to when to seize opportunities. The SWOT analysis gives a better overview on whether to seize them immediately or in the near future.

Opportunities - SWOT Analysis

Example: With the rise of the era of streaming, many companies have decided to invest in the business to make profits and also provide entertaining content. Marvel had Television series based on the adaptation of some it’s popular comic book characters such as Daredevil, Agents of Shield etc. These shows were on popular demand on Netflix until Disney decided to introduce it’s own streaming platform, Disney + and take back their original content to stream on Disney’s platform. This is an opportunity to gain an advantage in an already competitive market.

These are uncontrollable external factors which are at risk of harming the functioning of your business. Threats can be predicted and measures can be taken to either avoid or overcome it. Threats can be both internal as well as external. Internal threats are fairly easier to handle and the risk doesn’t not seem as high as compared to external threats.

Threats - SWOT Analysis

Example: Netflix has been on tight grounds the past year after spending 100 Million on Friends and losing it to Warner Media as they prepare to launch their own streaming service. The same applies to their list of Marvel TV Series, which were removed last year as Disney begins to launch their own service. Because of these factors, Netflix is in imminent threats to lose market share not only from the audience but also from shareholders as new platforms make their entry. Right now Netflix is spending millions in original content such as their upcoming Martin Scorsese film, The Irishmen which Netflix allegedly spent 200 million dollars on. The end result is hiking the subscription prices from the consumer to make up for investments. But even with all their investment they only manage to barely break even in the yearly reports and are still under the threat of suffering heavy losses in the future. How they plan to remain at the top will be an interesting thing to watch.

When to prepare a SWOT Analysis?

As we know now what the elements of a SWOT Analysis are, let’s look at when to prepare a SWOT Analysis. One of the most common times to prepare a SWOT Analysis is during the beginning of the new financial year so that the company can examine and understand what went right and what went wrong with the strategies applied in the previous years and create new strategies and rectifications while moving forward.

SWOT Analysis are also ideal to conduct before even entering the market . Take the example of Apple. It was originally founded as a consumer goods & technology organization. Now they have shares in industries such as Music Streaming, Television streaming etc. Apple would not have entered these industries without conducting a SWOT Analysis to understand the benefits and setbacks they are likely to experience as a company before making the plunge.

Tip: You can create/make SWOT analysis diagram on Lucidchart .

When it comes to business, every entity is unique to their own strengths and limitations. Like humans even business organizations tend to compare with one another and try to make sense of why one is benefiting and the other is not. But the efforts are mainly futile. In business, acting rational is always ideal so that the objectives of the company are attainable and the brand remains true to it’s values.

In some sense you can call Business as an extended physical manifestation of it’s founder. Even though it’s treated as a separate non- living entity, we consider it as a human and treat it like one as well. And it’s important for every human to also reflect and create a yearly SWOT Analysis to understand how much progress he/she has made. Progress is the key ingredient to identifying success.

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SWOT analysis

SWOT2_5.png

The SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool that encourages group or individual reflection on and assessment of the S trengths, W eaknesses, O pportunities and T hreats of a particular strategy and how to best implement it.

SWOT analysis originated in business and marketing analysis.

IFAD ( International Fund for Agricultural Development ) describes this option as ‘useful when qualitatively assessing, for example, the services provided by the project, relationships between project stakeholders and the organisations of the implementing partners, local groups and the project team itself’  ( IFAD Options for Monitoring and Evaluation, Annex D, page D 21 ) .

It is useful in various evaluation tasks, both as a data collection option to gather and retrieve monitoring information and in the scoping phase as an initial analysis ‘describing’ a program, to assess a problem in-depth and focus evaluation questions.

The SWOT framework - a two-by-two matrix - is best completed in a group with key team members or organisations present. First, it is important to be clear about the objective and what team or organisation the analysis will focus on. Once these are clarified and agreed, begin with a brainstorm of ideas, and then hone them down and clarify them afterwards in the discussion.

Strengths and Weaknesses describe ‘where the project or organisation is now: the existing resources that can be used immediately and current problems that won't go away. It can help identify where new resources, skills or allies will be needed’ ( Start and Hovland 2004 ). Both refer to ‘technical, financial, promotional, networking, knowledge’ ( BDS  Business Development Services Forum ) or competency-based factors internal to the programme. ‘When thinking of strengths, it is useful to think of real examples of success to ground and clarify the conversation’ ( Start and Hovland 2004 ). Strengths are ‘those things that are working well in a project or situation. The aspects people are proud to talk about’ ( IFAD ) and which differentiate the program from others.  Weaknesses are ‘those things that have not worked well’ or that the program is less efficient in than others.

Opportunities and Threats describe ‘what is going on outside the organisation, or areas which are not yet affecting the strategy but could do’ ( Start and Hovland 2004 ). Opportunities include ‘ideas on how to overcome weaknesses and build on strengths’ ( IFAD ) within the environment the program operates in. Threats are ‘things that constrain or threaten the range of opportunities for change’ in the programme environment. These external aspects are often related to ‘sociological, political, demographic, economic, trade-specific’ and environmental factors ( BDS ).

Example of SWOT analysis for small NGO

The following example is an excerpt from  Start, D. and Hovland, I. (2004) p.2:

  • We are able to follow-up on this research as the current small amount of work means we have plenty of time
  • Our lead researcher has strong reputation within the policy community
  • Our organisation's director has good links to the Ministry

Weaknesses:

  • Our organisation has little reputation in other parts of government
  • We have a small staff with a shallow skills base in many areas
  • We are vulnerable to vital staff being sick, leaving, etc

Opportunities:

  • We are working on a topical issue
  • The government claims to want to listen to the voice of local NGOs
  • Other NGOs from our region will support us
  • Will the report be too politically sensitive and threaten funding from sponsors?
  • There is a pool of counter-evidence that could be used to discredit our research and therefore our organisation.

The NGO might therefore decide, amongst other things, to target the report to specific patrons in the one ministry, use their lead researcher to bring credibility to the findings and work on building up a regional coalition on the issue.

Advice for choosing this method

  • "A SWOT analysis can reveal hidden obstacles to a planned project, especially when participants come from different departments or geographical areas in the same organization. In the same way, SWOT can identify positive elements that may not be readily evident. Used properly, SWOT can generate valuable data quickly and be an example of 'strength in numbers'" (Impact Alliance).
  • They are independent of baseline data or indicators.
  • They are a simple tool that is easy-to-grasp and quick to implement.
  • SWOT is usually a ‘snap shot’ tool that is used in a one-off scenario to reflect on a subject from all angles; it is rarely repeated over time, even though this might be a possible variation. If this variation is used, consider how you will make change visible across two or more SWOTs.

Advice for using this method

  • The single most important rule to remember when completing a SWOT analysis is that strengths and weaknesses are internal aspects, which can be controlled by the program under evaluation. In contrast, opportunities and threats are external aspects, which are outside of the control of the program and are determined by its environment.
  • When interpreting a SWOT analysis, it is important to look for instances where internal strengths are paralleled by external market opportunities. Equally, it is important to spot instances where internal program weaknesses are matched by corresponding external threats. For instance, a lack of evaluation expertise within a program (internal) which is paralleled by an increase in M&E demands by donors (external) must be addressed through risk management.

This annex to the International Fund for Agricultural Development's (IFAD) A Guide for Project M&E (PDF), summarises 34 useful methods for specific M&E tasks.

Section 9 of this toolkit from the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) provides guidance on the use of SWOT analysis to find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a project or plan.

This webpage from Business Development Systems (BDS) (archived link) analyses the some of the problems associated with indicators and impact evaluation and argues that more attention needs to be paid activity monitoring.

This guide from Impact Alliance provides a description of the SWOT tool, outlines examples for different uses and applications, offers two different ways to conduct a SWOT analysis, and concludes with a description of how to interpret and apply SWOT. 

Business Development Services (BDS) Forum, ‘Complete manual for SWOT analysis’, https://web.archive.org/web/20100317123000/http://www.bds-forum.net/m+e.htm (archive link - accessed 16 December 2010)

IFAD, ‘Options for Monitoring and Evaluation, Annex D’, page D 21, http://www.ifad.org/evaluation/guide/annexd/Annex_D-3DEF.pdf (PDF, 412KB) (accessed 16 December 2010)

Impact Alliance, User’s Guide for SWOT Analysis, http://www.impactalliance.org/file_download.php?location=S_U&filename=10227014460SWOT_Guide.pdf (accessed 16 December 2010)

Start, D. and Hovland, I. (2004): SWOT Analysis, Tools for Policy Impact: A Handbook for Researchers, Overseas Development Institute, https://odi.org/en/publications/tools-for-policy-impact-a-handbook-for-researchers/  (accessed 21 December 2010)

Expand to view all resources related to 'SWOT analysis'

  • Evaluation tools
  • Methods for monitoring and evaluation

'SWOT analysis' is referenced in:

  • Using logic models and theories of change better in evaluation
  • What are some methods and processes to help stakeholders articulate how they think a program works? (AES17 co-creation challenge #1)

Framework/Guide

  • Rainbow Framework :  Collect and/ or retrieve data
  • Rainbow Framework :  Develop theory of change / programme theory

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Swot Analysis Essay Examples

Swot analysis of google company.

Google is one of the top 5 most recognizable tech company brands in the world (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon). It was rated by Forbes second overall among the top brands values for the third straight year, being valued at US$132.1 billion. Google has...

A Report on the Operations of Zara in Foreign Countries

This report was commissioned to examine how Zara operates in foreign countries and their use of intercultural communication abilities in multicultural situations. For a better understanding of what type of challenges Zara faces, we would like to do a SWOT analysis with the focus of...

Analysis Strategic Plan Part 2: Swot

When we plan to start a new project or to achieve a goal, we must identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in which it’s called the SWOT analysis. the essential goal of a SWOT examination is to enable associations to build up a full attention...

Meta-analysis of the Company "Amazon"

To start with, this is Amazon executive summary paper where deep analysis of this company is discussed. Meta-analysis shows that there is a significant positive overall correlation between formal planning and success. Armstrong describes strategic planning 'a specific method for deciding the company's broad objectives,...

Swot Analysis and Strategies of Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco was the world's second-largest retailer, Costco was the largest retailer of option in the world with organic food, rotisserie chicken, premium beef, and wine. Costco has the core competencies that give it a competitive advantage over its competition. Costco has defined its business model...

A Swot Analysis for Nike Company

An analysis outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats faced by the retailer that can be considered on a basis of recommendation for making short-term or long-term strategic decisions. Nike has a very dominant market position with a strong brand image - they are the...

Strategic Business Management Analysis of Hong Kong Disneyland

Even monopoly business structures have to undergo intense competition and hence frequently change their management strategies in order to maintain their market coverage. The same goes with every business structures, we need a strategic business management as it is the most vital factor for assisting...

The Analysis to Gain an Insight of Dell 

The purpose of this analysis is to gain an insight of Dell Inc. Starting out providing general background information of the company. It also discusses an industry analysis and containing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) table and analysis of the SWOT. Finally ending...

Quality Report on Fedex Company

In our project, we chose to talk about the service providing company, FedEx. We will be giving a little background on the organization. Furthermore, we will be discussing the SWOT analysis that we have interpreted, as well as the assessment of the quality practices and...

Report on Campus Cleaners Marketing Plan

Campus Cleaners is a growing, family-owned corporation in the first year of business in Shreveport Louisiana. Campus Cleaners sells a laundry delivery service for college students that attend Louisiana State University at Shreveport. Campus Cleaners staff face an expansion challenge, as Campus Cleaners popularity begins...

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