SWOT Analysis — A Basic Understanding

Strengths and Opportunities

Each individual company has unique strengths and has the ability to take advantage of opportunities in different ways.

Strengths are those qualities and abilities that make you who you are. Think of them as the bedrock on which to build. They are the things that no one else has and are the tools of leverage for your future.

Some strengths are:

• Patented products or technology
• Unique products or technology
• Manufacturing capabilities
• Company finances
• Company name or brand
• Company purpose and values
• Cost structures
• Your people
• Ability to leverage customers

Strengths are manageable by you. Consider them as assets. And realize that asset values can change if not managed properly. Think of it like Superman. He had certain qualities within him that were different that other men. But there’s was Kryptonite that could be used to take all of those powers away.

Opportunities are those customers, industries and markets that give you the ability to grow your business, to increase sales and profit, to make you a leader.