The S.W.O.T. Analysis: THREATS

If you haven't read our post of The S.W.O.T. Analysis, you should probably read that first to get a better understanding of how and when the analysis is used, as well as how to properly construct one.  In this post we give you a basic outline of what items and bullet points of research and fact you should in include in the "Threats" section of your The S.W.O.T. Analysis;

• Political effects?
• Legislative effects?
• Environmental effects?
• IT developments?
• Competitor intentions - various?
• Market demand?
• New technologies, services, ideas?
• Vital contracts and partners?
• Obstacles faced?
• Insurmountable weaknesses?
• Employment market?
• Financial and credit pressures?
• Economy - home, abroad?
• Seasonality, weather effects?

Any effect or attribute that may threaten the sustainability or functioning of your business or idea should be listed here.  Remember, Threats are usually deemed as a list of "External" factors that used to assess the possibility of anything, person, or company that can threaten the existence or operation of the topic of the S.W.O.T. Analysis.   Make sure to cast a wide net for this external part of your analysis/assessment. No organization, group, program, or neighborhood is immune to outside events and forces.   For most organizations the major threat are "competitors", but make sure not to put all emphasis on just this one element, and if you think that is the only threat, you may want to consult with a Business Professional.

A person within an organization sometimes does not have the clarity to think without bias.  If you feel like it would be more prudent for a professional to help you write your S.W.O.T. Analysis, Business Plan, or Research Report; shoot me a text or call on my cell at 203.685.0346 or send me an email at CervitudeIR@gmail.com today!