💡 How to Run a SWOT Analysis to Improve Your Small Business
At Stephanie Bodog Consulting, one of the first exercises we recommend for small business owners looking to level up is a SWOT analysis. Whether you're launching a new product, rebranding, or simply reassessing your strategy, this simple but powerful framework can help you make smarter decisions and grow with confidence.
Let’s break it down — and then we’ll walk you through an example and a visual chart to bring it all together.
🔍 What is a SWOT Analysis?
A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning technique used to identify:
Strengths – What you do well internally.
Weaknesses – Areas you can improve.
Opportunities – External trends or situations you can leverage.
Threats – External risks that could affect your business.
This method allows you to take a 360-degree view of your business, so you’re not only focusing on internal operations but also preparing for outside influences.
📋 Why Should You Do a SWOT Analysis?
Make informed business decisions
Uncover hidden growth opportunities
Spot potential threats before they become real problems
Refocus your marketing or product strategy
Align your team with clear business priorities
🧠 Example: SWOT Analysis for a Local Coffee Shop
Let’s say you run a cozy coffee shop in a busy downtown area. Here’s how your SWOT analysis might look:
SWOT ElementDetailsStrengths- Loyal local customer base
- High-quality, locally-sourced coffee
- Great location with foot trafficWeaknesses- Limited digital presence
- No delivery service
- Short operating hoursOpportunities- Partnering with food delivery apps
- Launching an online ordering system
- Expanding hours to catch early commutersThreats- New competitor opening nearby
- Rising coffee bean prices
- Seasonal dips in foot traffic
📊 Visual SWOT Chart
Here’s a simple chart you can use to map out your own SWOT. Try filling it in with your team during a brainstorming session:
View Chart
You can create this table in Google Docs, Notion, or even a whiteboard during team meetings.
🚀 Ready to SWOT It Out?
Running a SWOT analysis might seem basic, but it gives you clarity—and clarity is everything when you're scaling your business. At Stephanie Bodog Consulting, we help clients not just identify these elements but create action plans around them.
If you’re ready to analyze your business from the inside out and create a customized growth roadmap, let’s chat. We can guide you through a SWOT session tailored to your unique goals.
📞 Book a Free Strategy Call
Let’s turn insights into action.
👉 Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to get started.
