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Opportunities

What isn't the competition doing that customers need/want? Or will need/want? Look for gaps. (They won't last forever!) Today's opportunities are tomorrow's regrets.

  • What changes are going on that could help your business? Local and global events? Government policy and regulations? Changes in tax structure? New technologies?

  • Where are the promising trends? Social and lifestyle patterns? Political views? Population shifts? Product awareness?

  • What are your market penetration opportunities? Market expansion or service expansion opportunities?

Threats

What could wipe you out or make your products or services obsolete?

  • What current or future obstacles do you face? Population shifts? Economic downturns? Changing consumer preferences?

  • What is your competition up to? New products? New marketing techniques?

  • New government regulations affecting your products or services?

  • What new companies or other professionals are moving into your marketplace? Banks? CPAs? Attorneys?

  • Is changing technology a threat (or an opportunity)?

  • Do you have debt or cash-flow problems?

A SWOT analysis, which will be part of your Marketing Plan, helps you analyze your current situation and determine where you should be focusing your time and efforts to grow and expand your business. That's all relatively long-term, but SWOT analyses can also identify things you should be doing to make your business more profitable right now!

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Ohio National is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or sponsor, any particular prospecting, marketing or selling system.

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