What is a SWOT Analysis?
Taking the time to regularly analyze your organization’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) is an important part of strategic non-profit planning and analysis.
Performing a SWOT analysis is common to determine if a project or strategy can be successful and/or is worthwhile at an organization. There are two key components to SWOT – internal and external factors. Strengths and Weaknesses are considered internal, while Opportunities and Threats are external.
How do you conduct a SWOT Analysis?
- Begin by drawing a box divided into 4 sections. Each section represents one of the SWOT factors. At the top of the box, write down your objective (what you are trying to determine). For a general analysis, keep it simple. Just start listing things. You’ll probably be surprised what you come up with.
- Start with Strengths. Strengths are internal and are within your control. List things that are tangible. Examples could include strong non-dues revenue and powerful software. Also include intangibles such as reputation, employee commitment, member engagement, etc.
- In the next section make a list of Weaknesses. Ideas could be a poor revenue stream, outdated software, high employee turnover.
- Opportunities should outline, well, opportunities. Opportunities don’t have to correlate with weaknesses. For example, do you have an idea for something that could generate more revenue? Is there an event you’ve been brainstorming about? Have you had an “aha” moment about a social media campaign?
- Threats can be anything that puts your organization’s success at risk. Is there another organization’s event that is impacting attendance (and revenue) at your event? Is an online provider offering classes that duplicate education’s education offerings? Anything that impacts your organization’s reputation, success, or threatens to make your organization obsolete should be considered a threat.
What Do You with the Results?
The results of the SWOT Analysis should be used to determine what’s working and where improvements can be made. It also allows you to proactively see what issues may be on the horizon (positive and negative). The first step is making the decision to conduct the analysis. From there the pieces will fall into place.