A SWOT analysis can tell you everything you need to know about your business and help you determine what changes should be made and the direction that your company should take in order for it to become successful.
Now, while some may find this method of strategizing tedious and boring, there are plenty of creative ways that one can spice up their swot analysis so that it isn’t just another mundane document that goes under the radar. So here it is, the five top tips on how to make your swot analysis stand out.
Start your personal swot analysis with a bang!
Probably the most important part of any swot analysis is the executive summary, which includes an introduction to your business and what you plan on doing with it. To make sure that this part of your swot analysis is remembered by anyone who reads it, why not start off with a bang?
A creative introduction can do wonders for grabbing attention and making someone interested in getting to know more about what you have to say.
One example might be opening up your swot analysis with a quote from another renowned company leader; i.e., “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (This is, of course, taken from Peter Drucker‘s book The Effective Executive.)
This would immediately bring focus to the fact that this admission essay is going to focus on something that will be of importance for future business leaders and managers.
Make your company sound like a superhero!
When speaking about the strengths of your business, make it as interesting and creative as possible. Instead of simply listing off what factors makes your company successful and at the top of its industry, speak in terms such as: “Our products are built with super-strength which is why they are able to withstand even the toughest elements.”
When you describe yourself this way, not only does it make you seem more interesting, but it also gives people an idea of what exactly you are selling without them having to ask too many questions.
Whenever writing about your weaknesses, however, don’t forget that companies often have shades of gray. Try not to just stick to one negative quality about your company; instead, see if you can find examples of when this happens and how you deal with it.
A good swot analysis example can turn your weaknesses into benefits!
Similar to the idea of making your strengths seem even better than they already are, turn your weaknesses around to make them seem like good qualities for possible customers.
For example, if one of your biggest flaws is that there aren’t enough employees in order to complete tasks on time or at all, then give customers the option of completing the task themselves using an app that you provide (and charge a small fee).
If customers think that this may be difficult for them, offer tutorials on how exactly they will be able to do it without much struggle. This shows customers that you are in the business to help them and not in it just for a profit, which can attract more people in the long run.
Use SWOT to communicate with your audience!
In order to make sure that all of your swot analysis is understood by any person from any background, try thinking about who exactly will be reading this paper. Are your audience managers? Then include words or phrases that they might use when describing certain circumstances or situations due to their job positions.
In addition, make sure to refer back to previous parts of your essay if you feel as though the readers need a refresher on what you have already mentioned prior. While this may seem like a simple piece of advice, it is oftentimes overlooked which can make your swot analysis seem stale and unresearched.
Make the images in your personal swot analysis stand out!
If you are allowed the opportunity to use any imagery within your essay, then be sure to include them! It is always more interesting for readers of any admissions paper if they have something visual to relate their reading experience with.
At the very least, try not to just use generic clip art on words. Instead, search for some on Google Images or Flickr that will go along with what you are trying to explain in order to keep things fresh and new.
If you need help making your very own swot analysis, then make it easier by going to the top graph maker out there -Venngage! Easily have access to thousands of images and templates to start making your very own designs.
Add an element of suspense to your swot matrix!
Just like any other kind of writing assignment, it is important that there be a flow between different parts of your swot analysis. The easiest way to make this happen is by building up the tension and suspense in certain parts of your paper.
To do this, try not to give all information that you have on a particular topic right away; instead, use examples or situations which slowly add on to each other until what you are trying to say becomes clear.
Conclusion
Swot analysis is a critical tool for any business. By using these 6 creative tips, you can make your swot analysis more engaging and informative for your team.