I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned about business over the years–the HARD way. I always tell people that I should write a book on how NOT to do business, and save them a ton of grief, heartache and money! But the end result is that I’ve learned some incredibly impactful lessons about business. When my company faced a crisis and dire circumstances, I’ll bet I learned more about business law in two weeks than most actual law students. It wasn’t “Mr. Brown has a bee farm…” but instead “My business is about to lose everything unless you act now!” As a result, the lessons I learned were as deep as the cuts they inflicted.
In the process, one business tool I learned is called the SWOT Analysis: Strengths – Weaknesses – Opportunities – Threats. The idea is to analyze your company in light of all four terms. Usually the process takes time and serious discussion among people who know you and/or your business, but in the end you usually gain a clear picture of the state and potential of your business or idea.
I’d like to propose another way to use the SWOT analysis; as a personal review of yourself as it relates to each area.
STRENGTHS. Do you know what your strengths are? I’ve seen many instances when actual strengths weren’t the low hanging fruit I thought they were. Often, it’s good to have other people help you review this; friends who may see things in you that you take for granted, or things you discount as “beneficial” when in fact they may be a huge asset. I like to say, “It’s easy to take for granted what we can do the easiest.” Making speeches or playing an instrument might come second nature to you, but other people struggle with it–or are afraid of trying it. So consider all your strengths from different sources.
WEAKNESSES. Just as important as knowing what you’re good at is knowing what you aren’t. For example: I will confess that I have a very strong weakness for donuts. It’s literally impossible for me to eat only one….dozen. I’m not sure what makes those sugary, round diamonds of ecstasy so yummy, but I learned long ago that they’re my Kryptonite. I have a hard time having just one.
So realizing my weakness, I choose to not eat donuts at all. I’m not saying this should be the response to ANY weakness you identify; merely sharing that in this extreme case of temptation, my only recourse was to simply avoid those circles of delicacy and scrumptiousness. Know what to be on the lookout for. Having a weakness doesn’t mean you need to necessarily FIX it yourself; just find another person who has that trait as their strength and form a powerful union of your talents. Chances are, they may lack in something else you’re good at. Don’t try to do everything alone.
OPPORTUNITIES. I was recently involved with a group of people who wanted to show support through helping less fortunate people, but struggled to channel that desire into specific action. Folks often have a desire to help someone or offer their talents, yet find it a huge challenge to find the right chance. It’s not for lack of willingness, as much as it is the absence of opportunity. I would suggest that rather than grilling your brain trying to dream up some perfect situation for helping others, just DO SOMETHING–even if it is a small act for now. Remember the latin phrase actus potestatem. (From action comes opportunity.)
THREATS. Going blindly into any situation is not a wise move. Even if you have great intentions or hopes, if you haven’t identified threats either natural or personal, you’ll most likely be caught off guard. This in turn forces you to react instead of simply act, and reacting usually involves a flood of emotions–which should never be trusted as a response. A clear head in the face of defined threats is always best. Know what attacks you should expect so you can readily respond to them with wisdom and forethought, as opposed to knee-jerk, emotional reactions.
I encourage you to analyze yourself, and don’t just go through life like a Water Wiggle–flopping around without direction or purpose.
Also understand that the challenge before you is not a “once in a lifetime” exercise. Situations change, YOU change. Plan for more reviews and mental check-ins at certain times throughout the year. Better yet, right now, go put it on your computer’s calendar and have it send you alerts as the day gets closer. If you procrastinate, the odds of it happening will go from slim to none. As a friend of mine used to say “If it is EASY to do, it is EASIER NOT to do.” But ultimately, just be prepared, know what your circumstances are–and make it happen.