New Years Resolutions are due in less than two (2) months. The strategic planner in me urges you to conduct a quick Self SWOT to list your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The key is to be honest. I cannot tell you how many small business owners and other professionals that remain in denial for years. It is painful to list your weaknesses and there may be even more pain to actually do something about it.
My Self SWOT revealed the following:
Strengths:
*I write well;
*I enjoy coaching and mentoring others;
*I am very organized; and
*I am very productive.
Weaknesses:
*I have a youthful voice;
*I have debt due to the down economy;
*I have low income due to the down economy;
*I need assistants to help with sales; and
*I need to lose weight.
Opportunities
*I can hire a speech therapist;
*I can pay creditors via a debt management plan;
*I can improve sales and increase income;
*I can hire student assistants and volunteer interns;
*I can exercise and eat right.
Threats
*I am my only threat!
I honestly believe that the only threat would be me getting in my own way. Some may feel that their competitors are their threats. I believe that you can out produce them and offer more value. The key is to know your competitors.
The real threat is how we may get in our own way. Once you have completed your Self SWOT list, the results can become your New Years Resolutions for 2011. Take your list of Weaknesses and resolve to do something about them to convert them into Strengths.