Chase Away the Dread with a SWOT Analysis 

This time of year, it’s easy to be a little spooked by market research. But fear not! Market research is the most powerful tool you can have in directing and guiding your firm’s overall marketing goals and objectives. Without knowing where the market, location, industry and competition are heading, you cannot make educated decisions to plan your most efficient and effective strategy to meet your goals.

Need a little help dusting off the cobwebs and chasing away the dread? A SWOT analysis can be an easy start.

• Strengths—Schedule a client perception survey to ask about your strengths.
• Weaknesses—Ask employees what processes could be improved or changed.
• Opportunities—Talk to vendors and clients about trends to get ahead of the curve.
• Threats—Plan how your company will deal with changes in your industry.

See? Those fears are banished. Interested in the next steps? Read our Introductory Guide to Market Research.