Swot

you plan on operating a business, it is very important that you know who you are, where you are going, and how you will get there.

This sample strategic plan is intended to offer a frame work for developing a plan focused on your personal situation and goals - what ever they maybe. It reviews strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities; presents a series of statements relating to AnyFarm's vision, mission, values and objectives; and sets out its proposed strategies and goals.

Once you have refined this plan, you should be able to move more easily toward developing a business proposal.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats & Opportunities

This section addresses hypothetical key strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities for AnyFarm. They are generic to many business applications and should be re-defined to fit your situation:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Infrastructure in place

Basis for strong management team

Possibility to evolve into range of offerings

Location is highly suitable

Very focused management/staff

Well-rounded and managed business

Marketing plan in place

Over-dependent on borrowings - Insufficient cash resources

Focus maybe too narrow

Lack of awareness amongst prospective customers

Potential need for larger premises

Absence of strong sales/marketing expertise

Emerging new technologies may move market in new directions

Threats:

Opportunities:

Major player may enter targeted market segment

Economic slowdown could reduce demand

Market may become price sensitive

Market segment's growth could attract major competition

Market segment is poised for rapid growth

New markets offer great potential

Distribution channels seeking new products

Potential to diversify into related market segments

Vision

The owners vision of AnyFarm in 3-5 year's time is:

AnyFarm will be operating from a xxx acre parcel near xxx Town. It will have annualized sales of $xxx and be profitable. AnyFarm will offer xxx (core products) and provide added-value services to a customer base throughout the xxx market segments. AnyFarm's offerings will offer many clear-cut advantages and improvements over competitors' offerings. AnyFarm will continue to expand through organic growth and acquisitions until xx is reached.

Mission Statement

The central purpose and role of AnyFarm is defined as:

AnyFarm xx, xx, and markets xx for xx. They are sold to a target market of xx. AnyFarm's xx are distinguished from competition by their xx. Sales are made directly and through xx in the xx market.

Business Objectives

Longer term business