S.W.O.T.

No, this isn't about the 70's cop show but it is about some Special Weapons and Tactics you can use in your life, career or business.

S.W.O.T. Analysis

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Obstacles and Threats and refers to a method of analyzing the viability of a project or even a personal goal. From Wikipedia:

It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. 

Also from Wikipedia:

SWOT analysis aims to identify the key internal and external factors seen as important to achieving an objective. SWOT analysis groups key pieces of information into two main categories:

1. internal factors – the strengths and weaknesses internal to the organization
2. external factors – the opportunities and threats presented by the environment external to the organization

SWOT analysis is normally used in business situations but it can be a helpful tool for your career or personal goals. Here's an example of a completed SWOT analysis for Starbucks (which is where I am as I type this):

I don't know what they were trying to analyze, but you can see what kind of information goes into the grid.

And here's an example of a personal SWOT analysis:

So, the next time that you're considering a project, goal or a change in your life, business or career take the time to do a SWOT analysis.

Interesting days

Today - Photography Day, Aviation Day and World Humanitarian Day I think I'll take my digital camera out for a spin today. Maybe I'll hangout at the Livermore airport and get some pictures of planes taking off and landing

Tomorrow - Chocolate Pecan Pie Day I don't think I've ever had chocolate pecan pie...I don't even know where I can go to get some. It's also World Mosquito Day which doesn't celebrate mosquitos but raises awareness of their link to malaria and ways to combat it. And last but not least, it's Lemonade Day which actually encourages children to setup lemonade stands to learn about business and earning money

Next Wednesday - Dog Day The dog days of summer are the perfect time to remember our canine friends. It's also Women's Equality Day We've made progress but we've got a long way to go

September 19 - Coastal Cleanup Day, Gymnastics Day and let's not forget the food...International Eat An Apple Day and Butterscotch Pudding Day. Arrrr mateys me favorite day be Talk Like A Pirate Day