Business plan Help, company core strengths etc.

beachdi

Hi,
I am still working on my business plan.  I am having problems with the part about  `Describe your company core strengths and competencies` 
My main road blocks, are...
1.  How to separate myself from the company.  The company is me, and only me.  I have not started selling any products, so how do I know the strengths etc. of the company. I know my personal strengths and competencies (and lack thereof).
2.  Is a strength that the company will make people laugh?  or feel good about themselves when wearing or using the products?  
I am using the 37 page business plan from the score.org site, (or was it sba)? and I have already completed the simple business plan on SUN. 
 
I assume one strength is a low overhead and operating cost since I am the only employee, and we are a home based business. 
Any and all ideas/comments graciously accepted. 
Di

stonesledge

It is all about S.W.O. T. Strength, Weakness`s, Opportunities and Threats. I have a worksheet. If you want a copy, Pm me and i will send you it. the better you understand the above, the better you can figure out why you stand out or what you need to do so.
 
Erin

nevadascul

Hi beachdi,
 
Your core strengths should focus on the following:

beachdi

Erin - Thank you, the spreadsheets are great
Nevadascul - ah ha!   that makes sense.   Now I can break it down, and understand. the task approach.
 
phewww, what a load off my mind. 
Di

Jahsco

Hi,I am working on the same section of my biz plan and I am having somewhat of a hard time. Would you mind sharing the worksheet? ThanksJ.

elisa

This is
such a great thread and question. I think many new business owners have to
pause a great while when answering these kind of questions. Especially when it
comes to a new business.

 

A company`s
core strengths can be characteristics that distinguish you from your
competitors. If you sell products then some of your strengths can be your
extensive product knowledge, expert/specialist in your industry, unparalleled
level of support and customer service. If you sell service then reliability
hands down, and of course, expert/specialist in your industry, unparalleled
level of support and customer service.

 

 A Companies
Core Competency can be a companies ability to deliver value to its
customers. What knowledge or skills do you possess that would set you
apart from the rest. Compare you company to other companies similar to yours.
What skill sets do you possess that puts you apart. What skill sets could you
gain that would be most valuable to your customers. Set goals for competence
building, for example a greater understanding of your industry, of your
products and your customers wants and needs. Learn new skills or trends in your
industry.

 

These are just a few examples for you to
consider and may help you to think of more that would be geared specifically
for your business. I hope I have helped!

beachdi

ELisa,
yes that was helpful.  Just thinking in terms of comparing my company with others.  That is what was confusing me before, I wasn`t thinking of the competition.  I am working on my business plan again this week.  I didn`t look at it last week since it was driving me nuts!
thank you, everyone is always so helpful.
di
 

infinique1

I think you need to have a proof of concept in order to show that the product or service is viable by making the first sale. Next you need to demonstrate your ability to sell. Failing which, you might want to start working for a company to gain the required experience and credentials.