Swot Analysis

Week 4: SWOT Analysis Ð'- Well Paid Receptionist

April 28, 2007

Roland B. Cousins explains how an intuitive and intelligent woman Cathy Brannen is to accept an offer that would be worthwhile during her time with Troupville Business Systems. At the beginning stages of this business venture, the typical salary for a receptionist in Troupville was $14,000 per year. An offer to accept two percent of sales appear to be a small number, but if the company's success supersedes its expectations Ms. Brannen's salary would accumulate to over $127,000 within seven years of employment. Harvey Finley's search for an efficient self-starting business associate met the needs of the business, but consequently led to a controversy in not providing the appropriate compensation. Through the success of the business, produced opportunities for employment and increased compensation. The use of SWOT analysis will also help to locate alternative ways to solving this issue and the effects of these decisions.

Strengths

Ms. Brannen's salary displayed the success of the business and its ability to continually grow and she would. Her yearly performance and personal developments also demonstrated the ability for promotion. Cathy performed sales functions until there were enough professional salespersons experienced enough to deal with customers. Ms. Brannen took it upon herself to become the backbone of business by developing her word processing and technological skills.

Weaknesses

Finley reviewed his financial growth until he could employ someone capable of managing the company's payroll and finances. The comptroller, Frank Bain, had a responsibility to report any financial matters that seemed unusual; but instead assumed that the salary was known to Harvey. In this instance, Bain's negligence would be grounds for termination, suspension, or verbal and written warning. Despite the success of the business, Harvey should have scheduled meetings with each employee in charge of handling tasks required for the survival of the firm.

Opportunities

Sometimes, it takes one man to break through the barrier of doubt in others by instilling confidence in himself and the success of his business. Harvey's successful career as a service technician and sales representative, for a major manufacturer of copy machines, helped to capitalize on the opening of this own business. When Harvey mentioned the business plan to his contacts and friends, doubts were expressed in relation to past events such as the severe recession that devastated the city of Troupville. With a new business in the city, it would offer employment to those qualified, aid in its economy, and help to increase residential property value. Also, this new business would begin to attract customers who seek quality and inexpensive items through the means of superior customer service. Cathy Brannen's superior need for developing her overall business skills is partly responsible for many customers loyalty to Troupville Business Systems.

Technology was one factor that Harvey knew would hold up to the success of his business due to the nature of the products and services offered. As a distributor, he would be able to subcontract his services to his previous employer where they manufactured copy machines. Hence, Troupville Business Systems would provide as a temporary storage for copy machines ready to be delivered to small businesses in the area. Harvey's best decision yet was to add a product line of selling personal computers that would add value to his company and a need in businesses and homes. In addition to, he determined that since he's supplying customers and businesses with products from other companies then he should also reap the benefits by selling those same products for the manufactures through walk-in retail. The transition to become a technologically advanced person required time, but Ms. Brannen had shown her worth and value to the company. Outside of her secretarial duties, she made it her duty to learn about each product or service that the company offered. She was like Harvey in a sense that she developed her sales experience skills to advance with the business. Cathy's motivation to grow with the business seemed more than just about a salary; she invested her time and efforts to the success of Troupville Business Systems.

Threats

Harvey is faced with a decision that could make him lose one of his best assets to the growth and success of the company. In this story, we see that Cathy's