1. How would you define yourself now in a single paragraph, if someone asked? Asking yourself this question is important, because it helps you to stay focused and honest with yourself. Unfortunately, most people have never given the question serious thought. This simple task is the beginning of defining your own personal mission statement. (For example, one might say, "I am a Christian Business manager who works for a local manufacturing company. I am also husband, father, and grandfather who has a strong sense of family and tries to do his best for all those around him").

2. How do you want to define yourself in 10 years? Using a single sentence, what would you provide others as your vision statement? (For example, one might say, "In the future, I will be an educated businesswoman making $## per year as owner and manager of my own consulting company."

3. Think about your own personal Strengths and Weaknesses. Knowing how to discover these is just as important to the individual as it is to a company. Without getting TOO personal (especially with weaknesses), feel free to share your thoughts with the class. Strengths might include areas of finance, capabilities, personal network contacts, spiritual life, habits and attitudes, etc. Weaknesses might include similar things but they could also include areas that can be very sensitive, such as alcohol and drug problems, marital problems, etc.

4. What about Opportunities and Threats? There are many opportunities out there that don't affect all of us. For example, as a white male, I would not be able to do much with the availability of low-interest loans and grants available to minority women, which to them might be an opportunity. Consider the forces that affect the lives of many Americans; economic, culture, politics, etc. The PESTEL model works great here. Remember, don't list anything that you think might be something that applies only to you and don't list anything that you are saying can be chosen to do. Potential actions are NOT opportunities!!!

5. Knowing the above, what personal changes do you think are in order? Knowing your SWOT factors, your own personal mission and vision for the future, what changes do you think might be in order? If you are your own product, what do you think would be the best way to "market" what you have to offer?

6. Given everything you have said above, provide appropriate goals and objectives that you feel you should meet over the next few years.