The Army loves acronyms. We had them for rifles (M-16), Trucks (HMMWVW) Planning Processes (OPORDER), and millions upon millions of other things (Wall to Wall Counseling W2WC) Thirty odd years ago as a young cadet, I was taught a valuable one I use to this day in my planning process. It was then METT-T and is now in the modern world METT-TC. METT-TC stands for Mission, Enemy, Time, Terrain, Troops & Civilian Considerations

The METT-TC analysis, commonly used in military planning, can be applied to business settings to enhance decision-making and strategic planning. Here’s how each element translates:

1. Mission (M): Clearly define your business objectives and goals. If possible understand their goals and objectives as well. The desired outcome/mission is paramount and must remain top of mind. Your mission if an individual contributor should align with and support either the larger organization’s mission or your personal strategic objective. When defining a mission one should use the 5 W’s of Who, What, Where, When Why in your Mission Statement.
2. Enemy (E): Identify your competition and market challenges. Really drill deep into your competition’s approach to customer acquisition, their product features and benefits, and how the consumer views them relative to your same considerations. This will allow you to identify possible means by which to exploit their weakness or improve your own liabilities.
3. Terrain and Weather (T): Understand the industry landscape and market conditions. Do not get it twisted. You need to understand the battle space in a three-dimensional manner. The terrain is not only physical, in the 21st century the terrain is now virtual existing on the internet and various platforms within it. Weather can for example in the business mindset be the environment just set by Covid Conditions. Said example would limit the capacity to interface with customers so prudence dictates that you develop tools and tactics to mitigate those types of limiting or blocking factors that could hinder the mission.
4. Troops and Support Available (T): Assess your internal resources, including personnel and assets. In the business environment an analysis of your competitor (be they a solo practitioner or small business, or franchisee) relative to their capabilities. Consider your troops strengths, liabilities, capabilities and their resources be they capital, training, tools and equipment. Are there support elements that can be deployed as “force multipliers”. A force multiplier may be something/someone like an ad agency, or colleague.
5. Time Available (T): Consider the timeline for executing strategies and achieving targets. Relative to your Mission statement when does your plan need to be executed by. Use the military backward planning method to execute against the T in METT-TC
6. Civilian Considerations (C): Understand your customers, stakeholders, and their needs. Simple enough The Customer is always right. This is further complicated in our present world by an environment where customers can now do damage to a brand through internet reviews. Act in and with an understanding of that risk as it relates to long term strategic objectives.

By applying the METT-TC analysis, businesses can gain a comprehensive understanding of their environment, competitors, available resources, and market conditions. This analysis aids in making informed decisions, allocating resources effectively, identifying potential risks and challenges, and maximizing opportunities for success.

For more on small business planning Contact Tampa Business Broker Michael Shea at 321-287-0349 or email him at mike@tworld.com