Create Your Own Industry Profile Sheet
There’s a quiet power in clarity. When you distill complex market forces into a single, clean page, you’re not just organizing notes—you’re building a decision-making compass. That’s the real value of a well-crafted industry profile worksheet: it turns analysis from a chore into a habit, and habits compound. Over time, the ability to quickly assess any market—whether for school, a project, or real business—becomes second nature.
I’ve taught this framework to hundreds of students and early-career analysts. The most successful ones aren’t the ones who memorize the five forces. They’re the ones who’ve built their own industry profile worksheet—simple, repeatable, grounded in observation. It’s not about flashy visuals. It’s about trust. When you can glance at your own one-page summary and instantly see the key threats and opportunities, you’re no longer guessing—you’re leading.
Here, you’ll learn how to build your own market structure sheet. This beginner analysis template is designed to grow with you. It’s not just a form to fill. It’s a thinking tool. Every time you complete it, you sharpen your strategic lens. That’s the real reward.
Create Your Own Industry Profile Sheet
The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a degree in economics to use it. But you do need a clear starting point. That’s where the industry profile worksheet comes in.
Think of this as your personal command center for any market. One page. Five forces. No jargon. Just insight.
Step 1: Define the Industry Clearly
Start by naming the industry in plain, specific terms. Avoid vague labels like “tech” or “food.” Be precise: “premium organic coffee shops in urban centers” or “budget fitness apps for teens.” Precision prevents confusion and keeps your analysis focused.
Ask yourself: What product or service are we analyzing? Who are the main customers? What’s the geographic scope?
Step 2: Map Each Force with Evidence
For each force, write one to two short sentences. Ground every claim in observable facts. No vague statements like “competition is high.” Instead, say: “There are 8 new coffee shops opening in the city center this year—indicating weak barriers to entry.”
Use this checklist to guide your thinking:
- Competitive Rivalry: Are there many players? Are prices stable or dropping?
- Supplier Power: Are there few dominant suppliers? Are inputs commoditized?
- Buyer Power: Do customers have many choices? Can they easily switch brands?
- Threat of New Entrants: Is capital needed? Are there strong brand loyalty or legal barriers?
- Threat of Substitutes: Are there alternative solutions? Can customers do without this product?
Step 3: Add Your Insight in One Sentence
After outlining the forces, write a short conclusion. This is your strategic takeaway. Use simple language:
“The industry has moderate rivalry, but high threat from substitutes—digital meal plans are displacing physical gyms in some segments.”
This sentence isn’t just a summary. It’s your decision anchor. When you face a strategic choice, it’s the first thing you’ll refer back to.
How to Use Your Market Structure Sheet
Every time you analyze a new industry, use this same template. The act of repetition builds mental fluency. You start recognizing patterns—like how fast-fashion brands share similar supplier power dynamics or how streaming platforms face high threat from substitutes.
Below is a simple template you can copy into your notebook or digital tool. This is your beginner analysis template. Use it consistently, and you’ll develop a rare skill: the ability to assess any market with confidence.
| Industry | Premium subscription meal kit delivery in major U.S. cities | |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive Rivalry | High—6 major players with aggressive pricing and loyalty programs. | |
| Supplier Power | Moderate—limited organic farms, but multiple alternatives exist. | |
| Buyer Power | High—customers can switch brands easily; price sensitivity is strong. | |
| Threat of New Entrants | Moderate—low startup cost but strong brand loyalty and marketing needed. | |
| Threat of Substitutes | High—grocery store ready meals, home cooking, and meal delivery apps. | |
| Strategic Insight | Differentiation through convenience and unique recipes is key—price wars hurt profitability. | |
Why This Works: The Hidden Advantage
Most beginners stop at the five forces list. But the real insight comes from synthesis. Your industry profile worksheet forces you to connect the dots. You’re not just answering questions—you’re forming conclusions.
Over time, this builds the kind of pattern recognition that separates good analysts from great ones. You’ll start to notice: “Ah, this market has high buyer power and many substitutes—this business is vulnerable.” That’s not theory. That’s practical wisdom.
Common Pitfalls & Fixes
Even with the best template, small mistakes can derail your analysis. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Don’t generalize: Replace “Big companies dominate” with “Three firms control 70% of the market.” Specifics build credibility.
- Don’t ignore substitutes: Even if not obvious, ask: “What else could a customer use instead?” Coffee? Energy drinks? Tea?
- Don’t skip the insight: The one-sentence conclusion is not optional. It turns data into direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a five forces worksheet and an industry profile worksheet?
The industry profile worksheet is a refined version of the standard five forces worksheet. It adds structure, clarity, and a strategic insight statement. It’s designed to be a reusable market structure sheet for consistent analysis.
Can I use this template for school projects and real businesses?
Absolutely. This beginner analysis template works for both. In school, it helps meet assignment requirements. In real life, it supports strategic planning, investor pitches, or entry decisions. The format is professional enough for presentations, yet simple enough for students.
How often should I update my industry profile sheet?
Reassess every 6–12 months, or whenever a major market shift occurs—like a new competitor, a supply chain disruption, or a change in consumer behavior. The goal is to keep your analysis current and actionable.
Do I need to do deep research for this?
No. Start with publicly available data: news articles, company websites, industry reports, or even personal observation. The key is to link your claims to real evidence, not guesswork. Even a few facts strengthen your analysis.
Can I use this for non-business industries like education or healthcare?
Yes. The framework applies to any industry where competition, supply, and demand shape outcomes. For example, “online tutoring services” or “private school education” can be analyzed using the same forces. The structure remains useful, even if the context changes.
Is this the same as a SWOT analysis?
No. While both are strategic tools, they focus on different things. SWOT evaluates internal strengths and weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. The industry profile worksheet focuses on five structural forces that impact profitability—making it more diagnostic and predictive.
