Worksheet: Turning Analysis into a One-Page Summary
Most beginners waste hours trying to force every insight into a single diagram or paragraph. The real mistake? Assuming that clarity means completeness. In reality, the most powerful insights emerge when you separate analysis from communication. I’ve seen students spend 90 minutes on a five-forces diagram only to fail when asked, “What should the business do next?” The fix? A simple shift: stop showing everything. Start telling a story.
After twenty years guiding students and junior analysts through competitive strategy, I’ve found the best way to turn insights into action is through a structured one-page summary. This worksheet isn’t a summary of your notes—it’s a strategic briefing. It answers: What matters? Why? And what should we do?
You’ll learn how to distill a full analysis into a clean, scannable format that communicates clearly to peers, instructors, or even a future employer. This is your go-to strategy reporting template for any project, assignment, or real-world business review.
Why One Page Works Better Than a Full Report
The most common mistake? Overloading every page with detail. When you try to show every data point, every example, every edge case, you end up hiding the signal. The human brain processes visual structure faster than dense text.
One page forces you to prioritize. It demands clarity. And when done right, it becomes a powerful decision-making tool.
Think of this not as a summary, but as a presentation of intent: what the forces reveal about the business’s position—and what it means for strategy.
How to Build Your One-Page Summary
Use this step-by-step structure to transform your Five Forces analysis into a professional, one-page business summary. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear, actionable insight.
Step 1: Pick a Business or Industry
Start with a single, clear focus. Instead of “the fast food industry,” pick “a local coffee shop in downtown Austin.” Specificity sharpens your analysis.
Write this at the top, center-aligned. Use bold for emphasis.
Step 2: State the Core Competitive Question
Below your business name, answer: “What is the main strategic challenge facing this business?”
Example: “How can this coffee shop maintain profitability amid rising competition and ingredient costs?”
This question grounds your entire analysis. Every section that follows must answer it.
Step 3: One-Sentence Summary of Each Force
Use a simple table to list the five forces. In the first column, name the force. In the second, write a single sentence explaining its impact.
| Force | Impact Summary |
|---|---|
| Competitive Rivalry | High: Multiple chains compete on price and loyalty, limiting pricing power. |
| Supplier Power | Moderate: Most suppliers are local, but premium beans come from a few global sources. |
| Buyer Power | High: Customers compare prices across platforms and switch easily. |
| Threat of New Entrants | Low: High startup costs and brand loyalty act as barriers. |
| Threat of Substitutes | High: Energy drinks and tea shops offer viable alternatives. |
Keep these sentences factual, concise, and focused on business impact—never just definitions.
Step 4: Identify the Top 2–3 Forces That Matter Most
Circle the two forces with the strongest impact on profitability or survival. Use bold to highlight them.
Example: Competitive Rivalry and Threat of Substitutes.
Now, write one sentence explaining why these forces dominate the situation. Be specific.
Example: “Competitive rivalry pressures pricing; substitute options like energy drinks reduce customer retention.”
Step 5: Suggest 1–3 Simple, Realistic Actions
Based on the top forces, propose actions the business could take—no “rebrand for success” nonsense.
Use a bullet list with short, actionable language.
- Introduce a loyalty rewards program to reduce buyer power.
- Launch a specialty tea line to reduce substitute threat.
- Partner with local artists for in-store events to differentiate from chains.
These aren’t grand visions. They’re practical responses to real pressures.
Step 6: Add a Visual Signal
Include a small, simple icon or color-coded dot next to the top forces. For example:
- 🔴 Competitive Rivalry – High risk
- 🟢 Threat of New Entrants – Low risk
Use color or symbols to make key risks instantly visible. This is how professionals communicate at a glance.
Real-World Example: A Local Coffee Shop
Here’s how a completed one-page summary might look in practice. Imagine you’ve analyzed a small café in Seattle.
Business: Brew & Co. – A local café in Capitol Hill, Seattle
Core Question: How can Brew & Co. survive rising costs and competition from giant chains?
| Force | Impact Summary |
|---|---|
| Competitive Rivalry | Very high: Chains like Starbucks and local startups undercut prices and offer loyalty programs. |
| Supplier Power | Moderate: Beans are sourced from roasters with limited competition. |
| Buyer Power | High: Customers compare prices and reviews across platforms. |
| Threat of New Entrants | Low: High rent and brand recognition deter new local shops. |
| Threat of Substitutes | High: Cold brew, energy drinks, and home brewing are strong alternatives. |
Top Forces: Competitive Rivalry and Threat of Substitutes. These two forces drive customer churn and pricing pressure.
- Launch a signature cold brew blend to combat substitute competition.
- Create a weekly “community event” to build loyalty and reduce price sensitivity.
- Offer a “Brew & Co. Subscription” with exclusive access to seasonal drinks.
This format isn’t just for students. I’ve used it in real business reviews, and it’s now embedded in my team’s strategy reporting template.
Common Pitfalls—and How to Avoid Them
Even with a solid framework, small mistakes can undermine your clarity. Here’s what to watch for:
- Overloading the table: If a force needs more than two lines, rethink your phrasing. Be concise.
- Using vague language: Avoid “some,” “many,” or “a lot.” Replace with “high,” “moderate,” or “low.”
- Listing all forces equally: Don’t treat all five with equal weight. The top 2–3 forces should drive your action plan.
- Overloading with data: One number is enough. “Prices up 8% in the last year” beats a full table of cost changes.
Remember: this isn’t a research paper. It’s a strategy briefing. Your job is to communicate clearly, not exhaustively.
Final Tips for Professional Presentation
Even a one-page summary benefits from design. Use these tips to make your work stand out:
- Use a clean, readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
- Keep margins at 0.75 inches for balance.
- Use bold for headings and key phrases only—don’t overdo it.
- Leave white space. Don’t cram.
- Always include your name, date, and business name in the header.
When you get your feedback, ask: “Is this easy to read in under 90 seconds?” If not, revise until it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this worksheet for group projects?
Absolutely. This is ideal for group work. Assign each member one force, then combine insights into a single summary. It builds collaboration and accountability.
How do I know which forces to highlight as “top”?
Look for forces that directly affect profitability or survival. If a force leads to price pressure, customer churn, or high risk, it’s a top priority. Ask: “If this force worsens, what happens to the business?”
What if I don’t have a business example?
Use a real company you know—like a grocery store, school cafeteria, or online retailer. The framework applies to any market. Even a lemonade stand can be analyzed.
Is this suitable for presentations or reports?
Yes. This is a streamlined version of a full business report. Use it as a handout, a slide, or the core of a 2-minute pitch. It communicates strategy faster than traditional formats.
Can I use this for a real business?
Yes. Many small businesses use this exact format to review market threats and plan next steps. It’s not just for school—it’s a real-world strategy reporting template.
How long should it take to complete?
Once your Five Forces analysis is done, this summary should take 10–15 minutes. The goal is speed and clarity, not complexity.
