📊Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes
Turn a lazy four-box SWOT into a rigorous, evidence-backed analysis, then pair strengths with opportunities in a TOWS matrix that produces four concrete strategic actions for any business you know.
Phase 1The Four Boxes Everyone Fills Out Wrong
Map internal vs external factors and meet the TOWS extension
SWOT isn't a brainstorm — it's a disciplined sort
6 minSWOT isn't a brainstorm — it's a disciplined sort
Every SWOT bullet needs a source, or it's an opinion in a box
6 minEvery SWOT bullet needs a source, or it's an opinion in a box
The locus test is the one question that saves every SWOT
6 minThe locus test is the one question that saves every SWOT
Meet TOWS — where SWOT actually produces decisions
7 minMeet TOWS — where SWOT actually produces decisions
Phase 2Writing an Evidence-Backed SWOT for a Real Company
Write an evidence-backed SWOT for a real company
Pick a company you actually know — not one you've read about
5 minPick a company you actually know — not one you've read about
List three strengths — then strike any that a competitor also has
6 minList three strengths — then strike any that a competitor also has
Write weaknesses the CEO would be annoyed you listed
6 minWrite weaknesses the CEO would be annoyed you listed
An opportunity is a trend with a timestamp, not a feeling
6 minAn opportunity is a trend with a timestamp, not a feeling
Threats live in two rooms — the competitor kind and the environment kind
7 minThreats live in two rooms — the competitor kind and the environment kind
Phase 3From SWOT to Strategy: Porter, Positioning, and the Bigger Map
Connect SWOT to Porter's Five Forces and strategy formulation
Your SWOT threats section is actually Porter's Five Forces in disguise
7 minYour SWOT threats section is actually Porter's Five Forces in disguise
The SWOT-to-strategy gap that kills most planning retreats
7 minThe SWOT-to-strategy gap that kills most planning retreats
Your strengths are only strengths against someone specific
6 minYour strengths are only strengths against someone specific
SWOT, PESTLE, and Porter — which one answers which question
7 minSWOT, PESTLE, and Porter — which one answers which question
Phase 4Building a TOWS Matrix with Four Concrete Actions
Build a TOWS matrix with four concrete strategic actions
Build your TOWS matrix — four cells, four concrete actions, one owner each
25 minBuild your TOWS matrix — four cells, four concrete actions, one owner each
Frequently asked questions
- What does SWOT stand for and why are the four boxes often done wrong?
- This is covered in the “Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- What is the TOWS matrix and how is it different from SWOT?
- This is covered in the “Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- How do you back each SWOT bullet with evidence?
- This is covered in the “Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- How does SWOT connect to Porter's Five Forces?
- This is covered in the “Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
- How do you turn a SWOT analysis into concrete strategic actions?
- This is covered in the “Learn SWOT Analysis Properly: Beyond the Four Boxes” learning path. Start with daily 5-minute micro-lessons that build from fundamentals to hands-on application.
Related paths
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