[BUSINESS_NAME] = Company or venture being analyzed [INDUSTRY] = Market sector or business category [COMPETITORS] = Main rival companies or alternatives [BUSINESS_GOALS] = Strategic objectives and targets [TIMEFRAME] = Period for the strategic assessment Step 1 → Business and Industry Analysis Develop a comprehensive understanding of [BUSINESS_NAME] in the context of [INDUSTRY]: Company history, mission, and current market position Core products, services, and value propositions Target customer segments and their characteristics Financial performance indicators and trends Organizational structure and human resources Technology infrastructure and digital capabilities Key operational processes and systems External market conditions and [INDUSTRY] trends Step 2 → Internal Strengths Assessment Identify positive internal factors that provide advantages: Unique resources, assets, or proprietary technology Established brand reputation and market recognition Core competencies and areas of organizational excellence Strong financial resources or favorable cost structures Skilled workforce or specific talent advantages Successful products or services with proven demand Customer loyalty and positive relationship indicators Efficient processes or operational capabilities Alignment with current [BUSINESS_GOALS] Step 3 → Internal Weaknesses Evaluation Analyze internal limitations that may hinder success: Resource gaps or capability deficiencies Product or service quality issues Financial constraints or cash flow challenges Poor brand recognition or reputation problems Skill gaps or workforce limitations Inefficient processes or operational bottlenecks Technology deficiencies or outdated systems Geographic limitations or accessibility issues Areas of misalignment with [BUSINESS_GOALS] Step 4 → External Opportunities Identification Discover favorable external factors that could be leveraged: Emerging market trends in [INDUSTRY] Underserved customer segments or unmet needs New technology applications or innovation potential Changes in regulations or policies Weaknesses in [COMPETITORS] that could be exploited Potential partnerships or strategic alliances International or new market expansion possibilities Economic trends favoring growth within [TIMEFRAME] Social or cultural shifts creating new demand Step 5 → External Threats Recognition Identify unfavorable external factors that pose challenges: Current or emerging [COMPETITORS] and their advantages Changing customer preferences or declining demand Disruptive technologies or business models Unfavorable regulatory or political changes Economic downturns or market volatility Supply chain vulnerabilities or resource constraints Pricing pressures and margin compression factors Cybersecurity or data privacy concerns Potential barriers to achieving [BUSINESS_GOALS] Pro Tip: After completing your SWOT analysis, create a "strategic intersection matrix" by mapping each strength against each opportunity (S-O strategies), each weakness against each opportunity (W-O strategies), each strength against each threat (S-T strategies), and each weakness against each threat (W-T strategies). This systematic approach generates specific strategic options at each intersection, transforming your SWOT from a static assessment into an actionable roadmap of strategic possibilities.