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Free reference guide: Swotgen
About Swotgen
The SWOT Analysis Guide is a comprehensive reference covering all four quadrants of strategic analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It includes detailed templates for core competency analysis using the VRIO framework (Value, Rarity, Imitability, Organization), financial analysis, human resource assessment, and market position evaluation with concrete examples for each category.
Beyond the four quadrants, this guide covers the full SWOT-to-strategy workflow: SO strategies (leveraging strengths to capture opportunities), WO strategies (fixing weaknesses to exploit opportunities), ST strategies (using strengths to counter threats), and WT strategies (minimizing both weaknesses and threats). It also references Porter's Five Forces for competitive threat analysis and PESTLE analysis for external environment scanning.
The reference includes real-world SWOT examples for IT/SaaS startups and mid-size manufacturing companies, a step-by-step workshop guide (brainstorming, group sharing, priority voting, strategy matrix, action plan), and practical writing tips such as keeping items data-driven, customer-focused, and limited to 3-5 per quadrant with regular quarterly updates.
Key Features
- Four complete SWOT quadrants: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats with detailed sub-categories
- VRIO framework integration for core competency analysis (Value, Rarity, Imitability, Organization)
- Strategy matrix templates: SO, WO, ST, WT with directional examples for each combination
- Porter's Five Forces reference for competitive threat assessment
- PESTLE analysis guidance for external environment scanning (Political, Economic, Social, Tech, Legal, Environmental)
- Real-world SWOT examples for IT startups and manufacturing companies
- Step-by-step workshop guide: brainstorming, sharing, voting, matrix creation, and action planning
- Searchable and filterable reference organized by Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats, Strategies, and Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SWOT analysis and when should I use it?
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning framework that evaluates Strengths (internal advantages), Weaknesses (internal disadvantages), Opportunities (external favorable factors), and Threats (external unfavorable factors). Use it during strategic planning, new product launches, competitive analysis, or organizational change. This guide covers all four quadrants with specific sub-categories like financial, HR, technology, and market analysis.
What is the VRIO framework mentioned in the Strengths section?
VRIO stands for Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization. It helps determine whether a resource or capability provides sustainable competitive advantage. A strength passes the VRIO test if it is Valuable (exploits opportunities), Rare (few competitors have it), costly to Imitate, and the Organization can capture its value. This guide uses VRIO as the primary tool for core competency analysis.
How do SO, WO, ST, and WT strategies differ?
SO strategies leverage strengths to capture opportunities (e.g., using patented technology to enter a growing market). WO strategies address weaknesses to exploit opportunities (e.g., investing in digital transformation to ride the AI trend). ST strategies use strengths to counter threats (e.g., using brand strength for premium positioning against price competition). WT strategies minimize both weaknesses and threats (e.g., diversifying away from a single market during recession).
How does this guide use Porter's Five Forces?
The Threats section references Porter's Five Forces framework for analyzing competitive pressure: rivalry among existing competitors, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, bargaining power of buyers, and bargaining power of suppliers. The guide uses this framework specifically in the competitive threats analysis to systematically identify external risks to the organization.
What makes a good SWOT analysis according to the writing tips?
The guide recommends five key principles: (1) Be specific and avoid vague expressions, (2) Use data-driven facts rather than gut feelings, (3) Include the customer perspective, (4) Focus on 3-5 items per quadrant to maintain clarity, and (5) Update regularly on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. These tips help avoid common pitfalls like overly broad statements or outdated analysis.
How should I run a SWOT workshop?
The guide outlines a 5-step workshop process: Step 1 - Individual brainstorming (15 min), Step 2 - Group sharing and consolidation (20 min), Step 3 - Priority voting (10 min), Step 4 - Strategy matrix creation (30 min), Step 5 - Action plan development (25 min). This structured approach typically takes about 100 minutes and ensures balanced participation.
Can I see SWOT examples for specific industries?
Yes. The guide includes detailed SWOT examples for an IT/SaaS startup (strengths: innovative tech, fast development; weaknesses: limited funding, low brand awareness; opportunities: cloud market growth, remote work; threats: large company entry, talent competition) and a mid-size manufacturer (strengths: quality, skilled workforce; weaknesses: lack of automation; opportunities: smart factory, exports; threats: low-cost competition, raw material prices).
What external analysis tools complement SWOT?
The guide references PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental) for systematic external environment scanning in the Opportunities section. For competitive analysis, it uses Porter's Five Forces in the Threats section. These frameworks feed directly into the O and T quadrants of your SWOT analysis for more rigorous strategic planning.