SWOT Analysis: A Simple, Powerful Tool to Make Smarter Moves

At Myford University, we believe in making the complex simple—and useful.

Today we’re taking on one of those “MBA-sounding” tools you’ve probably heard of, maybe even nodded along in meetings pretending you knew what it meant.

It’s called a SWOT Analysis. And once you get it, you’ll start using it everywhere—from business planning to career pivots to personal development.

Let’s unpack what it is, why it matters, and how to actually use it without sounding like a corporate robot.

What Is a SWOT Analysis?

SWOT stands for:

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats

It’s a simple framework to assess your current position—internally and externally—so you can make better strategic decisions.

Think of it as a four-quadrant check-in:

• Strengths and Weaknesses are internal—what’s true about you, your business, or your situation.
• Opportunities and Threats are external—what’s happening out in the world that affects your odds of success.

Done right, SWOT gives you clarity and direction. It tells you where to double down, where to improve, what to jump on, and what to watch out for.

Why It Matters (Even If You Hate Business Jargon)

Most people drift through decisions based on gut, habits, or wishful thinking.
SWOT helps you slow down and actually think through the situation clearly.

“Strong decision-making comes from understanding your reality, not just your hopes.”

This isn’t just for businesses or MBAs. It’s for anyone facing a decision, challenge, or opportunity—whether you’re launching a side hustle, applying for a job, fixing your operations, or trying to grow something that matters.

Who Should Use It?

Short answer? Everyone.

Long answer?

• Entrepreneurs – Know what your business does best, where it struggles, and how the market is shifting.
• Job Seekers / Career Climbers – Know your edge, your skill gaps, what doors are opening, and what threats are looming.
• Students / Recent Grads – Evaluate how your strengths align with the path you're choosing.
• Teams – Use it to align your people, projects, or strategy.
• Anyone stuck or uncertain – SWOT clarifies what’s working, what’s broken, what’s out there, and what’s coming.

If you’re trying to make a move, SWOT helps you make the right move.

When and Where to Use SWOT Analysis

Use it anytime you’re making a decision with consequences—especially when the stakes feel unclear or the path feels fuzzy.

Here are a few great times to run a SWOT:

• Before launching a product, business, or service
• Before applying for a new role or promotion
• During an annual review or strategy session
• When facing a major change—layoff, career pivot, relocation
• When you’re stuck in analysis paralysis

It can be a 5-minute back-of-napkin tool or a full-day strategic planning session. The value is in the thinking—not the format.

How to Use It: Step-by-Step

Let’s break this down with an example—and then we’ll walk through how to do it yourself.

Example: Personal Career SWOT (Say you're an experienced marketing manager)

Now what? Use the grid to make smarter moves:

• Play to your strengths (maybe you should be client-facing or content-heavy).
• Shore up your weaknesses (take a paid media bootcamp).
• Pursue your opportunities (reach out to the mentor).
• Mitigate your threats (differentiate by personal brand and negotiation skill).

How to Do Your Own SWOT:

Step 1: Define the Focus

What are you analyzing? A business? A product? Your career? Your side hustle?

Name the specific thing.

Step 2: Fill in the Four Boxes

Be brutally honest. No fluff. No spin.

Strengths

• What do you/your team/company do better than others?
• What unique skills, assets, or advantages do you have?
• What are people always praising you for?

Weaknesses

• What do you avoid or delay?
• What do others do better than you?
• Where are you losing time, money, or energy?

Opportunities

• What trends, gaps, or shifts could benefit you?
• What unmet needs exist in your space or community?
• What relationships or access points can you leverage?

Threats

• What external trends could hurt you?
• What’s your competition doing better or faster?
• Where could the rug get pulled out from under you?

Pro tip: Ask others—mentors, colleagues, friends—for their take. They’ll spot things you miss.

Step 3: Interpret and Prioritize

Don’t stop at the grid.

Ask these follow-up questions:

• Which strengths can help me capitalize on the biggest opportunity?
• Which weaknesses make me vulnerable to the biggest threat?
• What action can I take this week based on what I’ve learned?

This is where SWOT goes from academic exercise to real-world results.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Being too vague. “We’re innovative” isn’t a strength. “We develop products 2x faster than competitors” is.
• Ignoring external factors. The world is changing. You can’t SWOT in a vacuum.
• Analysis paralysis. The goal isn’t to admire the problem. It’s to act smarter.
• Doing it once, then forgetting it. SWOT isn’t a one-and-done tool. Revisit it quarterly.

Pro-Level Tweaks (For When You're Ready to Go Deeper)

Want to take it further?

• Do a SWOT for your competition—it’ll show you how to position yourself
• Do a reverse SWOT—what would your critics say about your strengths and weaknesses?
• Use SWOT with other tools like a PESTLE or Business Model Canvas for richer insights
• Add a “Now What?” action plan after each quadrant

But don’t let that intimidate you.

Start simple. Use it. Improve later.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Fancy Acronyms Scare You

At Myford University, our goal is to rip the jargon out of “higher” learning.

SWOT Analysis is just a simple 4-box thinking tool that anyone—yes, anyone—can use.

It helps you:

• Understand where you stand
• Plan where you’re going
• Make better decisions
• Get better results faster

Whether you’re trying to grow a business, change careers, or just figure out your next step—

SWOT is your friend. Use it.

We’ll be breaking down more of these “MBA tools” in future posts—without the fluff and with maximum utility.

Until then, here’s your challenge:

Homework:

Run a quick SWOT on yourself—right now.
Don’t overthink it.
Use it to make your next move sharper.

Then come back and tell me what you discovered.

Let’s build real-world intelligence together—without the tuition.

—George
Dean of Myford University
Driven by an F150. Fueled by simplicity. Focused on results.