Don’t Overthink Strategy—Use SWOT

Hey colleagues,

Let’s cut through the fluff and give you something immediately useful.

Today’s focus: SWOT Analysis.

If you’ve heard the acronym tossed around in meetings or MBA brochures and tuned out—don’t worry. This isn’t some ivory tower theory.

It’s a real, practical tool to help you make sharper decisions and move with clarity.

Let’s break it down fast—and then show you how to use it.

What Is SWOT?

SWOT stands for:

• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats

It’s a four-box tool used to assess your internal capabilities and external environment. Strengths and Weaknesses are about you (or your business). Opportunities and Threats come from the outside world.

It works for:

• Businesses
• Careers
• Projects
• Side hustles
• Personal growth

If you’re facing a decision, a challenge, or a turning point, SWOT helps you think clearly.

Why Use It?

Because most people are flying blind—relying on guesswork, emotion, or outdated plans.

SWOT gives you a simple structure to check your blind spots, plan smarter, and act with intention.

At Myford University, we’re big fans of tools that get results fast.

This is one of them.

How to Use It

Here’s a simple 3-step process:

 Step 1: Pick a Focus

Are you analyzing yourself? Your business? A product? A job opportunity?

Be specific. The SWOT only works when it’s pointed at a real target.

Step 2: Fill Out the Four Boxes

Here’s what to ask yourself:

Strengths (Internal)

• What do I do better than most?
• What gives me an edge?
• What skills or resources do I have that others don’t?

Weaknesses (Internal)

• Where am I falling short?
• What do I avoid or procrastinate on?
• What could make me lose a deal, client, or opportunity?

Opportunities (External)

• What’s changing in my industry, market, or network?
• What new trends, gaps, or needs could I take advantage of?
• What doors are opening?

Threats (External)

• What trends or competitors could hurt me?
• What could disrupt my success?
• Where am I vulnerable?

Keep it real. No sugarcoating. The more honest you are, the more useful the tool becomes.

Step 3: Take Action

Once your grid is filled out, ask:

• How can I leverage my strengths to act on opportunities?
• How can I fix or work around my weaknesses?
• What threats do I need to prepare for or neutralize?

This is where the rubber meets the road.

Don’t just analyze—act.

Quick Example: Side Hustle SWOT

Let’s say you’re thinking about launching a weekend photography business.

What do you do with this?

• Lean on your strengths: social reach, editing skills
• Address weaknesses: build that website and get pricing help
• Chase opportunities: pitch local events and bundle services
• Guard against threats: build a unique style and client experience

Common Mistakes

• Being vague: “Good communicator” isn’t useful. “Won two pitch competitions” is.
• Skipping external analysis: The world changes fast. Pay attention.
• Forgetting action: SWOT is a map. You still have to walk the path.

Final Word

SWOT isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about thinking clearly.

And when you do it right, it sharpens your edge.

It helps you do more of what works, fix what’s broken, chase the right opportunities, and avoid the landmines.

That’s smart strategy.

That’s Myford University.

No fluff. No filler. No debt. Just the good stuff.

Challenge of the Week:

Run a SWOT on something important to you—your career, your side hustle, or your next big move.

Reply and let me know what surprised you most.

Until next time,

—George
Dean, Myford University
Driven by an F150. Fueled by clarity. Focused on results.

P.S.: Read the full blog article here.