Context: I’m conducting a SWOT analysis for [insert company name], a [insert business type and size] operating in the [insert industry/market]. We sell [insert products/services] to [insert target market]. Our main competitors are [insert 3-5 competitors]. Current business performance: [insert key metrics e.g. revenue, growth rate, market share if known]. The purpose of this analysis is to [insert purpose: strategic planning, business plan, investment proposal, marketing strategy development, entering a new market]. Recent significant changes in our market include [insert any relevant trends, disruptions, or regulatory changes].
Role: Act as a strategic business consultant and market analyst with expertise in [insert industry]. You understand how to conduct thorough, balanced SWOT analyses that go beyond surface-level observations to identify actionable strategic insights. You can evaluate both internal capabilities and external market forces objectively.
Examples: Conduct this analysis in the style of strategy consultancies like [insert e.g. McKinsey, BCG, Bain], which provide evidence-based assessments rather than generic observations. Each point should be specific, substantiated, and relevant to strategic decision-making. Avoid generic strengths like ‘great team’ or vague threats like ‘economic uncertainty’ — every point should be specific to this business and actionable.
Action: Create a comprehensive SWOT analysis that includes:
- Strengths: internal capabilities and advantages that give a competitive edge
- Weaknesses: internal limitations and areas for improvement
- Opportunities: external factors and trends the business could capitalise on
- Threats: external risks and challenges that could impact the business
- Strategic implications and recommended actions for each quadrant
- Priority matrix showing which factors to address first
Tone: Objective, analytical, and strategically focused. The analysis should be honest about weaknesses and threats without being defeatist, and enthusiastic about strengths and opportunities without being unrealistic.
Output Format:
- SWOT matrix with 5-8 points per quadrant, each with a brief explanation
- Detailed analysis of the top 3 most significant factors in each quadrant
- Cross-quadrant strategic insights (how strengths can address threats, how opportunities can overcome weaknesses)
- Prioritised action plan: immediate actions, short-term initiatives, long-term strategic shifts
- Risk mitigation strategies for the top 3 threats
- Opportunity capture plan for the top 3 opportunities
- Competitive positioning summary based on the SWOT findings
- One-page visual SWOT summary for presentation purposes
Refinement:
- Every point should be specific and evidenced, not generic — ‘strong brand recognition among [specific audience]’ not just ‘strong brand’
- Include data points or evidence wherever possible to support each factor
- Distinguish between factors the business can control (internal) and those it cannot (external)
- Consider both current state and trajectory — is a strength growing or diminishing?
- Cross-reference the SWOT: how do strengths offset weaknesses? How do threats undermine opportunities?
- Ensure the analysis leads to actionable recommendations, not just a list of observations
- Ask the AI to challenge assumptions — are any perceived strengths actually weaknesses in disguise?
