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Showing posts with the label business strategy

How Can You Use SWOT analysis to improve your business strategy?

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How Can You Use SWOT analysis to improve your business strategy? From Analysis to Action SWOT analysis often gets dismissed as “Strategy 101″—a basic framework that produces generic insights and dusty reports. But when wielded strategically, SWOT becomes a dynamic engine for competitive advantage. The difference lies not in the tool itself, but in how you use it to surface hidden patterns, challenge assumptions, and create actionable strategies that competitors can’t easily replicate. Beyond the Basics: What SWOT Really Reveals Traditional SWOT focuses on cataloging obvious facts. Strategic SWOT uncovers the relationships between these elements and their implications for your unique competitive position. Strengths  aren’t just what you do well—they’re capabilities that are valuable, rare, and difficult for competitors to imitate. Ask: “What can we do that others cannot easily replicate, and why does it matter to customers?” Weaknesses  aren’t just shortcomings—they’re gaps tha...

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Pivot Your Strategy?

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How Do You Know When It’s Time to Pivot Your Strategy? March 21, 2025 | Business Growth, Change, Forecasting, Future, Pattern Recognition, Question a Day, Strategy Question a Day Knowing When to Shift Gears: The Art of a Well-Timed Pivot  Sometimes, sticking to a plan is  persistence . Other times, it’s just  stubbornness in disguise . The trick is knowing  when to push forward and when to pivot. From struggling startups to Fortune 500 companies,  successful businesses pivot at the right time —not too soon, not too late. Netflix pivoted from DVD rentals to streaming. Slack started as a failed video game. Even YouTube began as a dating site (yes, really). So how do you know if it’s time to  adjust your strategy  instead of doubling down? Here are the  key signs, strategies, and questions to ask before making the move. 1. The Market Is Sending Clear Signals (And You’re Ignoring Them) 🚨  Warning Sign:  Customers  aren’t responding ...

What can businesses learn from ancient wisdom?

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What can businesses learn from ancient wisdom? March 15, 2025 | History, Leadership, Mental Models, Professional Development, Question a Day, Strategy Question a Day   What Can Businesses Learn from Ancient Wisdom? In a world obsessed with  AI, big data, and the latest business trends , it’s easy to overlook the  timeless principles  that have guided societies for centuries. Yet, some of the greatest business lessons aren’t found in Harvard case studies—they’re  hidden in ancient philosophy, warfare, and leadership wisdom . From  Stoic resilience to Sun Tzu’s strategy , history is full of insights that  modern businesses can (and should) apply today . Let’s explore the  ancient wisdom that can make businesses smarter, stronger, and more adaptable  in the modern world.    1. The Stoic Mindset: Control What You Can, Ignore What You Can’t 📜  Ancient Wisdom:   "You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, a...