Turn SWOT conditions into an action
Connect one internal condition with one external condition. Write an action candidate, its assumptions and a small way to test it.
You write and check the action. A pairing is a question to explore, not a validated strategy. Leave combinations empty when they offer no useful action.
A two-person registration-tool team: what should we test next?
An original fictional teaching case. The team is considering similar small training providers over the next two weeks. Trial use, setup speed and interview interest are different observations; none proves demand.
S · Strengths
S1 · Some trial organizations repeated the workflow.
6 of 8 trial organizations used it twice within four weeks; a small sample.
S2 · Standard setups were usually quick.
7 of 8 standard setups finished within one week; standard cases only.
W · Weaknesses
W1 · The team has limited capacity for complex integration.
No finance-system connection has been built.
W2 · Capacity for new work is limited.
10 person-days available − 4 committed to support = 6 for new work.
O · Opportunities
O1 · Some interviewees asked about a paid pilot.
5 of 12 interviewees asked about a paid pilot; interest, not orders.
T · Threats
T1 · Basic registration alternatives already exist.
Pricing, current alternatives and willingness to switch are unverified.
Five interviewees asked about a paid pilot. Do we have five orders?
Ask a question from one pairing
How could a strength help explore this opportunity?
Show the repeat-use workflow to qualified interviewees and invite a limited pilot.
Assumption to test: An inquiry may lead to a commitment for a concrete event; this is unverified.
These four pairings are candidates to examine. You can leave a combination empty, merge useful ideas or choose just one bounded test.
Bring it into one bounded pilot
Contact the five inquirers; qualify a dated event, decision-maker and integration needs. Run a limited standard pilot for suitable organizations.
6 person-days: qualification 1, standard setup 3, observation 1, reserve 1. Case allocation, not a general time estimate.
Record dated commitments, the current method, unmet work and what the pilot changes. Interest alone does not pass the test.
Stop or return to investigation if nobody commits to a dated event. Exclude organizations whose current method meets their need with no reason to switch. Re-estimate finance integration separately if it exceeds the budget.