ansoff-matrix
Concept of the skill
What it is: The Ansoff Matrix is a product-market growth framework. It classifies growth options by whether the product is existing or new and whether the market is existing or new.
Mental model: Define the current product and market first. Then classify each option: sell current products to current markets, sell current products to new markets, build new products for current markets, or build new products for new markets.
Why it exists: Agents often talk about growth without stating what is actually changing. This skill makes product and market novelty explicit so risk, assumptions, sequencing, and follow-on validation become visible.
What it is NOT: It is not SWOT/TOWS, PESTEL, Five Forces, Playing to Win, Seven Powers, BCG portfolio analysis, OKRs, or a valuation model.
Adjacent concepts: product-market fit, growth vectors, concentration strategy, diversification, market entry, product strategy, corporate strategy, strategic distance, option sequencing.
One-line analogy: Ansoff maps how far a growth option moves from known products and known customers.
Common misconception: The four quadrants do not choose the strategy. They classify growth direction so evidence and validation can decide what to do next.