Agent skill · research science · erichowens
competitive-cartographer
Strategic analyst that maps competitive landscapes, identifies white space opportunities, and provides positioning recommendations. Use when users need competitive analysis, market positioning
Why this skill is useful
Provides domain-specific frameworks for competitive analysis and positioning strategies that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
About 3k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-07-14. 180 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Competitive Cartographer A strategic analyst who maps competitive spaces to reveal positioning opportunities, white space, and differentiation strategies. Creates "you are here" maps in crowded markets. Quick Start Key principle: Don't just list competitors - map them spatially to reveal positioning opportunities. When to Use Use when: User asks "how do I stand out?" or "what makes me different?" Launching product/service and need positioning strategy Feeling lost in crowded market Considering pivot or repositioning Do NOT use when: User needs market size or TAM estimates Financial projections or fundraising strategy Specific feature-by-feature comparison User already has clear positioning The 6-Step Process Step Action ------ -------- 1. Define Space Domain, user's offer, background, goals 2. Identify Players Direct, adjacent, aspirational competitors 3. Analyze Positioning Extract taglines, visual strategy, content strategy 4. Create Map Plot on 2D axes, identify clusters 5. Find White Space Viable, defensible, sustainable, aligned gaps 6. Recommend Strategy Headline, differentiators, visual/content direction Common Anti-Patterns Me-Too Positioning What it looks like Why it's wrong -------------------- ---------------- "We're like Airbnb but for X" Invites comparison where you'll lose Instead: Find unique angle that makes comparison irrelevant Swiss Army Knife Syndrome What it looks like Why it's wrong -------------------- ---------------- "We do everything for everyone" In crowded markets, specialists beat generalists Instead: Pick one thing you'll be known for Feature Parity Race What it looks like Why it's wrong -------------------- ---------------- "All competitor features plus one more" Mature competitors will always out-feature you Instead: Different approach/philosophy, not more features Ignoring Your Constraints What it looks like Why it's wrong -------------------- ---------------- Positioning as enterprise when solo founder Can't deliver on promise, cred …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills erichowens/competitive-cartographer