My Unfair Advantage

List of resources:

    1)   My training in First-Aid and CPR

·      Valuable? Yes very helpful with my opportunity

·      Rare?  Yes and no

·      Inimitable? No

·      Non-substitutable?  Yes there isn't a substitute to CPR and First-Aid training to be a lifeguard.  

   

    2)   My training in ocean rescue emergency situations

·Valuable? Yes

·Rare?  No

· Inimitable? No

·Non-substitutable? Ocean-goers are more easily able to anticipate ocean hazards and dangers.  

    3)   My travels to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America

·Valuable? Yes very much so

·Rare?  Yes

· Inimitable? No but very time consuming and costly.  Great way to explore the world and serve the underprivileged on medical mission trips.  

·Non-substitutable?  No but I performed diabetes screening tests and visual acuity tests in Ghana, Fiji, and the Philippines.  Also been on tourist trips to several other countries.  Helps with global awareness and cultural sensitivity.

   

    4)   I would want my organizational culture to be productive focussed on creativity and innovation but also relaxed and not in a cubicle office setting.

·Valuable? Absolutely

·Rare?  Somewhat in today's society

· Inimitable? No but company must be focussed on avoiding the traditional office style.

·Non-substitutable? Yes could be substituted for other organizational cultures.

    5)   I would have my organizational vision focused on innovation and sustained innovation.

·Valuable? Yes

·Rare?  No

· Inimitable? No

·Non-substitutable? Can be substituted for alternative visions.  This vision is broad and pertains to many organizations' short term and long term goals.  

    6)   The financial capital for my future venture will be private equity investors, loans, and personal cash.

·Valuable? Yes businesses need financial backing

·Rare? No

· Inimitable? No

·Non-substitutable? No can be substituted for other methods of financial capital to fund the venture.  

    7)   The social capital for my future venture will be partnerships with market and domain experts like USLA.

·Valuable? Yes.  There are many different companies in this business sector I could try to form relationships with.  

·Rare?  No

· Inimitable? No, but must form relationships for either vertical or horizontal integration depending on your company's needs.

·Non-substitutable?  No, no partnership is required for this sector.

    8)   My factory plant and equipment

·Valuable? Yes

·Rare?  No

· Inimitable? No

·Non-substitutable?  Can be substituted and upgraded as new models and newer technology is released. 

    9)   Manufacturing systems

·Valuable? Yes

·Rare?  No

· Inimitable? No

·Non-substitutable?  No other manufacturing systems will suffice.

  10)  My connections with Lifeguarding companies and lifesaving organizations.

·Valuable? Yes absolutely this can help me to expand my opportunity

·Rare?  Somewhat

· Inimitable? Would be difficult to imitate my connections with Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service.  

·Non-substitutable? Could be substituted for connections with other lifeguarding companies or agencies.

Reflection:

     After conducting the VRIN analysis on my list of 10 resources, I believe my top resource is my connection with current lifeguarding companies and organizations.  I have been a lifeguard with Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service for the past summers and I lifeguarded with AAA Pools for the summer prior because it was a requirement to be 16 in order to be a VBLS employee.  I am also a member of the United States Lifeguarding Association.  These all contribute to my social capital in the industry.  This connection to domain and market experts will help with the start-up and funding of my project.