What Exactly is an Unfair Advantage?

In their book "The Unfair Advantage," Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba define it as "a condition, asset, or circumstance that places you in a favorable business position." While their focus is largely on startups, this concept applies broadly across various life scenarios.

Every individual possesses at least one factor that positions them favorably against others. These advantages may be earned, like attending prestigious universities to expand your network, or inherent, like natural traits beyond our control.

Regardless of their origins, these advantages combine to create your unique qualities, which can set you apart in any field. For instance, the gentleman who reached out to me shares a common background with me; he is black, which may have influenced his comfort in seeking advice from me.

The point is, everyone has some form of unfair advantage; whether earned or inherent, recognizing and utilizing them is key to standing out.

The MILES Framework

Now that we’ve established that life isn’t a level playing field, it's essential to identify and exploit your unique advantages. Here is where the MILES framework comes into play. MILES stands for Money, Intelligence/Insight, Location/Luck, Education/Expertise, and Status—five categories that encompass different forms of unfair advantages.

Let’s explore these categories in detail...

Money

If you have financial resources at your disposal, consider it a significant advantage. This capital can be used to extend your business operations, fund marketing efforts, and hire talent. For example, Lauren Como built a portfolio exceeding $500,000 by the age of 30 through sheer determination and hard work, without any financial gifts.

Intelligence & Insights

Intelligence can take many forms—academic knowledge, practical skills, emotional intelligence, etc. The individual who contacted me is well-versed in data analytics but must also possess insights to identify market gaps. His experience as a strategy leader enables him to see inefficiencies that others might overlook.

Location & Luck

Being in the right place can provide access to invaluable resources such as talent and ideas. For instance, those who began sharing insights on LinkedIn during the pandemic positioned themselves as influencers, as many turned to the platform for job searching.

Education & Expertise

Higher education offers benefits like specialization, networking opportunities, and enhanced credibility. Expertise is often tied to practical experience in a specific field. Vin Vashishta, for instance, leverages his extensive experience in data teams to stand out in a crowded space.

Status

Having a significant online following or connections with influential figures can serve as an unfair advantage. The perception of value often hinges on visual cues of merit, which can enhance your position in the marketplace. Notable personalities like Lex Fridman and Joe Rogan exemplify this principle.

Final Thoughts

Life isn't a pure meritocracy, so rather than lamenting this reality, focus on identifying and leveraging what makes you unique. The MILES framework provides a practical approach to recognizing your advantages across five distinct categories. Take the time to reflect on what sets you apart, and use these insights to differentiate yourself effectively.

Thanks for reading!

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