- (Semi)-experienced manager
- V: Very valuable to a startup project, as the teams will be small, have to cover a lot of different work areas, and require a lot of leadership in order to succeed
- R: Pretty rare that I've had experience leading a small startup (I wasn't the CEO, but I may have been the most strong-willed and on focus person in the team)
- I: Not necessarily inimitable, but definitely everyone's leadership style is different
- N: There is nothing that can replace a good leader (other than another good leader). The drive that a leader can instill in his or her workers is unique and irreplaceable
- Finance knowledge
- V: Very valuable. I can do it myself so I don't have to hire anyone, and in a startup the finances will be tight
- R: Plenty of finance majors out there, so not rare
- I: Again, plenty of finance majors out there, and they could probably do it better
- N: Replaceable by software I bet, but who will know how to run the software, and if it's right? I guess it's pretty irreplaceable
- Knowledge of real-life analogs for in-game mechanics and environments
- V: Sorta valuable, in that I will know how to make situations in-game more realistic based on my experience and research in aerospace and biomedical engineering
- R: Only rare in that I'm applying it to an RPG, so not really rare (there's plenty of engineers out there)
- I: Not really inimitable, again, plenty of engineers
- N: There are no other resources that can provide the same benefit
- (Semi)-experienced game art designer
- V: The game will require some art for player, monster, environment, and handbook design, so pretty valuable. Also valuable in that I can do it myself and not have to hire anyone else
- R: Not very rare. A ton of people have experience with art and design
- I: Everyone's art style is different, but no, not really inimitable
- N: Not really replaceable in that the art is required in order to make the books
- An experienced social media expert
- V: Very valuable nowadays. I'm no good at it, but the person I know that can do it is very experienced in social media advertising and design. Especially for a web-based product, advertising on the web is extremely important
- R: Not very rare
- I: Not very inimitable either
- N: A good advertiser is I guess pretty replaceable
- RPG experience
- V: I'll know what the customers want and understand how to implement it, so pretty valuable
- R: Not rare at all, plenty of people play RPGs
- I: Not inimitable either
- N: Designing an RPG without having played one would be difficult, and the product would probably be horrible. So I'd say it's pretty non-replaceable
- Access to experienced programmers
- V: Incredibly valuable. I'll need help designing the site and the game, so it's a good thing I have friends that can program
- R: I'm sure a lot of people can program a site, but I know it takes a lot of know-how, so I believe it's pretty rare
- I: Anyone with the know-how can do the job
- N: Without someone to make the game, how will I have the game? Very non-substitutable
- Low(ish) startup costs
- V: Obviously it'll cost a good amount to start a company and make a website and such, but being online and having a small team that will require little pay will mean I can focus on the quality of the product. Also, crowdfunding is a very viable option
- R: Not that rare. I'm sure everyone believes their online startup won't cost that much, and I'm sure there's people better equipped to make sure it doesn't cost much
- I: Easy to copy, just make an online startup
- N: Very non-substitutable, can't dismiss not having to pay a ton of money
- Ability to work from home
- V: Valuable for several reasons: saves money on rent, commute, and whatnot; and because of COVID
- R: Don't believe it's that rare
- I: Easy to copy, a lot of startups are in basements and garages I bet
- N: I guess it can be substituted by working in an office, which offers advantages like easier communication and stuff; but the advantages of working from home, especially for an online company, seem to outweigh the office space
- Ease of prototype testing
- V: Being able to test the game simply by running it with friends saves money and time, like all companies desire
- R: Not terribly rare
- I: Easy to copy
- N: Not substitutable
I'd say my top resource is the skills that I can bring to the table that help save money and time. My management and finance skills will come in handy, as I will have to cover several different job areas starting up. I'll (hopefully) be able to lead my team, handle the finances and sheets, and design the game mostly by myself.
Hi Kyle! I especially like your assignment because it is clear and to the point. I think you gave good explanations and picked good advantages. I think one of your biggest advantages is that you have some experience as a manager. Managers have to deal with a lot of different sectors of the business and that is an important skill to have when starting a business. Good job.
ReplyDeleteHey Kyle,
ReplyDeleteYour list was very descriptive and detailed. I like how you organized each trait into its own category and included the VRIN in a column. That is a very precise and easy way to layout your assignment. All of your advantages you have listed are important to any business, especially yours. I think you did a great job with your list and explanation.
Hello Kyle,
ReplyDeleteI found your list of resources very interesting and fun to read. I am happy to know to will have a lot of valuable experience that will surely help you gain an advantage in all you future ventures as well as this one specifically. I also agree that your top resource is your potential ability to save time and money with your specific set of skills.