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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Unfair Advantage summary
Ash Ali
Hasan Kubba
How Startup Success Starts With You
19 mins
Brief summary
"The Unfair Advantage" by Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba is a practical guide for entrepreneurs and startups to gain competitive edge, by developing the mindset, skills, and tools needed to succeed in the modern business world.
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The Unfair Advantage
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Key idea 1 of 7
Whoever you are, you have unique circumstances that can help you succeed.
Often we look at people who are wealthy, famous, or even attractive, and think, “Wow, they’ve got a lot going for them.” But the truth is, these aren’t the only kinds of advantages that exist. Wherever you find yourself in life, you’ve got something you can leverage.
For some people, the advantages are obvious ideal circumstances like wealth or good looks. A great example of this is Evan Spiegel, the co-founder of Snapchat who became a billionaire at 25. Raised by wealthy lawyers who were friends with successful business people, Spiegel had access to money, funders, and mentors right from the get-go. Spiegel’s Snapchat idea was definitely innovative, but it’s easy to see how his advantages helped the company succeed.
Does this mean you won’t be successful without wealth and connections? Absolutely not. There are many advantages that just aren’t as obvious as a big bank balance or friends in the right places. Think of all the “rags to riches” stories you’ve heard – or consider the story of Ash Ali, co-author of The Unfair Advantage.
Ali grew up in an area of Birmingham, England, where drugs and gangs were the norm. He dropped out of high school, and while his peers were getting degrees, he worked at an office supply store. But Ali had something going for him – he was a natural entrepreneur who had been coming up with ways to make money from as young an age as 13. When a friend approached him about building an online shoe shop when he was 19, Ali was all in.
Nevermind that it was 1998, and e-commerce was practically non-existent; Ali got to work teaching himself about building websites. Eventually, the pair had a fully operating online store with visitors and orders coming in. This kicked off Ali’s career, and since then, he’s founded several start-ups and become an angel investor.
Whether your advantage is wealth like Evan Spiegel’s, a hidden talent like Ash Ali’s, or something else altogether, success is a matter of identifying it and then putting it to use. In the following blinks, you’ll learn about various unfair advantages and how they can work for you.
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What is The Unfair Advantage about?
The Unfair Advantage (2020) demonstrates how we all have something that can catapult us to success. Drawing on their extensive experience in the start-up world, co-authors Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba break down various personal advantages and how they can be leveraged for the benefit of your business. Wherever you are on your start-up journey, The Unfair Advantage will help you identify what gives you the upper hand and how you can immediately start making it work for you.
The Unfair Advantage Review
The Unfair Advantage (2021) serves as a practical guide to building a successful startup in the competitive business world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By sharing real-life success stories and valuable insights, the book provides inspiration and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
- It offers actionable strategies and practical advice on various aspects of starting and growing a business, empowering readers to take the necessary steps to achieve success.
- The authors' deep knowledge and experience in the startup space make the content highly credible and relevant, rendering the book far from boring.
Best quote from The Unfair Advantage
Understanding the problem youre solving inside and out is the powerful insight.
—Ash Ali & Hasan Kubba
Who should read The Unfair Advantage?
- Aspiring founders who want to build their start-ups on solid groundwork
- Early-stage entrepreneurs grappling with challenges, from finding that big idea to funding their start-up
- Anyone looking to glean the secrets to a successful start-up
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The Unfair Advantage FAQs
What is the main message of The Unfair Advantage?
The main message of The Unfair Advantage is that anyone can create their own luck by leveraging their unique strengths.
How long does it take to read The Unfair Advantage?
The reading time for The Unfair Advantage varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Unfair Advantage a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Unfair Advantage is worth reading for its practical tips on achieving success. It provides valuable insights and actionable strategies.
Who is the author of The Unfair Advantage?
The authors of The Unfair Advantage are Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba.
What to read after The Unfair Advantage?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Unfair Advantage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki
- Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki
- The 5 Choices by Kory Kogon
- The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder
- Why Simple Wins by Lisa Bodell
- Company of One by Paul Jarvis
- Do Walk by Libby DeLana
- Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin
- The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic
- 13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do by Amy Morin