23. My Mom Says I'm Special

1. Graphic Design abilities:
     V: This skill is valuable because so many people do not know how to properly use or have access to the expensive programs that I use to complete my work.  I mean anyone could create logos using Word or paint, but someone who actually knows how to create these things, I know that the quality and customization is unmatched to the Adobe applications I use or other high market products.
     R: Because of the digital age, and I touched on this previously, it's not really rare for people anymore and I have seen graphic artists insulted because people think they can match their quality.
     I: This is not hard to imitate at all.  If you give me a logo, I can recreate it pretty quickly.  Even large corporations are using basic fonts that anyone has access to.
     N: There are other resources that can produce lesser results, but having a good graphic artist can really make a precedent for the brand.

2. Having an extensive campaign background as a candidate:
     V: This skill is valuable because a majority of consultants have not run for office or taken on an advertising campaign of their own and seen the effects on their business or candidacy.  I have been in the spotlight and understand what candidates/businesses are going through.
     R: I would say that in my field it is rare for consultants to have run for office.  There are not many that come to mind, unless they are retired.
     I: I think having a personal experience as a candidate can only be replicated if you are a candidate at some point.  There is no way to understand the rigor unless you have done it before.
     N: Having a lot of campaign experience may come close because if you have been doing it for a long time, you may have seen the toll it takes on candidates, but that is probably it.

3. Having a great background in social media and branding:
     V: It is valuable in today's society because it is hard to flourish as a company without a good social media presence.  I know that is how I consider businesses and services.
     R: This is not rare at all because everyone today has a social media and some understanding of how to use it.  Especially Millennials and the iGen, they have had these tools for most of their lives.
     I: I think that everyone has their own opinions and form of social media involvement, so replication may be hard, just like communication in general.
     N: Even though it cannot be imitated, similar ideas and methods are common so there are definitely other resources that can provide similar results.

4. Customer Service skills developed by Publix:
     V: Creating customer value is something that we discuss in detail in class, so it is definitely a valuable skill to have.
     R: Considering that Publix is a leader in customer service and have been so successful because of it, I would call some if it almost trade secrets because nobody can replicate our dedication to service.
     I: Like I said, nobody can imitate the degree of customer service that we have as a company.
     N: There are other forms of customer service that other companies have that are similar, but we are known for it, so I think Publix has something special.

5.  Being an Economics and Political Science major:
     V: I would not call these valuable because of the way that college is going.  So many more people are going that these degrees are almost worthless but necessary to have any level of competition in the job market.
     R: Like I alluded to, there are so many people in the same degrees as me that they are not rare at all.
     I: Yes it is imitated, for everyone going to UF pursuing the same degrees.
     N: Other schools offer the same degree, some do it better than UF, but most do it worse.

6. Young and motivated:
     V: Being young and motivated are always valuable; we have a limited time to be in this state of our lives and we need to capitalize on our abilities now.
     R: This is not rare, in fact, the Millennials now outnumber (even though I'm an iGen) the Baby Boomers.  Now, those capitalizing on this time, that may be rare.
     I: You can only imitate being young and motivated if you are in this stage of your life.  However, once you leave your prime it is impossible to get it back, so some people cannot imitate it.
     N: There are some older people that have more energy than young people and I applaud them and say that they cannot definitely have similar results.  They may not be able to replicate a young person's ability to enter situations with an openness though.

7. almost 6 years of political experience:
     V: It is probably not as valuable as people that have longer and better experience in the field than my limited capacity in these last 6 years.
     R: Adding to the last note, it is not rare for anyone that works in politics.
     I: Anyone can get involved in politics by volunteering for a campaign, interning in a political office, running for office, and a number of other ways to get involved in politics.
     N: Like I said, there are many ways to garner these skills.

8. Strong communication skills:
     V: I have noticed that in person communication skills are on the decline because of the rise of technology, so I would consider it of increasing valuable.
     R: However, even if you are not born with the ability to have good communication skills, you can easily develop them and there are several courses that can help you.
     I: I already kind of made the point, you can easily imitate the skills if you really want to.
     N: The only substitute for this having a position or role that does not require much communication to be completed successfully.

9. Being well-connected with individuals in politics:
     V: Considering that I work in politics it is crucial that I am in good standing and contact with these individuals.
     R: Other than people that also work in the field, I would say that it is rare because most politicians do not give out their personal phone number to anyone.  I have a lot of their phone numbers and have several meetings with them when I get the chance.
     I: Like any other social capital, mine is not replicable specifically, so this is definitely something that aids in the value of this resource.
     N: Obviously, people can create a web of contacts that are similar to mine, probably even better in some respects.  So, that being said, this may make the resource not as valuable.

10.  Not having a lot of financial capital:
     V: It has its value because I have nothing to lose.  I do not have a family to support, a lot of bills to pay, and responsibilities to uphold.  If I really needed more financial support, I am still at a time where I have my parents as a resource.
     R: It is not rare to be poor without a lot of assets.
     I: Like I said, anyone can be poor without assets, but people typically prefer not to be.  It only serves as an advantage to take that plunge into a business.
     N: There are different ways to be poor, but I think a lot of people that are poor have large bills and debt to worry about.  This is an even worse position to be in and probably harder to plunge into business in this condition.

The Best Resource:  I think being young and motivated is my best resource.  Because nobody can just become young, you need to work hard when you have the chance.  I also feel that it is hard for people to learn work ethic.  You are either born with it, or you are are not.  The drive that someone has is hard to be taught once in the workforce.  As a trainer for Publix, I can immediately tell the employees that are learning and will be great once they get used to it, and those that will always stay where they are.  This class is all about working to build a business now, but to have the knowledge at such a young age is rare, so it is something that I want to use to my advantage.  Also, not being in the field too long allows me to be creative and be able to expand on new ways to get our targets.