An edge can give you an advantage in any arena. You may relate the term ‘creating an edge’ with a specific sport, but it applies in all facets of work and life. I like to use athletic examples because they are often the easiest to understand. Having watched the Olympic games this past summer, as well as some baseball and soccer, I have had the chance to witness athletes and teams create their edge.

For me a level playing field doesn’t exist. Think about these examples of success; The small-market Kansas City Royals won the 2015 World Series. The Colorado Rapids finished at the bottom of the Western Conference table last season, and are now in the Western Conference final, despite battling an injury crisis. Tatyanna McFadden, a Para Olympian, is traditionally a sprint distance athlete from her wheel chair, but managed to win six medals in Brazil, in both short and long distance events.

A level playing field didn’t exist for these athletes and teams. The Royals had a payroll half the size of the top team in Major League Baseball in 2015. The Rapids are a franchise that has traditionally performed poorly, and McFadden has not only overcome her disability, but has been successful in a slew of events most wouldn’t even attempt.

These athletes were able to differentiate themselves despite the disadvantages they faced, and were able to ‘create an edge’ to get ahead. The Royals were able to build a culture of talent cultivation. Through development and wise contract decisions they were able to build a champion on a budget. The Rapids focused on the continuity of the team, rather than talent acquisition. That chemistry has led to a break out season. McFadden has created her edge through intense work ethic and perseverance.

In the business world there is no guarantee of an equal playing field. There are so many variables at play and you usually can’t control them. It is vital for you to find your niche in the market, and use that to create your edge.

Creating your edge will give you the advantage on an uneven field of play. Finding what you do best, regardless of how minute or specialized that may be is crucial to successfully discovering what your edge is.

A great example of this is Xfinity/Comcast TV and Internet. In this industry it is standard to provide a four to eight hour window for service or installation, usually between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Comcast decided to set themselves apart in this small part of the business. They began giving one hour service windows starting at 7:00 am. Not only does this give you a more precise time, it allows you to schedule earlier to avoid missing work or any other scheduled activities. The key here is flexibility and they have created a distinct edge over their competitors.

Creating your edge can be a simple and effective way to set yourself apart from your competition. Whether on the field or in the office, make sure you are tilting the playing field and the odds in your favor.