“Entrepreneurial Traits: 4 Distinct Entrepreneur Types”

Who are you? Why did you start your business? What drives you? It’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Not all business owners are the same, and what works for one person might not work for another.

I recently spoke with Joe Abraham about his book, *Entrepreneurial DNA*. In his book, he categorizes business owners into four groups. Most of us are strong in one category but might have traits from another. Here’s a breakdown of Abraham’s four types of entrepreneurs.

A Builder is someone who is determined and driven, focusing less on personal income and more on the growth of the company. They feel successful when they see more employees, more company vehicles, etc. They know their goals and how to achieve them.

Builders tend to scale their businesses quickly and often end up leading large corporations. However, they sometimes view relationships and obstacles as annoyances, and may come off as abrasive because they don’t engage in unnecessary office chatter.

It’s helpful when others understand that this behavior is not personal, just part of the Builder’s nature. Builders might feel lonely and misunderstood, but their drive is crucial for all types of entrepreneurial DNA.

An Opportunist finds and seizes money-making opportunities. They are enthusiastic and highly motivated by rewards, willing to work tirelessly for success.

Opportunists are positive and adaptable, always seeing the potential for reward. They are often engaging and build strong relationships with customers, making people feel valued.

They might juggle too many things at once and lack focus, causing inconsistent progress. But this doesn’t deter them, as they’re always ready for the next opportunity.

A Specialist has mastered a particular skill, often launching their own business after gaining experience elsewhere. Frustrated with how things were handled, they choose to do better on their own. Specialists are dedicated and focused, finding fulfillment in their exceptional work.

While they excel at their craft, they often struggle with business development, rarely losing customers due to their quality but seldom expanding beyond their core service or product. To grow, they might need to break out of their niche or partner with someone who can help with team building and connections.

Lastly, the Innovator is the creative mind, constantly inventing through “Aha!” moments or continual improvements. They use their creativity to develop ideas that often have a global impact.

Innovators are driven by mission rather than profit. When urged to commercialize their inventions, they may lack motivation because their goal was to improve lives, not to make money. They often hire family members and make emotionally-based decisions, which can hinder business growth.

Innovators need a strong support system to handle the business side, allowing them to focus on creating new things.