Understanding Business Success: Visionary vs. Implementer

Finding Your Business Identity: Visionary or Implementer?

I speak freely and openly about failing in my early attempts to start a business with Underground Noize, a record label, and Realtopea, an online social club and entertainment company. The fact of the matter is, I did not fail for lack of effort, energy, or time spent. The wiser I got in business, the more I understood that there are two types of business minds: Visionaries and Implementers. While there are many nuances, all business minds fall under these two categories. My flaw in starting businesses was not due to the business type, style, or location. I learned that I am a visionary. I can generate great ideas and outline them into something amazing. With Underground Noize and Realtopea, I had great ideas and outlines, but both lacked real substance, if I am to be honest.

Visionaries are excellent at generating ideas and seeing the big picture. They can envision the future and create innovative concepts. However, visionaries often struggle with the details and execution required to bring these ideas to fruition. This is where Implementers come in. Implementers take great ideas and implement detail, flow, systems, and operational checks and balances. They have a deeper understanding of how to follow up with each step, looking for practical outcomes along the way. For me to be strong in business, I need to be balanced by an implementer at all times. I can be the CEO, but any business I start will fail without an extremely strong COO.

Another element of self-discovery is understanding whether you have a self-employed mindset or a business owner mindset. A self-employed person is responsible for themselves and their actions. They must start a business that requires their effort alone, something that yields rewards based only on the efforts of one person. In contrast, a business owner understands systems, operational flow, and creating repeatable processes. If you eat a burger from Burger King in Texas, chances are it tastes the same as a Burger King burger anywhere else in the world. That is a system that is created. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for personal and professional growth.

Here are three steps to determine who you are as a potential leader or leader:

1. Self-Reflection and Assessment: Begin by conducting an honest self-assessment. Reflect on your past experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Are you more inclined to come up with innovative ideas, or do you excel in executing detailed plans? For instance, in my journey with Underground Noize and Realtopea, I realized that while I had a knack for creating visionary ideas, I struggled with the implementation aspect. Recognize patterns in your behavior and performance. If you find joy in brainstorming and conceptualizing, you are likely a visionary. If you derive satisfaction from organizing, planning, and seeing projects through to completion, you may be an implementer.

2. Seek Feedback from Others: Another important step is to seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and peers. They can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. For example, I learned from my interactions with business partners and team members that my ideas were well-received, but the execution often fell short. This feedback helped me understand my need for a strong implementer to complement my visionary skills. Engage in open conversations and be receptive to constructive criticism. This will help you gain a clearer understanding of your leadership style and capabilities.

3. Experiment and Adapt: Finally, experiment with different roles and responsibilities to see where you thrive. Take on projects that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. If you are a visionary, try working on detailed tasks and vice versa. For example, I took on roles that required meticulous planning and execution to improve my skills as an implementer. This experimentation will help you identify your natural inclinations and areas where you need support. Adapt your approach based on these experiences and continuously seek opportunities for growth.

Understanding whether you are a visionary, or an implementer is crucial for business success. My early failures with Underground Noize and Realtopea were not due to a lack of effort but a lack of understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. By embracing my role as a visionary and seeking a strong implementer to balance my skills, I can create a more successful and sustainable business. Similarly, understanding whether you have a self-employed mindset, or a business owner mindset can guide you in building the right type of business for your skills and goals. Self-reflection, seeking feedback, and experimenting with different roles are key steps to personal and professional growth. Embrace your true identity as a leader and build a network that complements your strengths, leading to a more impactful and successful career.

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