Which Innovator Archetype Are You? Marketer, Builder, Entrepreneur, or Artist

This morning, I had a thought.

I reflected on those called innovators or entrepreneurs and categorized them into four archetypes based on their approaches and mental models. These archetypes think and act differently, shaping how they navigate the world.

1. The Marketer

Marketers don't find customers for their products; they find products for their customers. Their defining strength lies in crafting a clear philosophy and building systems around it.

• Example:Seth Godin: Known for ideas like Permission Marketing, Purple Cow, and the Smallest Viable Market. His philosophy is simple yet transformative if applied correctly.Gary Vaynerchuk: Famous for Document, Don’t Create—the principle of recording your journey instead of trying to create perfection—and his candor, as seen in 12 and a Half. Marketers shape how we perceive, consume, and engage. Their philosophies have the power to change lives.

2. The Builder

Builders believe that innovation stems from creating products first—not just theories or data.

• Example:Paul Graham, the co-founder of Y Combinator, epitomizes this archetype. YC startups like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Square have all focused on building tangible solutions. Modern startup founders often fall into this category, dedicating their energy to crafting impactful products.

3. The Opportunity Seeker (Entrepreneur)

Opportunity seekers identify trends and build businesses around them. They’re visionaries who leverage timing and market gaps.

• Example:Tai Lopez: Capitalized on the rise of social media with his infamous “Here in my garage” video, selling SMMA courses and generating over $100 million.Alex Hormozi: Saw the potential in YouTube and social media, diverging from ClickFunnels' path to create his own system. By offering free value, he built his personal brand and gained influence. These individuals are skilled at identifying market opportunities and turning them into gold.

4. The Artist

Artists, or creators, approach their work with an artistic mindset, valuing creativity and craftsmanship above all else.

• Example:Chris Do (The Futur): Focuses on design and creative education.MKBHD: A tech creator who elevates product reviews to an art form.Sean Cannell (Think Media): Known for his mastery in video creation and empowering others to grow their online presence. Artists thrive on the uniqueness of their work and often inspire others to create.

Why This Matters:

Understanding your archetype can help you align your strategy, skills, and mindset with the times and opportunities. Knowing when to switch approaches ensures your methods remain effective and relevant.

Phyo Paing @ Derek