SelfBrand Strategy I. The Innovator

Jack Dorsey

The Innovator
Jack Dorsey

Innovators are the first to create something new or revolutionary. Being the first to do something gives you a formidable advantage. It positions you at the cutting edge of what's new and as a driving force in your industry. Of course, when you're presenting ideas that are new and startling, you're likely to hear, "You're planning to do what?" But as an innovator, you are good at deflecting the concerns of those who don't get your ideas. You have great confidence in your own creativity, intelligence and vision.

 

 

The Innovator Personality

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Innovator Brand

Innovators are creative, open-minded thinkers who are not afraid of taking risks. You are generally the first person to come up new options and fresh ideas. Your innovative creative abilities are not surprising given your interest in new technologies, processes, techniques and product ideas. You seek and integrate diverse information, redefine problems and generate ideas that deviate from the norm. In fact, the more complicated a problem is, the more excited you get. You handle ambiguity well and thrive in entrepreneurial environments where creativity and freedom are paramount.

Most of the time you:

  • Are on top of new trends
  • Come up with many solutions

But sometimes you:

  • Dislike things that don't fit your vision
  • Think only your solution is the best

Generally people see you as:

  • Highly esthetic and creative
  • Open-minded and curious
  • Brimming with ideas

But you can:

  • Fail to appreciate the creativity of others
  • Be intolerant of people and ideas you consider pedestrian
  • Be arrogant

How to Execute the Innovator Strategy

See You Are a Brand, p. 51 - 53. for ideas, examples and exercises on how to execute the innovator strategy. You must be able to fill in the blank in the following statement:

Innovator Positioning: You were the first person who __________ (insert your claim to fame)