The Differing Roles of an Entrepreneur

Michael Gerber of E-Myth fame and renowned SME advisor discusses entrepreneurs need to take on different roles here and there if they're going to get their SME off the ground.

He describes them as different hats that need to be worn.

They are:

A) The “Technician” - this is someone that has a set of skills and decides they're going to set up a business selling those skills to the marketplace. These are typically the ‘doers’ in society. An architect, or electrician or financial advisor for example.

B) The “Manager” - this is someone that is experienced in organising resources, supply chains, operations etc. They typically don’t ‘do’ the work. Production managers, procurement officers, media buyers for example.

C) The “Creator” (or entrepreneur) - this is someone that has ideas, who dreams, gets passionate and makes things happen. Business owners, disruptors, innovators, inventors for example.

Another way to look at it as the business succeeds and grows is Gerber’s 4 ongoing roles:

A) The “Dreamer” (who has the dream in the first place)

B) The “Thinker” (who has the vision of how to achieve the dream)

C) The “Storyteller” (who understands the purpose of the dream)

D) The “Leader” (who creates the mission)

Thoughts?