Based on observations and case studies of CEOs, there seem to be two kinds of entrepreneurs, if we can classify them according to how they utilize resources.

On one hand are the visionaries. These folks have grand, ambitious goals. They typically have a very strong idea of what they want to accomplish. And they generally find ways to make what they want to happen come true. Think Bill Gates (Microsoft), Sam Walton (Wal-Mart), Pacita Juan (Figaro), and Dennis Mendiola (Chikka).

Visionaries tend to have a determination to change the world, or at least their country, in some way. And if they expand their business portfolios, it tends to be in areas that support or complement their key vision. Thus, Microsoft tends to focus on operating system-centric products and services, and Chikka tends to gravitate towards mobile software technologies that help Filipinos keep connected. Typically, however, visionaries tend to concentrate on just one business or business cluster.

In terms of resource management, visionaries tend to be internally-focused — they find ways to take advantage of their resources to further achieve their visions.

On the other hand, there are the opportunists. These entrepreneurs tend to think not in terms of a grand vision, but in terms of what can be exploited in their environment. They are resourceful and are quick thinkers when it comes to manipulating resources and opportunities, and are characterized by a level of restlessness that make them want to move from one business to another. Many small business owners fall under this category, starting everything from hair salons to car shops to mini-malls. There is no single vision here. Instead, there is a conscious effort to leverage existing resources as much as possible. There’s still idle space on the property? Start a yoghurt stand here because health consciousness is in!

Opportunists may not end up with a huge organization as a legacy, but they will tend to have many small and hopefully flourishing businesses that become their portfolio. There is no grand vision to change the country. Rather, what they have is an appetite for challenges and getting a rush out of making new things work. Typically, they would work on a new business idea and try to make it take off, but once it does take off they tend to lose interest and move on.

In terms of resource management, opportunists tend to be externally-focused — they find ways to take advantage of their resources to conquer new opportunities.

Different personalities, different strategies. But they’re all entrepreneurs just the same.