Choosing the Perfect Business Model for Your Native Genius

In my previous posts, we explored what native genius is, where this concept comes from, and how real people have used their natural talents to build wealth. Now, let's get practical and talk about how to choose and implement the right business model for YOUR specific type of native genius.

Why Business Model Matters as Much as Talent

Having a natural talent is great, but picking the wrong business model is like putting a Ferrari engine in a golf cart - you won't get the full benefit of your power. The right business model acts as a multiplier for your native genius, while the wrong one can actually make success harder.

Step 1: Identify Your Type of Native Genius

Before choosing a business model, you need to know exactly what type of native genius you have. These are the common types:

Problem Solver

• Signs: You naturally spot better ways to do things

• Example: You're always thinking "there must be a simpler way" and finding it

• Famous examples: Sara Blakely (Spanx), James Dyson (Dyson)

Knowledge Translator

• Signs: You make complex ideas simple and actionable

• Example: People thank you for explaining things clearly

• Famous examples: Marie Forleo, Malcolm Gladwell

Connection Builder

• Signs: You bring people together and create relationships easily

• Example: People say you "just get them" and open up to you quickly

• Famous examples: Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins

Visual Creator

• Signs: You naturally think in images and aesthetics

• Example: You can visualize the finished product before you start

• Famous examples: Joanna Gaines, Jonathan Adler

Systems Architect

• Signs: You see how parts fit together to create efficient systems

• Example: You organize information or processes in ways others find helpful

• Famous examples: Ray Dalio, Michael Dell

Step 2: Match Your Genius Type to Compatible Business Models

Different types of native genius work better with different business structures. Here's a guide:

For Problem Solvers

Best Models:

1. Product Innovation: Creating physical or digital products that solve problems

2. SaaS (Software as a Service): Developing software solutions to specific problems

3. Invention Licensing: Creating solutions others can manufacture and sell

Example Setup: A product innovator like Sara Blakely didn't need to build a huge team right away. She created a prototype, patented her idea, and then focused on getting it manufactured and into retail channels.

Pricing Strategy: Value-based pricing based on the size of the problem you solve, not your time. If your invention saves a company $100,000, charging $10,000 is reasonable.

For Knowledge Translators

Best Models:

1. Information Products: Courses, books, and training programs

2. Membership Communities: Ongoing access to your insights

3. Speaking/Training: Sharing knowledge in person or virtually

Example Setup: Knowledge translators like Marie Forleo often start with a blog or YouTube channel to demonstrate their ability, then create a signature course or program, and eventually build a community.

Pricing Strategy: Tiered pricing with entry-level products under $100, mid-range programs at $500-2,000, and high-end offerings at $5,000+.

For Connection Builders

Best Models:

1. Coaching Programs: One-on-one or group coaching

2. Community Platforms: Building spaces for others to connect

3. Talent Matching: Helping connect people with complementary needs

Example Setup: Connection builders often start with one-on-one work to refine their process, then develop group programs, and eventually create scalable communities or networks.

Pricing Strategy: Premium pricing for one-on-one access, more accessible pricing for group work, and membership models for communities.

For Visual Creators

Best Models:

1. Licensing Arrangements: Allowing others to use your designs

2. Digital Asset Sales: Creating templates, presets, or designs

3. Showcase + Spinoff: Using media to showcase talent, then developing product lines

Example Setup: Visual creators like Joanna Gaines often begin with service-based work (like interior design), use media to showcase their aesthetic, then develop product lines and licensing deals.

Pricing Strategy: Project fees rather than hourly rates, licensing fees based on distribution volume, and tiered product lines at different price points.

For Systems Architects

Best Models:

1. Consulting + Implementation: Designing systems for specific clients

2. Scalable Frameworks: Creating systems others can apply themselves

3. Software Tools: Building applications that systematize processes

Example Setup: Systems architects often start by solving problems for individual clients, then package their frameworks, and eventually create tools or platforms that apply their systems.

Pricing Strategy: Project-based fees with performance incentives, licensing fees for frameworks, and subscription models for software.

Step 3: Choose Your Business Growth Path

Once you've matched your native genius type to potential business models, you need to decide how you want to grow. There are three main paths:

1. The High-Touch Expert

Best for: Those who enjoy direct client interaction and prefer depth over breadth

Growth Strategy:

• Increase rates as demand grows

• Add select team members for support roles

• Create limited, elite offerings

Earning Potential: $250K - $1M+ annually with small team and overhead

2. The Scalable Creator

Best for: Those who enjoy creating systems, products, or content that can be used by many

Growth Strategy:

• Create once, sell many times

• Build marketing systems to reach larger audiences

• Develop multiple complementary offerings

Earning Potential: $500K - $5M+ annually with moderate team and systems

3. The Platform Builder

Best for: Those who want to create lasting, large-scale impact

Growth Strategy:

• Create systems that can operate without your daily involvement

• Build a team that extends and enhances your native genius

• Develop multiple business units or product lines

Earning Potential: Multi-millions with substantial team and infrastructure

Step 4: Start With the Right MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

No matter which model you choose, start with a simple version that allows you to test your approach:

For Problem Solvers

Good MVP: Create a simple prototype or beta version of your solution and test it with a small group of ideal users.

For Knowledge Translators

Good MVP: Create a short course or guide that addresses one specific problem and offer it to a small audience.

For Connection Builders

Good MVP: Host a small group program or workshop where you can showcase your connection-building abilities.

For Visual Creators

Good MVP: Create a portfolio project that fully demonstrates your aesthetic, even if you do it at cost.

For Systems Architects

Good MVP: Take on one client project where you can fully implement your system and document the results.

Step 5: Implement Your Model With These Practical Steps

First 30 Days: Validation

1. Create a clear one-page description of how your native genius solves a specific problem

2. Identify 10 potential clients/customers who have this problem

3. Have conversations to validate your solution approach

4. Create your MVP based on feedback

Days 31-90: First Offer

1. Deliver your MVP to 3-5 ideal clients/customers

2. Collect testimonials and case studies

3. Refine your offering based on results

4. Create simple marketing materials

Days 91-180: Optimization

1. Analyze what worked and what didn't

2. Adjust your pricing and packaging

3. Create systems to deliver more efficiently

4. Begin developing complementary offerings

Days 181-365: Scale

1. Implement marketing to reach a broader audience

2. Add team members in key leverage points

3. Create additional revenue streams

4. Build systems to reduce your personal involvement in delivery

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

The Expert Trap

Pitfall: Believing you need more credentials, training, or certifications before starting

Solution: Start applying your native genius immediately while learning in public

The Complexity Trap

Pitfall: Creating an overly complicated business model from the beginning

Solution: Start with one offer, one customer type, and one marketing channel

The Pricing Trap

Pitfall: Underpricing because you don't value your native genius

Solution: Price based on the value you create, not the time you spend

The Perfection Trap

Pitfall: Waiting until everything is perfect before launching

Solution: Launch at 80% ready and improve based on real feedback

Real-Life Examples of Business Model Evolution

Marie Forleo (Knowledge Translator)

• Started: Offering one-on-one coaching

• Evolved to: Small group programs

• Then: Created B-School, her signature online course

• Finally: Built a multi-faceted business with multiple programs, books, and media

Sara Blakely (Problem Solver)

• Started: Creating a single product (footless pantyhose)

• Evolved to: Expanded product line

• Then: Multiple distribution channels

• Finally: Complete shapewear brand with global reach

Your Action Plan: Next Steps

1. This Week: Identify your specific native genius type from the five listed above

2. Next Week: List the top three problems your native genius naturally solves

3. Within 30 Days: Choose one business model from the options for your genius type

4. Within 60 Days: Create and launch your MVP to at least five ideal clients

5. Within 90 Days: Review results and refine your offer

Remember, the path to wealth through your native genius isn't about finding the "perfect" business model right away. It's about starting with a model that reasonably fits your natural talents, testing it in the real world, and evolving as you go.

In my next post, I'll cover how to market your native genius in an authentic way that attracts ideal clients without feeling pushy or salesy. Until then, focus on matching your natural talents to a business model that will allow them to create maximum value with minimum friction.

Your native genius is your greatest financial asset. It's time to give it the business model it deserves.

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Hey, it’s Gigi

I transformed $100K debt into a seven-figure net worth with my 9-to-5 job. Now I'm sharing my real-world wealth equations that defy conventional wisdom. What you'll learn from me will help you create your own million-dollar roadmap—because true financial freedom know-how comes from someone who's actually lived it.

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