An adopter actively seeks out new ideas and finds ways to make them succeed. An adapter, however, tolerates change only when absolutely necessary and usually with reluctance.
Adopting is playing offense, fuelled by curiosity and a willingness to explore. Adapting is playing defence, often driven by fear or a desire to avoid inconvenience.
Here's the kicker: selling to adapters is a tough game. They're not looking for innovation, they're looking for the easiest way to maintain the status quo. Adopters, on the other hand, are ready to take the leap.