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Simon Payn - Ready to Go Newsletters
"I have made thousands of dollars by being part of the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group. Why? Because when I go there I get great ideas followed by a swift kick to the butt to put those ideas into action. I added a major product line to my business at the start of the year after the group reinforced and prompted me to implement an idea that had been knocking around my head for months. That product will probably become 50% of my revenue in the next year. This is the great thing about meeting regularly with a group of smart business people: the members bring street-savvy advice to your business that comes from a perspective that is outside your business. To anyone walking the lonely road of entrepreneurship, that kind of input is extraordinarily valuable."

Alfredo Arias - Flash Fog Security
"My experience with the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group has been wonderful. Our business has evolved in important ways from insights discussed at a meeting. The members really complement each other, and at the end you get refined ideas that you can put to use immediately"

Louis Trahan - Last Minute Training
"Being part of the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group connects me to advice and expertise of other professionals who really CARE about my success. Mentorship groups like these are an indispensable part of starting a business today."

Michael Nguyen - Sprezzatura
"The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group is a place where successful entrepreneurs in different industries can leverage their different knowledge set. It is a place where I go to discuss and formulate ideas."

Raye Ackerman - ITS Dispatch
"Since becoming involved with the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group, it has truly been an eye opening experience to see that other business owners like myself, are struggling with the same daily challenges. Our group is quite balanced and we have some members that have already dealt with many of my current issues and offer great input and advice on how to work through them. Ultimately, the group acts as a great motivator to keep me on track and accountable for financial targets and to ensure that issues that I plan on dealing with are dealt with... (No later than the next meeting!)"

Steven Albiani - The Haunn Group
"TheToronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group has to date has been a positive experience for me and my business to be a part of. It is rare to have the opportunity to meet on a regular basis with individuals that share the same passion for building something beyond themselves. The group has given me a network to critically think about opportunities and issues providing a proactive approach to my business strategy. I appreciate being held accountable for the goals that I set in my business by the group because the end result is seeing those come to fruition quicker."

Mark Drager - Phanta Media
“As an Entrepreneur, who do you turn to for advice? Family members? Friends? Ex Co-workers? In most cases they don't understand the challenges I'm facing because they haven't been there. The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group is made up of Entrepreneurs who HAVE been there – they've faced the challenges that lay ahead of me and through shared camaraderie will help me overcome them.”

Karim Ismail - Keep Any Promise
"My fellow entrepreneurs at the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group have provided me with great insight with a new business venture I am launching, providing much more clarity regarding my vision and how best to execute a launch plan. They have also provided invaluable CEO level contacts through their networks that I would have never been able to reach. At VERY meeting, the learning on the part of all members is staggering, with very helpful suggestions around difficult issues faced by entrepreneurs."

Mark Ellwood - Pace Productivity
"I have always believed that the people I know contribute to my success. The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group has allowed me to expand my network and meet some very successful entrepreneurs."

Kim Gans - Sweet Flour
"The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group has been a tremendous asset in helping me turn my entrepreneurial goals into reality. The group has helped me think through business issues and has been a great sounding board for new ideas. I appreciate the group’s openness and diversity of thinking, as they are not afraid to challenge me. It is these rich discussions that help me become a better entrepreneur."

Max Kalles - WSI Quick Net Solutions
“The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group gives me the ability to interact, share, and learn from fellow business owners who have the same problems and challenges that I face as an entrepreneur on a daily basis. The group helps me to set goals and an action plan for my business, and then holds me accountable for achieving those goals.”

Gary Shouldis - The Little Gym
"Being a part of theToronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group is like having my own private council of great business minds ready to help me work through any business challenge I face.  Each month I leave the meetings feeling refreshed and excited to tackle the challenges and opportunities that wait for me.  I never would have met such a wonderful group of business minds on my own, great work organizing it Evan!"

Dr. Anna B. Baranowsky - Traumatology Institute
"As a Clinical Psychologist, my background did not provide me with any business training. In the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group I have found a tremendous resource of people who are willing to discuss all aspects of running a business. There is such diversity among the members who range in their professions as well in the development of their businesses. So we all learn about every stage of business development and the idea generation for complex problems is an enjoyable and worthwhile exercise every time. Bravo Evan for putting together such an terrific program."

Mark Arteaga - RedBit Development
"One of my biggest challenges with running a business is who do you turn to when facing a business challenge? Who do you turn to when you want advice? The best source is other entrepreneurs who are willing to share their past experiences and challenges. That's what you get at the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group. The group always has feedback on business issues and has given me the opportunity to critically think on strategies to grow my business, set goals and be accountable for those goals."

Kris Schantz - Happy Worker
“The Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Group is a cross between a league of entrepreneurial superheroes and a no-nonsense support group. My own strengths and weaknesses are checked by my group mates, who actively support and motivate me to meet my targets, be a better entrepreneur and a better person. Before I joined the group I was a 150-pound business weakling… now look at me! Beefcake. Beefcake!!”

 
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Accountability Partner

Accountability Partner
 

The concept of accountability in business is one that is not foreign to entrepreneurs. To accomplish the tasks and goals necessary for success, one must possess a sense of accountability; a willingness to accept the responsibility of the goal and do what is required to achieve it.

What is new to this equation is the concept of “Accountability Partners”. Similar to a business mentor, coach or a goal-setting buddy, an Accountability Partner is a trusted and respected fellow business professional that will act as a goal-setting moderator. Employees have managers, CEO's have a board of directors. A different perspective is crucial in any business success. Entrepreneurs need to think about who they have in their business circle that can act as a spring board for ideas and ensure accountability.

The idea is to hold regular meetings with your Accountability Partner who will challenge, motivate, mentor, encourage and inspire you to achieve maximum results. Regular meetings can be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly but consistency is the key. Knowing that you will have to report your successes or failure at a pre-determined date can get even the most guilty procrastinators the drive to achieve their prearranged goals.

There are vast reasons why keeping a relationship with an Accountability Partner is a beneficial plan. With life and work stress, time management issues, financial struggles and all the difficulties of entrepreneurship, it is easy to avoid, neglect or pass over necessary goals. Many a time, it is easier to do this when one is reporting only to him or herself. However, with an Accountability Partner, there is a greater motivation to not let the partner down and to look good in front of a peer. Guilt is a great trigger for completing tasks and an effective partner can use just the right amount of verbal or non-verbal encouragement to ensure tasks are being completed.

Some other benefits of utilizing an Accountability Partner include:

  • Assistance in organizing ideas, thoughts, and tasks into specific, measurable, attainable, and realistic goals
  • Assistance in prioritizing an effective and consistent goal plan
  • Ensuring accountability for task follow through
  • Mentoring through difficulties and indecisiveness
  • Sharing advice, personal knowledge and experience
  • Follow up on your business success

During your search for an appropriate Accountability Partner, keep in mind that the right person should be a fellow entrepreneur or business owner. He or she should be someone who will challenge, engage and evoke a sense of accomplishment in you. Confidence, creativity and strength are all traits that will be useful to you. Also consider choosing an Accountability Partner who you trust to keep confidence as you may get into financial and personal discussions that are confidential in nature.

Having a personal relationship with the Accountability Partner is not necessary. There are several groups and organizations that can link you up with potential partners. Joining a Mastermind Group in your area may be an option and will keep you on track with your goals and responsibilities in an environment with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Learn more about the Toronto Entrepreneur Mastermind Groups here.