This week I had the pleasure of watching masterminding at its finest. In one of my Career Transition Clubs (www.careertransitionclubs.com), each person shares what's going on with their job search, their current challenges, and always, any type of recent success. After the first go-round, one person in particular threw out lots of ideas about her previous work experience and what she enjoyed doing, all seemingly unrelated and not leading her to any satisfying job opportunities. No successes to report and her face certainly showed the disappointment. I then asked the question, "does anyone see some common threads in all of Christine's experiences?" A whole new discussion then took place. Ideas began flowing around the table, helping Christine see some patterns she hadn't noticed and even some great next steps she might take in pursuing interesting work. The power of "group-think" was amazing to watch. Christine's whole demeanor and attitude changed. After those incredible results, it seemed to take hold and others asked for the same kind of help. Ideas once again flowed and job seekers' faces told the story of the benefits of masterminding. When one or more people get together to discuss their common situations, fantastic results occur!
Know anyone in job search mode? Try this exercise: Have them recite their positive work and volunteer experiences, hobbies, interests and passions as another writes them down. Then conduct a brainstorming session - let everyone offer up thoughts on what this person might be best suited for. Get their buy-in and help them devise some action steps, and then report back to the group on their progress.
I met this week with my smallest Master Mind group, one comprised of me and two other women in the coaching business. I represent the Career Transition aspect, another represents Family coaching, and the third is a Life coach. We are all very different from each other with diverse backgrounds and varied family roots. Our approaches to business are unique as well. The Family coach comes from the social work and therapy field so successfully integrates that expertise into her sessions with family groups. The Life coach is extremely intuitive and sensitive to what's not being said by a client so relies on her insights to help clients through transformations. I am pragmatic and deal mostly with the black and whites of job search strategies and the job market. We have completely different target markets, work habits, and processes.
My point of bringing up these differences is that we originally came together as casual friends getting together to discuss our respective business activities not really knowing if we'd have much to help each other with except for friendly support. It's turned out that we not only are a great support system for each other, and our individual strengths come into play when brainstorming solutions. We each bring something special to our master minding table which has helped tremendously in the growth of our businesses and in our personal lives. The Family coach brings a mental health point of view to our challenges and successes, the Life coach adds her intuitive approach to help us get to the bottom of issues, and I pepper our discussions with reminders of practicality, marketplace and business management recommendations.
Just when you think a potential member of your group may not have anything special to contribute, take the time to find out what makes them unique as a person. Their perspective, background and approach to issues the group discusses may be exactly what one or two members need to hear. Instead of focusing on filling a group with people from different businesses, pay attention to their personalities, success stories, and outlooks on your group's topics. You never know the riches one person may have to share until you take the time to dig a little deeper. Good luck on building a diverse and powerful group, no matter the size!
The power of just what masterminding can do really came through with a recent comment from a member of my Career Transition Club.She's been out of work for several months and just joined this group of mid-level professionals looking for positive change in their work lives.She said during her introduction that she looks forward to coming to the meetings because before now, she was so isolated and cut off from anyone in the same situation that could really understand her predicament.Now she comes to the weekly meetings knowing she'll be surrounded by fellow job seekers who can relate to her, offer sound advice, and have her best interests at heart. Just knowing that others are cheering her on and want her to succeed makes all the difference to her.
Wow.When I formed this group, I knew that bringing people together to talk about the challenges of being unemployed, overqualified, and having to search for work in a tough job market would at least benefit by hearing what others are going through at the same time.What I continue to realize each week is that the benefits go even deeper than that. There's solace in being with people, perhaps strangers at first, who have a common bond of living with the same set of circumstances. There's a powerful camaraderie that comes from connecting with others outside of our usual circle of family and friends - objective outsiders looking in on us with fresh eyes seeing things we may not.
What I witness each week that far outweighs my original intention is the spirit of masterminding at its finest.A group of people otherwise feeling isolated and without resources while in the uncomfortable place of seeking work walk out of the meeting chatting, laughing, and sharing ideas with each other about what they might do next.I watch in quiet admiration at the evolution of these individuals as they develop into that supportive uplifting cohesive group that accomplishes so much together because they were drawn out of their isolation into a much better place.
Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg Debbie's Posts - Debbie's Blog If you've been thinking about joining, or even starting, a master mind group, now's the perfect time. With many things in upheaval around the world, being with supportive people on a regular basis is right where you need to be. With uncertainty and discomfort, comes lots of speculation and possible negative outcomes. Well, what about the possible positive outcomes? Sometimes it takes the power of a master mind group to help you see through the fog where those positive results are. I like this perspective on masterminding from Benjamin Franklin:
"It's like a man traveling in foggy weather. Those at a distance, he sees wrapped up in the fog, as well as those behind him and also the people in the fields on each side are enveloped by the fog. But near him all appears clear, though in truth he is as much in the fog as any of them. To be wise, you need to be aware that you too are in the fog, that there are many options, many truths out there and the more knotholes we can see through, the more eyes we can see with, the more people we can listen to, then the wiser we become."
I've written many times here about how my own groups help me get right to the heart of whatever issue I'm wrestling with, mainly related to my Career services company. Be it a location for a transition support group, clarity on marketing activities, or brainstorming a new product name, getting help from others is not only wise, but very necessary while we are surrounded all this news about turmoil. Come out of the fog, get clear, stay focused, and lean on the support of your mastermind group!
Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg Debbie's Posts - Debbie's Blog Here's a new one that's come my way recently: an invitation to join a mastermind group that is focused on supporting each others' prosperity and income goals, aptly named the "Prosperity Circle". This idea came from some friends who noticed that by master-minding just as a couple, they were seeing a significant abundance of opportunities and wealth flow their way. They graciously decided to include some friends to see what great things could begin flowing into others' lives. The purpose of the Circle will be to:
get clear about our values...our visions, our goals, etc.
decide what our individual/couple action steps are that we will commit to...to bring us more prosperity.
hold each other accountable for the week-to-week activities...via e-mail, phone and our every other week meetings
provide info and ideas...impartial feedback and information about the stuff we are pursuing
learn from each other's successes and setbacks
network with each other for new opportunities and opening up our network of friends and business associates to each other
There will be an agenda for each meeting sent out ahead of time and discussion will revolve around books and materials from resources who've already achieved success such as Jack Canfield, David Bach, and T.Harv Eker. The first few meetings will be hosted and facilitated by the original couple, then that responsibility will eventually rotate throughout the membership. There will be optional, self-imposed homework for accountability purposes. The very first meeting will be focused on recognizing accomplishments over the past year and identifying life values. Subsequent meetings will be held every other week.
This is an excellent example of another type of mastermind group - more formal and structured, yet with time built in for sharing, discussing, and brainstorming ideas to help members with one common goal - attracting and welcoming more prosperity into their lives. It looks like more preparation and commitment than with any of my other groups, so my husband and I will determine if we have the time to devote to participating. By saying "yes" to this opportunity and having the support of others with similar goals, I can only imagine what clarity and success we'll experience. Masterminding for prosperity sounds like a great idea!
I recently spoke to a Career Transition Club for managers and executives on the "Nuts and Bolts of a Successful Job Search". I offered them a wide variety of ideas for beefing up their searches and staying motivated during their time of transition. While I like to think that I offered some great ideas, the real benefit to them being in that room that night was exactly what we find by being part of a Master Mind group. There is incredible power available when two or more people gather together for the same purpose, in this case, looking for a job.
As they went around the room giving their 2 minute introductions, each person included what type of job and industry they were looking for and passed around their resumes or business cards. At the end of the meeting, they had time to ask each other questions as a group, and then spent the last half hour mingling and having one-on-one conversations. As an observer, I immediately saw the results - support for one another through the sharing of leads and ideas and the simple act of being in the same room with others who were in the uncomfortable position of being unemployed.
I overheard a biologist talking about his ideas for finding investors and starting a research company with someone coming from the banking and finance arena. I listened in as a project manager talked about her dream to work in a "green" industry in order to help with environmental issues with someone from a sales background pursuing the same industry. I saw the exchange of resumes, cards, contact names and numbers, and even smiles and handshakes at the end of the evening. How's that for successful master minding?
Think about what you get from your group, whether it be for small business owners, for following a spiritual path, for parenting, or for...you name the focus. Its true benefit comes from the support and camaraderie that develops from knowing you are not alone in whatever situation brought you together in the first place. If you've been thinking about joining or starting a group, keep this example of unemployed, potentially downtrodden people leaving that room with new colleagues and friends, filled with hope and new ideas for their bright futures. It's as simple as pulling together 1 or 2 more people looking for the same thing as you, opening up to sharing, and being ready to enjoy the amazing results. Happy Master Minding!
Yes, I've joined yet another one! They keep getting more and more specialized and powerful. First was the fellow Career Coaches, who still meet on a monthly basis via phone; next was the Small Business owners group, who still meet every Thursday morning; and now, the 3 Friends who happen to be Coaches group, who meet at the end of each month at one member's house.
Why three groups? Because at this point in my business as a "solo-preneur" working in a unique field, I need the support of people who can clearly relate to me and my business challenges. I also belong to a few organizations for the sole purpose of networking and staying visible in the community, though I am more apt to give up those meetings over a Master Mind group meeting. As you know, Master Minders gather together to support each other and brainstorm success strategies and as my business hits a new level of growth, I cannot get enough of that!
This new group was formed as a result of friendship connections and shared business goals. Because there only 3 of us (and we may choose to stay that size for awhile), we are able to really dig deep and explore our successes and challenges. Each month, one of us is in the "spotlight" and gets to be the focus of the meeting, discussing whatever coaching or business building issue is most important. The other 2 of us listen, ask questions, challenge, and encourage. We have made profound progress and been brought to tears by insights gained from this powerful venue. All that from a party of 3!
These three groups cover all the important bases for me now - my specific coaching niche, small business development in general, and most recently, a more in-depth coaching/friendship area. So how many is too many? Don't be afraid to explore other groups you learn of. Different people, new ideas, with a unique focus can do no harm. If another one comes across my path, I'll carefully evaluate. It would have to be pretty special and fill a need not already addressed. For now, Three is the perfect number.
My Business Development mentor, who also facilitates my Master Mind group, reminded me recently that our Thursday morning meetings are just the place to come to try out new ideas and strategies. Here is a group of people whose sole purpose is to listen and support me in reaching my goals. This includes offering up that good old fashioned constructive criticism.
An exercise I encourage my clients to do as they're contemplating a career transition is to ask others for their insight on what they see as my client's strengths and challenges. In other words, mustering up the courage to ask Best Friend Joe, Cousin Gloria, and Colleague Bill what they see in them that they don't, can't or won't for themselves. While their responses will be well-intended and helpful, they may not be as open and honest as my client really needs. Usually, the closer the relationship, the more the response will be filtered so as not to hurt feelings or damage relationships. This is, though, a safe way to see new glimpses into themselves they may have overlooked or discounted.
So, where can a brave soul, especially we "solopreneurs" go to get that valuable, objective feedback that may not necessarily be easy on the ears? A Master Mind group of course!! This is the perfect place to go out on a limb and ask for feedback, knowing you will get exactly what you need to move ahead in spite of the fact it may be contrary to your own opinions. I did this recently with a product idea and came away with wonderful feedback, as well as constructive criticism on ways to make it even better. The end result was a much more substantial, easy-to-read, catchy-titled product that came from my efforts and from the trusted advice of my Master Mind group members. So, get out there - ask that tough question you've been holding back on and get ready for some of the best objective advice you can get. Happy Master Minding!
What brought you to your Master Mind group? The desire to start or develop a business? The intention of meeting new friends and achieving goals together? The need of support of a desired life change?
Whatever the reason, the process of positive change began with you and your conscious decision to make something more from what you had. It all started with the belief that you do have the power to truly transform your life into something that has immense meaning and fulfillment for you, no matter what your age, title, or experience.
That creative power is enormously multiplied when you gather with the like minds of a Master Mind group and support each other in your individual endeavors. The power of your thought about making a change, when coupled with the support of your fellow members, is invaluable.
In the words of Napoleon Hill (1883-1970), American author and creator of the "Philosophy of Achievement" teachings, and the great Master Mind advocate:
"First comes thought; then organization of that thought into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination."
Two different Master Mind groups I belong to have each welcomed guests in the last few weeks. It was interesting to watch what happened and remember what it felt like to be a first-time visitor to one of these dynamic groups.
One group meets weekly at a local restaurant and the facilitator did a wonderful job of letting the visitor know what to expect, how our structure works, and to just sit back and observe the process. She was then given the opportunity to tell us about her business, current challenges, and ask the group for advice. After the meeting, many members talked more with her one-on-one, she was given membership information and invited back for a 2nd visit. There was no confusion on her part and we all treated her as if she was already a member. We will welcome her back with the same open arms if she decides to visit again, or better still, officially join the group.
The other group is virtual - we meet once a month via phone since we are in different parts of the U.S. - and we are rather informal. One member asked to invite a guest who was interested in joining. He seemed to have lots of information and experience to share with the rest of us and was excited about the idea of joining our monthly calls. He was given the call-in information and a briefing by the member who invited him on what to expect and how we invite open discussion about our respective coaching businesses. He dialed in on time and was greeted warmly, asked to introduce himself, and to chime in on any of the topics being discussed. This visitor jumped right in and became very comfortable with our informal friendly discussion. He asked about next month’s call and has committed to becoming a member.
The difference in the groups is obvious - one is very structured and has a fee-based membership. The members are committed to the development of their companies and embrace the idea of paying monthly dues for the privilege of being part of a supportive, professional group led by a business expert. The other is casual, conference call based, and made up of open discussion led by no one in particular. We adapt to whichever pressing issue any one brings to the conference call table and easily stay in touch throughout the month via email. The similarity of the groups is even more obvious to me and perhaps surprising to our first-time visitors - we are all of the mindset that we can succeed in whatever endeavor we choose with the support of like minds. Remember this wonderful aspect of "Master Minding" regardless of your group's structure or size and be proud of the image and energy we give to our visitors. They'll soon get the hang of it and learn that there’s no catch - we gather together simply to support each other in reaching our goals!
My small business owner Master Mind group was such a huge help to me this week. While creating some marketing materials, the collective genius of the group reminded me of the importance in distinguishing Benefits from Features of my services.Identifying the customer's needs and showing how my services will meet them is of utmost importance.So back to the drawing board I went...
This exercise made me think about the Benefits and Features of a masterminding. It's not the frequency and location of meetings, number of members, or agenda that matter so much.Most important are the answers to this question:What do members get by participating in this type of business or personal development group?
Here are the most important Benefits to me:
Feeling supported by people who have similar goals
Having a sounding board of several sets of ears to listen and offer productive feedback and constructive criticism
Enjoying a closeness with each other stat stems from shared confidences about our businesses
Developing new ideas about products and services faster and better because of the expert advice of members' experiences
Setting of goals being held accountable by each other
You can probably add to this list with more Benefits you’ve received from participating in your own group.I encourage you to think this way when looking for new members and retaining current ones.They want to know what all of us ultimately need to know:
"What's in it for me?"Share the Benefits of masterminding today!
Masterminding has become an essential part of my work week since I joined a group specifically for small business owners who are sincerely committed to their own and each other's growth and success.This weekly activity of Masterminding has also permeated my personal life as I've become more engaged in the weekly meetings and more aware of the challenges and achievements of my fellow members, some so similar to my own.I've noticed a special bond developing between we members who've shown our commitment to the group and are not afraid to relax into the process of Master minding. I can practically feel the relaxation and excitement as we get seated at the breakfast table and prepare to open up to others' frank, yet always supportive input. This has resulted in a firm foundation for special friendships.
Soon I'll be reaching my 1 year anniversary of membership and have such a different outlook than this time last year.I'm focused, more confident and authentic in business as well as personal matters.I've learned to pause and ask myself before taking on new projects, "Will this activity or opportunity take me and my business where I truly want to go?"This advice came from our facilitator and mentor at from my very first meeting, along with another question I continue to ask myself, "What's important about this activity/opportunity to me?"
The value of my Thursday morning group is priceless.I show up, share with my friends and mentor, have some breakfast and listen and learn so much about running a small business.Oh, and did I mention the friendships and camaraderie that's developed? All this from like minds gathering together for the same purpose.Happy Anniversary to you at whatever point you are at in membership of your group!Here's to more growth and success!
After the holidays, especially that first partial week of January, I surely did not feel like getting up early to attend a Master Mind breakfast meeting.So I didn't.Actually I did get up just a little later than usual after considering how I'd feel not starting out the day like I should.
So off I went, thinking I'd be missing all the news and plans being shared and there'd be very little time for me to talk, which was fine because my head was still in "holiday mode" anyway.Maybe there wouldn't even be that many people there.I continued to go back and forth on showing or not showing until I got very close.Then I was pretty sure I'd done the right thing as I noticed the familiar cars, more even than I expected.Now, slightly embarrassed for showing up so late, I found my way through the restaurant, a new location, and was surprised to see a full table of 10 people!
As soon as I sat down and received a warm welcome, I knew I'd done the right thing. There were only about 30 minutes left, but even so, that was the best 30 minutes I'd spent on a chilly Thursday morning in early January.After I was welcomed, the facilitator asked, "Debbie, what do you need from us this year to be successful in your business?"The thought of "a louder alarm clock" entered my mind, but what I said was, "holding me accountable for following through on my plans".Everyone nodded in understanding and agreed to help me stay on task and focused this year.What a way to start the year - no questions asked, no concern about my not fully participating in the first meeting, just complete support and willingness to help me reach my goals.
The closing question in our meetings is always, "What did you learn today?"My answer that particular day was "just showing up made all the difference." The power of a Master Mind at work once again.
I belong to a professionally facilitated Master Mind group focused on the success of small businesses. I believe the structure of our meetings is so valuable that you may want to consider some of its components for your own meetings, and especially the last piece.
We start by introducing ourselves and sharing an accomplishment from the previous week. The facilitator then brings up for discussion something that she found pertinent to small businesses. For instance, a recent topic had to do with "disaster planning" in light of the recent wildfires here in the San Diego, California area. After a round table discussion, we break into small groups and ask for assistance on an individual issue and gain insight from each other. Then...we come back together as a large group and end by answering this one simple question asked by the facilitator: "What did you learn today?"
That one question helps sum up what the meeting meant to me and solidifies the one most important thing I personally will take with me and act on. Last week, I thought I had not much to share but found myself talking about a business partnership situation that is feeling a bit muddy and in need of a conversation. One particular member honed right in on what I was saying because of his own experiences and helped me see what needs to happen to let this partnership continue its success. When it came time for me answer that last important question back in the group, I was very clear in my answer and now, several days later, am still planning my next actions to ensure success in this particular area.
"What did you learn today?" End your next Master Mind meeting this way and see how powerful this concluding question and subsequent answers can be for your members. Just one thing gleaned from one meeting can make a huge difference.
One of my Master Mind Group disbanded and then disappeared a few months ago.I didn't think much of it at the time, just that we all had gone different directions and our schedules no longer permitted us to coordinate across time zones for meetings.Besides, I had another group to tend to.I didn't think I'd miss it.Then a few weeks ago, I realized... I'd been missing it.
This group was comprised of fellow Career Coaches who had all gone through the same training program and had similar work backgrounds and now, career coaching goals.As I started making some plans for 2008, I found myself thinking "hmm, I wonder how so-and-so would approach this"; "hmm, I wonder if so-and-so would consider partnering with me on this."Hmm indeed.As if hearing my hmm's, one of the members started an email conversation asking for updates on everyone and checking in on interest in getting back together as a group.As everyone begin weighing in on the topic, it became clear that we'd all risen to higher levels in our businesses and had many more experiences to share and additionally, need support with.
Remembering what caused us to break up, we carefully tiptoed back in to determining what kind of scheduling was needed in order to get us back together.After a few days of emails, looks like we'll be meeting once per month, early on Monday mornings to help get the work week started off right.
The bond our group had when it started 2 years ago was still strong and had just been sitting dormant until we discovered the need to reconnect.If you've lost touch with your group, think back to the power and support that came from those members.It may be time to send a note or place a call to see what can be done to revive or rebuild it.Never underestimate the power of like minds coming together for the purpose of helping each other succeed!
I returned to my Master Mind group last week, the first time since mid-June when my flurry of family visits and trips began.With a little embarrassment for my lack of attendance, I quietly took my seat in hopes of settling in and perhaps later taking my turn in introductions and sharing.No such luck.The facilitator, without skipping a beat, changed direction and called on me before I'd even pulled up to the table.I gave my 30 second commercial and in an apologetic manner, explained what I'd been doing the last 6 weeks.The reaction?"Welcome back.""Glad you're here.""We missed you." No questions asked about my commitment to the group or intentions with the progress of my business - clearly the things I was feeling guilty about.With no judgment whatsoever, and a welcome befitting a member with excellent attendance, I was taken back into the fold of my Master Mind group where anything is possible.
That's the underlying theme of Master Minding - anything is truly possible - and your fellow members will tell you this, believe it for you, and encourage you to take steps to make whatever you want happen.One who truly understands the purpose of gathering together to access the power of two or more like minds does so without judgment of others and the steadfast belief that anything is possible.I was able to pick up where I left off with my group, recap where I'd been and what had been accomplished, dust myself off a little and get back into the game.And there they were - waiting to hear what it is that I want next so they can support me in getting it. What a gift!
So, in turn, I was able to jump back into my role of supporting the other members, focusing on their successes and challenges, and offer ideas during the brainstorming session that might be helpful. Without criticism or internal distraction, I fully accepted what each person had to say as their truth, their real intention for themselves and their businesses.Why wouldn't I?With this incredible, unconditional support of a Master Mind group, anything is possible!
One of the most fun and rewarding exercises in a class I'm facilitating this summer was that of making Vision Boards. The group brought in magazines, poster board, scissors and glue and we set off to work individually on finding images of the life we want to create for ourselves.At the end of class, we shared the pictures we'd found to attach to our boards.Here's where once again, I realized what power there is in a group of like minds.Not only did the group members explain their boards, their intentions and dreams, but also garnered the support of each member by asking for feedback and support in reaching their goals.Now, every class, we bring our boards in to show what we've added and talk about how much closer we're moving toward the dreams reflected on the Vision Boards.While getting to know each other better and without realizing we were doing it, this class on success building tools became a Master Mind group.
So, really, who better to share this very personal type of visual exercise with than your Master Mind group?Make sure everyone is in agreement, of course, and that it serves the purpose of the group.For instance, in my business Master Mind group, we share our monthly and quarterly goals and action steps needed to reach them.We do not, however, have the opportunity to cut and paste visual images of these plans, nor is that the focus of our meetings.But in another group or as an outside exercise, what a powerful way to state our goals, share with others to gain their understanding of our intentions, then have them support us in achieving them.
Yes, a little different approach, and "outside the box" of usual business oriented groups, but worthwhile, fun, rewarding and powerful all at the same time.Happy Visioning!
Here's a great exercise to share with your Master Mind group that came from Jack Canfield's fabulous book, The Success Principles. The purpose is to clarify the vision you have for your life:
On a piece of paper, write down at least three things you want to achieve in each of these seven areas: Financial, Career, Recreation, Physical Health, Relationships, Personal, and Community. Let your mind relax and open up to answers that perhaps you've forgotten about that still are truly dreams you want to achieve. When complete, review your vision daily, once in the morning and again at night before going to bed. This will keep your mind focused on your vision so that aspects of it can begin to manifest.
Taking it one step further, he says to "share your vision for maximum impact", perhaps with a friend whom you can trust to be positive and supportive of your dreams and goals. Upon facilitating this exercise with a class this week, I thought "what better way to share and utilize the power of a Master Mind group?" Why not do this exercise individually and then take turns sharing a particular area with the group and ask for their support while you work toward achieving it? Just like a supportive friend, a Master Mind group will hold your goals in mind and even offer ways to help you make them come to life. By sharing your vision with supportive people, your own belief that it can actually come to fruition becomes that much stronger.
Yet another powerful case for Master Minding - getting a vision of what you want out of your own head, onto a piece of paper, then out among a group of people who only want the best for you. Let them help you realize your dreams!
Prior to my weekly small business Master Mind group this week, I was struggling with what to ask for support with. Each week, every member has 10 minutes to talk about current challenges and how specifically the group can support them. So, as I drove to the meeting, I thought, "Things are going really well - training programs and workshops are underway, individual clients are showing up, contracting opportunities are coming together. What do I really need help with?" Then it occurred to me - now that these things I've pined after are actually here, I need Master Mind support more than ever with managing myself!
So that's what my valued group of advisors helped me with - finding answers on how to stay clear and focused with all the excitement that's coming my way. They offered some great ideas - time management tips, taking time off to clear my head, prioritizing and planning, and keeping the funnel full with a prospecting strategy that's always working in the background. And I love the one question our facilitator asks when things seem muddled: "What's important about that for you?" That cuts to the core and gets me back on track every time, keeping me focused on my goals.
As entrepreneurs, we wear so many hats, it can overwhelm us and feel like constantly trying to keep plates spinning on poles up in the air. Plus, it's easy to put off the day-to-day necessities while business is booming. Bookkeeping details still have to be entered, business cards have to be scanned, reading needs to be kept up with, and so on. Once you've secured the business, use your Master Mind support to help keep all the plates up in the air. Just when you think you don't need it, you need it more than ever!
I recently joined another Master Mind group, this one more structured and professionally facilitated by a wonderful small business expert here in my area of Southern California. It is so different from my other 2 groups, yet similar in all the important ways, that I could not pass up the chance to participate. It is specifically geared toward small business owners who need a support system of like minds to help brainstorm any kind of business issues.
Here how it works: We meet once a week at an appointed time and location and go around the table sharing what accomplishments or big events have taken place over the last week. Then we break into small groups of 3 or 4 and have 10 minutes each to bring up a specific challenge we need help with and have others brainstorm solutions and ideas. At the end of the 10 minutes, we have to commit to an Action Step that we will take by next meeting. Better yet, we have to write that down on paper and turn it in to the facilitator! Powerful stuff. So not only are we like minds exchanging ideas and learning from each other, we're holding one another accountable for making progress in our businesses.
Back in 1937, Napoleon Hill was well aware of this power of Master Mind groups. In his book, Think and Grow Rich, he talked about the richest industrialists of the day who knew about the power of this type of group. Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone were all Master Minders. What power they harnessed with each other and what success they achieved!
Today, we have this very same tool available. One of my groups is comprised of entrepreneurs like me in the Career Coaching business, all of us in different parts of the US and Puerto Rico - we talk specifically about our practices and client matters. The other is a group of 3 women locally, who have different career paths, yet similar spiritual philosophies and ways to support each other in whatever life issues we need help with. Now my third group provides even more emphasis on goal setting for my overall business success.
It's simply a matter of finding people who have similar goals as you, are willing to meet regularly to support each other, and build trust through confidentiality. Then creating goals and action steps (preferably writing them down) holding each other to the task of completing them, and then proceeding along the path toward progress. The sky's the limit on what you can achieve personally and in business when you put your head together with others!
In one of my Master Mind groups recently, we had to make some decisions about the future of our group because the logistics and format were not working for the majority of us any longer.We were each courageous enough to bring our concerns to the table and at the same time, open to hearing others' ideas for resolution.Rather than feeling as if we were each alone with this problem, we brought it up for group discussion, heard others voice the same concerns, and then found the perfect compromise.In this case, we've gone from meeting bi-weekly and rotating to each others' homes at lunch time to meeting monthly at one person's home for dinner with email contact in between to remind each other we're holding their goals and intentions in mind and supporting them from afar.
It was such a great example of effective team dynamics, it made me think of the conventional work teams and issues that prevent effectiveness and positive outcomes many times.What if all work teams could be this effective? What needs to change?
For one thing, individual agendas. Realize that a group should come together for one purpose, that of accomplishing a goal, or in the case of Master Minds, to share and support each other.Secondly, honesty and the ability to hear other opinions is crucial. There's nothing beneficial about holding back opinions or harboring resentments just because we're afraid to bring something up.That's where trust and openness toward other team members comes in.If we make efforts to know people better, approach our work with an attitude of camaraderie and enthusiasm, team mates pick up on this and join in the fun and we move together as a unit in accomplishing our goal.
So here we were, a small group of people of the same mind, able to work out our issues in a way that was agreeable to everyone.We experienced the importance of being honest with each other while compromising for the betterment of the whole. We trusted each other and found a workable solution and everyone was pleased with the outcome.
Take lessons you experience in your Master Mind groups to work with you. Apply some of the same kindness, compassion, consideration and teamwork there.See how your work life changes for the better!
I can't imagine going the "entrepreneurial route" all alone!Sounds like a contradiction in terms, but here's what I mean:while still building my own business and wearing the many hats until able to hire staff, my Mastermind groups are my cornerstones, my trusted advisors and sounding boards during this time of working alone.
I have had the good fortune of belonging to three different groups in recent years, two of which are still very important pieces of my life.The first was comprised of fellow church members where we supported each other in our life goals (mine at the time revolved around leaving my stable job and launching a business); the second is one with four of my colleagues from across the country in the career development field; and the third is a very small group of high-achieving women striving for continued success.One met weekly at the same location; the others meet bi-weekly via phone and in our homes.
My advice to entrepreneurs, especially "solopreneurs", is to find or start a group of "like minds" - those doing what you do or what you want to do and have similar philosophies and goals as yourself.Look for people who inspire you, make you think, and who are committed to their personal growth.Not only that, make sure they are committed to coming together on a regular basis to support you and others who share the same intentions. Not only do I have the Small Business Administration, the Chamber of Commerce, Community Colleges and other associations and entities dedicated to my success as a Small Business Owner, I have my own Mastermind groups to lend me personal expertise, opinion, and resources. They are my friends, my confidants, and my small company's advisory board!
Most people I've come across who run their own business have goals planned out for what they want to accomplish. They are really passionate about their goals and want to achieve them but for some reason never seem to get there because "life" gets in the way.
A large benefit of any Mastermind Group should be the Accountability Partner. If you commit to someone else you are more likely to follow through on your goals than if you just tell yourself. Having someone to push you and bounce ideas off of also helps.
Blogger Debbie Lousberg discussed this topic in a recent post of hers:
"Get support. Find a friend, coworker, or hire a coach to keep you accountable and moving forward. Check in weekly with that person to track progress and celebrate victories you have along the way."
By sharing your goals with someone and asking them to help you stay on track toward achieving them, it's not so easy to just shove them into a drawer for the next several months and hope they come true somehow. A little bit of self-induced pressure to meet a goal and keep your word with someone is great motivation! Choose this person carefully - someone who is objective, not too emotionally tied to you, and won't let you off the hook. Your "accountability partner" may be a friend, co-worker, mentor, coach, or even a small group of colleagues, such as a Master Mind group. Even better if you can reciprocate by holding them accountable to their own goals.
Make arrangements to meet or phone the same time every week to check in on progress and successes. As this person becomes more understanding of your goals and actions, they may be able to provide ideas, information, contacts, and resources as well. They become an important piece of your network.
EvanCarmichael.com is the world's #1 website for small business motivation and strategies. Evan also runs a series of successful Mastermind Groups in Toronto for entrepreneurs.
Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg
