How to choose your Mastermind Group Meeting place and time.

Guest Contributor: Reg Gupton
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Now that you have created a group, invited some like-minded individuals and agreed upon your meeting format, you need to decide on the meeting place and time.

Your selection of meeting place and time is as critical as any other decision that you will make in the formation of your Mastermind Group. It provides the context and a safe environment for the miracle of creativity that will blossom at your periodic meetings. Without the proper space, tools and setting the group will suffer mightily.

Frankly I am surprised to notice the impact that the setting (and tools) have on the process and value of the group. My experience tells me that larger groups function better and seem to require a more formal space. Conference rooms or private meeting rooms in some restaurants can work very well.

When our group was larger, we met in a member's conference room with a whiteboard and flipchart. Better for taking notes, making commitments and enhancing creativity. That worked very, very well.

We have tried almost every possible combination of time and location. We have met in restaurants, homes and offices. We have met in the morning, mid-morning, noon, mid-afternoon and evening. Our meeting time and place has changed as we have learned and to meet the needs of the constantly changing group. Each location and time has its benefits and detriments

For the past several years when my Mastermind Group has been smaller we have chosen to meet for breakfast at a local restaurant. We decided on early so nothing can get in the way. We feel that we are more in control of our time if all we have to do is our morning routine, get in the car and get to the meeting on time. We do not have a whiteboard nor a flipchart. My group is small enough for each of us to take notes make the creative lists described in another post.

We found that any time other than first thing in the morning caused problems as certain members have challenges in being prompt for appointments. They are either late or need to leave early for their next appointment/meeting.

Take this post to your group and allow them to participate in the decision on meeting time and place. You will be pleased with your new group and home.