5 Ideas To Starting A Mastermind Group

I was reading the Secrets To Success blog and found an interesting post mentioning 5 ideas to help you start a Mastermind Group. The ideas included:

1. Determine the size of group, and carefully select members. The group size should feel comfortable. Not too small and not too big. Select members for your group who will actively participate and bring value to the table.

2. Decide the frequency of meeting and agenda for each meeting. One group I was in had a very formal agenda for each meeting, with a specific topic for discussion. Another was less structured, yet focused. Determining "the rules" ensures that everyone in your group is accountable for success.

3. Be clear about expectations for attendance and behavior. Success comes from 100% participation. Without a rigorous commitment, the group will lose its power and sense of importance.

4. Always strive to be of service to others. Focusing on others first is the surest way to get the most out of your group. You will gain a great deal from participating in the group you help create, by choosing to give before you get.

5. Forget everything I just said, and build your inner circle organically. While I believe in the power of having a group that is committed to one another, I also believe in the power of one-on-one relationships and the advantages of hand picking your team over time. Honestly, either approach works. Perhaps you decide to have both.

Inner Circle Mastermind

Kristen Marie Schuerlein writes a blog on designing a life that you love. Her recent post was on creating an inner circle or Mastermind Group to help you achieve the success you're after. Kristen notes:

None of us get to the top of the mountain alone. Why would we when it is so much sweeter up there being surrounded by friends?

She goes on to make 5 suggestions for people considering creating or joining a Mastermind Group:

1. Determine the size of group, and carefully select members

2. Decide frequency of meeting and agenda for each meeting. One group I was in had a very formal agenda for each meeting, with a specific topic for discussion. Another was less structured, yet focused.

3. Be clear about expectations for attendance and behavior. Success comes from 100% participation. Without a rigorous commitment, the group will lose its power and sense of importance.

4. Always strive to be of service to others. Focusing on others first is the surest way to get the most out of your group.

5. Forget everything I just said, and build your inner circle organically. While I believe in the power of having a group that meets monthly or so, and that is committed to one another, I also believe in the power of one on one relationships and selecting your team over time. Honestly, either approach works. Perhaps you decide to have both. The bottom line is understanding the power of surrounding yourself with people up to big things, and seeking to give to others. This is a secret to success.