Integrating Two Mastermind Members At Once

Getting into one of our Mastermind Groups is a process. First everyone meets with me face to face. Then you have to prepare a one page bio which gets submitted to the group for review. Finally you are invited to the next meeting as a guest to participate and see how you get along with the other group members.

From there everyone decides if the new candidate would make a good member or not. Both the candidate and 100% of the existing members need to say yes for it to be a go. The entire process usually takes two to three months.

Typically we bring one new candidate in at a time to allow everyone to get to know each other. This past week was an exception.

We had two potential candidates for one of groups and the members decided to take the unconventional approach to bringing them both in at the same time. I was curious to see how it would work out and I was pleased to see that it went extremely well.

Here's what we did to ensure a smooth transition:

- Both new members were asked to introduce themselves at the beginning and give a quick overview of their businesses

- We then proceeded as usual and we went around the table discussing the challenges we were facing. The members all went first so that the new potential members could get an understanding of how our process worked. Each member also quickly introduced themselves before talking about challenges so the candidates knew who they were listening to

- The candidates were encouraged to provide feedback and help the members as they worked through their business problems. We were fortunate that both members were experienced and had valuable opinions to offer

- The two candidates were then asked to share their challenges after they had seen how the other members presented. It was a smooth transition and we gave both members a few additional minutes of time to allow everyone to get to know them better.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the process and I will be following up during the week to see if the new members will be invited to stay with the group. Regardless of the outcome, it was a positive experience that I believe benefited everyone and I would not hesitate to bring two members in at a time again if the group decided to invite them.

Evan Carmichael

Vision Boards & Master Minds

Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg
Debbie's Posts - Debbie's Blog


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!