Beware of who you bring to your groups

If you do not have the right members around the table it does not matter how good a system you have in place, it will not be a success. I personally interview with each potential member before they are brought to a trial meeting with a group.

The first thing I check for is to make sure that the person is not coming for the wrong reasons - to try and sell the members of my group on their products or services.

Whenever you have a group of entrepreneurs, people are going to be interested in coming to pitch their products. Anyone who sells business to business products could potentially be a problem member.

Insurance salespeople, financial advisers, real estate and mortgage brokers often require extra scrutiny to make sure they are interested for the right reasons. We also have not had a member who is involved in network marketing (one member switched her business from a service business to network marketing and was asked to leave the group).

I do not rule anyone out because of their industry alone - people can surprise you and you never know what they might bring to the table. That being said, be very careful as to who you let into your groups because one bad member can bring down the entire group.

The members who do make it through your thoughtful interviews will appreciate the process and will be better qualified for your groups.

Evan Carmichael

Mastermind Membership And Logistics

I was pointed to the Life Two Midlife Improvement blog this morning (I'm not close to my midlife yet) because of a post written by Dave the Coach about who to invite and how to run a Mastermind Group. His advice is:

Who Should be a member?

You want people who have a similar interest. For example, a group of executives starting their own consulting companies.

They should be willing to make a commitment for a year to give a chance for the group to work. Note: It takes at least 4-6 months for the group to really gel and get to a consistent level of performing.

Interview people you are considering. Ask them what they can bring to the group and share what you bring to the table as well.

You all will need to be able to give each other feedback and be honest and willing to discuss when things are not going well. This is the most challenging aspect. And the most rewarding.

This needs to be a group that is passionate about blowing through the roadblocks and really exceeding everyone's goals.

What are the logistics?

I recommend meeting every two to four weeks at the same time. That way you can protect the time in your calendar. It means protecting that time as part of your commitment to each other.

You generally start a meeting with a check-in to share what you need to discuss. That drives the agenda with equal time given. Sometimes, my MM group will devote an entire meeting to working on a single issue for one member. We then make sure subsequent meetings shift their focus to the rest of the group. It is very democratic.

Whether you are mid-life or not, Mastermind Groups are a great way to help you connect with your passions and build a plan to accomplish your goals.