A Solo Always Sounds Better as Part of a Group Performance

Guest Contributor: Tony D. Clark
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"Individual commitment to a group effort -- that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." - Vince Lombardi

One of the downsides of being a solo entrepreneur is the solo part. I've been a home-based entrepreneur for pretty much my entire working life - 15+ years. A lot of that time is spent working alone. But there's great value in getting outside of your own head, and having the input and feedback of others. By enlisting the help of like-minded folks - who themselves are successful - you increase your own success. Just like hanging with a group of unmotivated sad-sacks can drain your own motivation - joining a group of those focused on success adds fuel to your own passion to thrive.

Enter the Mastermind Group

I've had the privilege of being part of several Mastermind Groups over the years. Each one brought its own dynamic and perspective. I've also recently joined a new group of masterminds that includes Chris Cree, Phil Gerbyshak, Kirsten Harrell, Kammie Kobyleski, Thom Quinn, and Troy Worman. The benefit of a Mastermind Group, particularly for the solo entrepreneur, is the diverse thinking, with a similar focus. It can be a sort of advisory board, where challenges that need more than your own thinking can be explored. A good Mastermind Group can offer growth, awareness, and new view-points. It's important when you work for yourself to get feedback and input from trusted advisors, and a Mastermind Group can be one of the best sources of guidance available.

Yet, the real power of a Mastermind Group comes from the commitment and participation of all the members. As you work on your own goals, challenges, and ideas, you provide support for other group members, offering your perspective, knowledge and guidance. This cooperative approach has many benefits over traditional "expert-on-novice" models of advising. As a participant, you are more likely to gain as much as you contribute, and the success of the group will grow as each individual grows.

Being a solo entrepreneur offers some of the best opportunities for real success available. And though a solo performance can be the highlight of the show, without the backdrop of the rest of the cast, it can also be a very lonely performance.