Tweet

Creating a Mastermind Group

Written by: Kristen Marie Schuerlein

Article Overview: Creating a Mastermind Group Over the years I have participated in several mastermind groups and have found them to be very valuable. No one gets to the top of the mountain alone. Why would we want to when the view is so much more amazing when surrounded by friends? My involvement with mastermind groups allowed me to realize how valuable it is to have an ‘inner circle’ - a group of people who have your highest and best interests in mind. Are you in a mastermind group? If not, consider building one.

Creating a Mastermind Group

Over the years I have participated in several mastermind groups and have found them to be very valuable. No one gets to the top of the mountain alone. Why would we want to when the view is so much more amazing when surrounded by friends?

My involvement with mastermind groups allowed me to realized how valuable it is to have an ‘inner circle’ - a group of people who have your highest and best interests in mind. Are you in a mastermind group? If not, consider building one. Here are some ideas to get started:

1. Size matters. Determine the number of members to ensure success. I participate in two mastermind groups. There are two of us in one group, six in the other. Deciding what works for the type of mastermind you want to be a part of will be the first step in making it happen.

2. Recruit your dream team. If you are building from the bottom up, collaborate with an associate. Then have each draw from each others network to build a dynamic group that is more diverse than your usual ‘circle’.

3. Character counts. Select a group who has members that actively participate and bring value to the table. Time and time again I have seen people with good intentions completely fail to perform and provide value to their peers. People with great character tend to only commit to the things they can contribute to in a meaningful way.

4. Talk about this, for that long. Decide the frequency of meeting and the agenda for each meeting. One group I was in had a very formal agenda for each meeting, with a specific topic for discussion. Every participant was responsible for bringing valuable information on that topic to share with the group. Another was less structured, yet focused. Determining “the rules” ensures that everyone in your group is accountable for success.

5. Show up. Success comes from 100% participation. Without a rigorous commitment, the group will lose its power and sense of importance. I have stepped away from groups that did not demand a high level of expectation and commitment from its members. My time is valuable and so is that of your peers. The best groups know this, and act like it.

6. Give before you get. 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. When everyone gives, everyone receives. When everyone takes, there’s nothing left.

7. The power of two. The most powerful mastermind group I am in is with one other business owner. We have set rigorous expectations for ourselves and our commitment to personal and professional development. Together we literally catapult our businesses ahead. This is tricky simply because mastermind groups aren’t intended to be just social – and with one other person things could get lax. So make sure if you choose a two-person mastermind, you partner with someone that shares your level of commitment.

In addition to my weekly mastermind with a colleague, I am fortunate enough to be a part a six-person group of professionals that meets monthly. Together these two groups have offered me sage advice, shed light on my blind spots, and offered encouragement on a host of topics. Since I began my weekly mastermind two and a half years ago, my design business grew nearly 300% in one year, and I became a six-figure woman.

I’ve learned first hand the power of surrounding yourself with people who are up to big things. Seek out and contribute to a mastermind group where each person gives to the others and you’ll find something very powerful at work. It’s a secret to success that could change your business, and your life in amazing ways.
================================

Related Articles
  Mastermind Your Way To Sucess
  Home Business Expert: How To Create Your Own Mastermind Group
  Best of the Janes: Getting the Most Out of Masterminding
  How to Make the Mastermind Group Unlock the Door to Success
  Improving a Business Through Masterminding

Article Tags: circle 3, dream team, dynamic group, expectation, formal agenda, good intentions, inner circle, mastermind group, mastermind groups, participant, participation, peers, recruit, size matters, success comes from, table time



Related Forum Posts
BNI Groups - do they work? - Hi Lesley, From the members in my Mastermind Group I've heard a number of positive and negative things about BNI Groups. Just like a Mastermind Group, it all depends on who the people are. If the personalities fit and the members can add value to your business it can be worth checking out. The best bet is to go to a meeting as a guest to get a sense of who is in the group and if it is for you. It doesn't cost you anything except a little extra sleep the morning of. Good luck!
Re: On Which Social Media Sites Are You Most Active? - I must respectfully disagree completely with that premise Evan. When speaking of a "Small Group", we are talking abotu a "Mastermind Group". As we all know, such a group is instrumental to success, online or off. The groups can grow quite large too. My group currently has 35 members, but several are actively participating and sharing content.
Celebrity Apprentice - Thanks for the heads-up Kevin. I didn't even realize the new season was starting! Looks like they need to do some more promotion! I've got a Mastermind Group Thursday night but will hopefully catch a rerun later on in the evening!
Re: Harley Davidson Video - Questions! - Hi Andy - it was edited by one of my Mastermind Group members - Mark Drager from Phanta Media so I have no idea how to do it. I believe in the philosophy to Partner with the best and stick to what you're good at! Thanks for the question.
Blog pinging - Thanks Martin - yes, I do ping and it has been very effective. I'm currently on the first page of Google for Mastermind Group and on the second page for Selling to Small Business.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Small Business Internet Marketing

Let's Skip the Offshore Horror Stories

3 Health Insurance Misconceptions

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.