Mastermind Group Resources

Paying It Forward - Masterminding for a Good Cause

2009-06-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Michelle Rumney
Michelle's Posts - Michelle's Blog

Last month I decided to introduce Mastermind Sessions into the mix within our new Women in Business network. Surprisingly, in a group of around 25 business women with all types of backgrounds and experience, all but one were new to the Masterminding process.

So, to 'prove' the concept and keep it fair to all participants for the first meeting, we agreed that we would focus for the whole of the 60 minutes available on a non-profit organization rather than someone's business; our hostess happened to be involved in a project in Africa and we reasoned if we were all to experiment in sharing and giving our insights and experience, then putting it into a good cause seemed the best way to start.

It was an amazing first challenge to test our Masterminding capabilities; The Shingirirai Trust is a unique grassroots development project in Zimbabwe, Africa, started by a handful of local women to provide education, food and community (and love) for the growing number of children orphaned by HIV-related illnesses. It's main problem is getting funding to keep all the good work going until they reach their goal of being fully self-sufficient. We decided to focus the Mastermind session specifically on generating marketing ideas for raising awareness globally about the project and securing funding for the Trust.

What could the power of 25 women Masterminding in a small seaside village in Spain do for another group of 30 women thousands of miles away in a rural community in Africa?

For me, as Facilitator, it was a daunting session. As you may have experienced for yourself, getting the number of participants right for a Mastermind session can be challenging - the energy and depth can change dramatically if there are too few or too many. I think an ideal number is 8-10 people. But in this case, I'd decided before we started that I wanted the whole group present so that I could show them how Mastermind sessions work and also so that it would be a shared Mastermind experience, rather than breaking off into smaller, more manageable groups. Was I biting off more than I could chew though?

The energy of 25 focused business women in one space is an incredible thing! Once they got started, there was no stopping them - ideas flooded from every corner of the room, from marketeers, from presentation experts, copywriters, project managers, sales and events organisers, artists and coaches. We worked out that between us we had over 300 years of business experience to draw on!! As the ideas flowed, I ran out of flipchart paper while I was writing them down, then I ran out again, and again... we kept this going for 30 minutes.

We took a brief pause and grouped the ideas into possible areas to focus on and then we started on the next phase - WHO do we know between us who could help with any of this? Contacts and more contacts... again the list was more than a single page of the flipchart could handle.

Finally, we concluded, our group batteries having worked in Supercharge mode for the whole hour - enough already! But what had we really achieved?

Within 48 hours, with the help of a small volunteer group that met after the session to work through all the ideas, three main marketing areas had been selected to focus on. And just four weeks have passed but there is a already a new web 2.0 enabled website/blog for the Trust with plans to enable online micro-donations, a dedicated marketing team in place to keep taking things forward and co-ordinate efforts, and a calendar of events and strategies planned already for the next 6 months. Tonight, there's the first fundraising event to celebrate this new phase of energy and help from outside. Next week the website launches in earnest. How this will affect things on the ground in Shingirirai remains to be seen, but all seems like a step change in the right direction.

Meanwhile, having participated and seen it all in action, I've had repeated requests from many women in the network to do some more Mastermind Sessions - this time on their businesses - as soon as possible, and we've scheduled 2 already for next month's networking meeting. I think then, we proved the Mastermind concept that giving, contributing and sharing your expertise and ideas feels good and does good.

So, what is the Masterminding power of 25 when put to a Good Cause? Try it for yourself - how about a Mastermind marathon? Bring in your own favorite non-profits, 3rd Sector Organizations or NGOs and offer them a Mastermind session entirely focused on them. Or team up with another Mastermind group in a different field and combine your skills. Invite a local charity and simply take your group off-topic for a session to focus on something right here where you are where together you could all make a difference.

The possibilities are infinite...

If you'd like to support or find out more about the Shingirirai Trust, please visit :
http://www.shingirirai.org/

Recession

2009-06-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kelly Smith
Kelly's Posts - Kelly's Blog

My husband and I have decided to turn the news stations off for awhile. It's enough that recession is staring us in the face, but to roll ourselves around in it continuously is just being a glutton for punishment in my opinion. We don't have to be oblivious, but it's there and we know it. Watching people lose their homes, their jobs, their finances and live in tents only to end each news story telling us it's not going to get any better just doesn't help.

The point of keeping in the right mindset is more crucial than ever. It's a key factor in building a business, keeping your finances together and helping your personal relationships as well. A mastermind group can be a critical part in keeping this right frame of mind.You are who and what you surround yourself by. If you are surrounded by positive, successful people, chances are you are or you will reach your goals successfully as well. If you listen, read and watch motivational and inspirational material everyday instead of listening to the gloom and doom predictions, you too can make significant changes in your life.

In our Mastermind group one of our core beliefs is the law of attraction and the power of a strong mindset. In fact, the Master Key System - a study guide of the Universal Laws released in the 1800s is just one of the books we recommend to people when joining our Mastermind group. In fact, that was the first thing a mentor of ours in our first mastermind group gave us and it changed my husband and I forever in a positive way. It helped us to understand no matter what challenge you are faced with, you can be what You will to be. If you have seen or read The Secret, the Master Key System is actually quoted continuously throughout to give you an example.

What does all this have to do with building a business? It teaches you to be in the right mindset of giving, not just receiving and gives you the ultimate tool called perseverance. Goal setting is a focus in mastermind groups and goes hand in hand with determination.

Now, because our mastermind group is focused on working from home and helping others to make money from home, we see this recession as an opportunity instead of a setback to help others to make money from home as well. The power of the mastermind group is to create a positive learning environment that can enable you to overcome any obstacle. But the first step is developing the right mindset and with a mastermind group you are developing that mindset together and surrounding yourself with the success that you set out to be instead of becoming another one of the statistics on a news clip.

True Self

2009-06-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kelly Smith
Kelly's Posts - Kelly's Blog

Have you discovered the other self within you? No I am not talking about multiple personalities. Many people call it, your true self. It's a self-actualization process many people go through when taking what others may consider the difficult road in life to access and realize of one's potentialities. I call it the high road to finding out who you truly are through introspection and putting yourself to the test.

Now, don't let me scare you, you may already be thinking, "That sounds a little scary." Yes, it does mean in mind and body you need to put yourself outside of your comfort zone, but there are some things that can help the journey be a little smoother.

The mastermind group can be a part of this intense progress and may actually help you speed up the process or at least make it a little bit easier. People usually join mastermind groups to work on themselves and discover their true potential and find a few surprises, some good and some not so good along the way.

Before we joined our first mastermind group, we truly didn't tap into any of our "hidden" resources yet. I wanted to learn how to speak in front of others and with the help of other members I found a voice and eventually ran company conference calls and found my passion. But, although I always loved speaking and wanted to learn how to tap into it, I never would have without fellow members basically getting me in front of the plate without even volunteering. I was nervous and sick to my stomach and after I was done with my first conference call with hundreds in attendance, I couldn't remember a word I said. But it was sooo worth it! If you are part of a good mastermind group, the others will push you where you need to be pushed and support you when the time comes.

I bet you know a few people in your life who you hadn't seen in years and totally surprised you when you discovered the person they had become. There are people I am sure from your high school class, no one knew or expected anything from who went on to do great things because they had discovered their true self and tapped into their potential or power.

What could be lying dormant in you right now?

How can we all improve?

2009-06-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

At our last MasterMind meeting we talked with a new person (known and recommended to us by 1 member of our group) who may want to join our group.

I noticed as we each provided information about how our group is conducted that one member commented that I tend to jump in with comments throughout the meetings, such as "Oh, and then this happened to me this month." This was usually after I had already had my turn to speak and relate such information.

Ouch!

I take this comment to heart. At our 1.5-hour-long MasterMind meetings, we try to give each person plenty of time to present our month's worth of information - goals accomplished, what's on our current agenda. When I jump in during , I'm interrupting another's thoughts and time allotment.

I'm glad this was made aware to me so I can correct this for future meetings. I also appreciate the other members' patience over the months.

Consider your MasterMind meetings. Are they conducted in an organized manner with each person receiving time to share? Are members respectful of each other's time and thoughts?

I plan to write down my thoughts for the next meeting and present them succinctly (I love that word!). Then I plan to listen well to the other members as they take their turns and keep quiet until an appropriate time to add something.

What part of your MasterMind meetings could members improve on for enhanced time spent together? It is good to learn this type of behavior and know we can do something about it.

Education Within a Mastermind Group

2009-06-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
George's Posts - George's Blog

People have different opinions as to what should or shouldn't be a part of a mastermind group and their meetings. Many of my posts have given my insights on the differences between a completely peer based group versus one that is facilitated by a mentor that has achieved higher level goals you are seeking.

I've also talked about goals being a large part of a group as well as the help to implement what it takes to achieve those goals and the accountability to make sure you follow through. What I thought was a good idea to touch upon today is education.

When looking for a group to join or if you plan on starting a peer based group or facilitate a group as a mentor, education must be part of the mix. Every meeting should have an element of education on a subject related to all members of the group. Or the educational part should be available on a self help basis such as a download on a website that is updated regularly.

A mastermind group is a tremendous source of rallying behind you in whatever you are in the group to achieve. But I promise you that along that path you and your fellow members are going to need to learn a thing or two to make it happen. Especially in a peer driven group with no mentor to facilitate.

This is actually one of the main short falls of a peer based group. Sooner or later, nobody is going to be able to answer your questions especially if you are all sitting at the same level of experience.

If you're in a group now with no educational mode, I suggest making it happen. Take a poll within the group and see what subjects come up as a "I don't know but I want or need to know it". Make the effort to put together material or bring in a guest as constant education is crucial to the owner of any business.

Taking the Next Big Step

2009-05-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

When my MasterMind group first began, I wrote solely magazine and newspaper articles. Something inside of me rebelled against the thought of writing a book. "It's too big of a project," I told my MasterMind friends when they inquired if I had ever considered it. We had all met as members of a local writing critique group and my MasterMind friends were working on books of
their own.

"I don't want to take on that much research," I protested. "My attention span is too short to stay with a project of that length. I need to earn money that will arrive next month."

My litany of excuses went on and on. I got tired of listening to myself. It wasn't that my MasterMind friends nagged me. It was more like me having to account to them why I was not challenging myself with more difficult projects than magazine and newspaper stories.

Having published more than 1,500 articles, it was fairly easy to come up with a lead sentence, find good quotes, put together a query and perform other pts of article writing.

So I signed up for a children's writing class at a local university. I had never written anything for kids, but thought it was an honorable form of writing. The instructor told the class of a certain publisher that might be willing to give new authors a try.

I thought, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," and contacted the publisher. Long story short, they liked my sample of work, assigned me a biography of Taylor Swift, the country music star, and my first book entitled "Taylor Swift" was published Summer 2008.

Now I've written five other books for the same publisher (Mitchell Lane) and hope to see them published this year.

The funny thing is, a writing friend and I are now working on a mystery novel. We've never done it before and I don't really know what we're doing, but we're enjoying the thrill of a new genre and new type of project. I love mysteries and would really like to have written a good one during my lifetime.

I give the credit to my MasterMind group for inspiring me to take this next
big step in my life.

Can you think back to a challenge your MasterMind group has offered you that you may have fought, but now know would be a good one for you to embark on?

Enjoy the challenge!

Lonely at the Top

2009-05-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
George's Posts - George's Blog

In a business of any size, the top dog is often left pretty much alone. In a huge business that may be out of fear of the ultimate leader or inaccessibility in an ivory tower set up or something of the like.

In the small and micro business world it's often because you are probably the only actual executive in the company and/or the biggest stakeholder. You went into business because you wanted to be where the buck stops. But very few people going into business for themselves thinking they will be in isolation.

The people that work for you are not your friends (at least they really shouldn't be). Partners can often not be the best people to lean on especially if the issues you are having are with a particular business partner. Family and friends... well you never know how they will react to certain things related to the business so you can't count on them to talk to.

Well, I guess that's where the term "it's lonely at the top" comes from. If you look at it from a pyramid stand point, there's nobody above you to turn to, nor anybody else around you, in terms of the business. So where do you go to be surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs on a regular, reliable basis? Mastermind groups.

Keep this in mind when you are thinking of the best expenditure of your time and money (for paid groups led by an expert business facilitator). If you had to pick somewhere that you could spend 1 day a week for a couple of hours or 1 day a month for half to a whole day, a mastermind group is a good choice.

Peer interaction, networking, joint ventures, education, sounding board for ideas, an environment to encourage new ideas, accountability... where else can you really get that on a scheduled basis? I can't think of any.

What skills has your MasterMind group taught you?

2009-04-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

Yesterday a friend, Kandice, and I were talking about a mutual friend whose son had recently been in a dirt bike accident and hit his head. the tragic news is that he may be paralyzed. The friend with me and I were trying to think of ways to help the mother and her family during this time. My friend said, "We'll put you in charge of the networking about this. You're good at that."

Really? I had not thought of myself as being especially good at networking or even being known outside of my MasterMind group as a networker. How did she know I networked? As far as I knew, this friend didn't even know I belonged to a MasterMind group, which I met in another city. Our friendship didn't delve into that type of discussion.

Even more interesting, why did she think I was a good networker? I've never really practiced it - I thought-outside of my MasterMind group.

In starting to think about my MasterMind group, I realized it has reaped benefits for me, including networking skills, outside of the time spent with the group.

Through the encouragement of this group, in 2008 I helped organize a volunteer group called Stitches of Hope (www.stitchesofhope.com) that creates beautiful handmade caps for people who have lost their hair due to cancer, burns and other illnesses (coincidentally it was with the same friend whose son was tragically injured). I say the MasterMind group encouraged me because when I told them about the organization, they never told me the idea was too big, too silly, -- too anything -- to attempt. That kind of support is hard to find in this world.

Since July 2008, our Stitches of Hope group has distributed 1,400 items to medical facilities in 7 US states. My co-founder and I have been interviewed on radio, TV, and via Internet. The publicity gained through writing my six children's books, which resulted from the feedback received through my MasterMind group, helped me prepare for these additional networking opportunities. Instead of being nervous so my voice shook during an interview, I thought of my MasterMind friends who thought I could do anything and proceeded calmly to give sensible answers.

I've already contacted our Stitches of Hope volunteers by email to fill them in on this sad development. When I asked for some of them to help me with mailing, stuffing and sorting, someone offered to do several of those tasks. That is a huge relief.

So I guess my friend Kandice was right. I am a good networker. Now I plan to use those skills to help my friend's injured son and her family with organizing the dozens of volunteers who want to help the family. I expect we'll have fundraisers to pay for the cost of transportation for the family to a rehab center across the country. That will take networking and organization, the same type I've used for my volunteer and other writing tasks.

What skills has your MasterMind group taught you that you've carried over to your private life? If you can teach them to others or better yet, use them to help others, you'll gain the maximum effect of the group.

Who You Know

2009-04-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kelly Smith
Kelly's Posts - Kelly's Blog

"Men take on the nature and the habits and the power of thought of those with whom they associate in a spirit of sympathy and harmony." wrote Napoleon Hill in "Think and Grow Rich."

Napolean Hill was the first to discuss the mastermind concept in this book. In this particular excerpt he was talking about Henry Ford's mastermind group and how Ford's most significant strides in success and achievements came to fruition when he befriended successful people such as Thomas A. Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Burroughs and Luther Burbank.

As a mother of two even though my own children are only 4 and 5 years old, I am already conscious of the influence other children's behaviors on them as children often mimic the children around them. When they become adolescents it will be in the form of peer pressure and as adults it often isn't much different.

Your own parents may have said things to you about certain friends you may have "hung out" with as an adolescent and you thought at the time your parents were being judgemental but in fact your parents were consciously or subconsciously preparing you for the future as we have an innate nature of fitting in with those groups we feel we may "belong with."

In fact, it's possible to elevate your own surroundings which will in turn elevate yourself. Masterminding gives you the control of your own destiny.

A mentor of mine said when you start your business the first thing you should do is eliminate all the negative people around you for at least 90 days. This may sound harsh now, but try it yourself. For 90 days.

Surround yourself only by positive, motivated, successful people. Joining a mastermind can be a great way to do this.

If you have been surrounded by negativity and sarcasm up until now, you will find a huge difference in that successful and positive people want you to succeed as well.

The phrase, "Misery loves company" actually holds merit.

Today is day one. Are you ready to take the wheel and be in control of your success?

What Kind of Mastermind?

2009-04-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
George's Posts - George's Blog

Just like many things in life and business, mastermind groups come in many flavors. What you are trying to accomplish will determine what kind to look for and ultimately join.

Of course, inside of the type or goal of a group, you then have to put into play whether or not you personally fit into the group. And that brings along a few other options to look at closely.

Take these questions into account:

Are you looking for a mastermind group that is industry based such as leaders of retail based or technology service based businesses?
Are you looking for one catering to CEO's of businesses with fewer than 20 employees?
How about one that only focuses on sales and marketing for small business?
Do you want a true mastermind group that is facilitated by someone that has already been where you are trying to get to or are you looking for more of a peer group with no real leader?
What about paid groups that cost $50 to $5000 a month versus ones that cost whatever it takes to eat breakfast in a corner of an IHOP?
Are you into face-to-face meetings, telephone meetings, or a combo of both?
Would you rather a mastermind group that meets for a full 2 days quarterly or just once a month?
Does once a month for an hour work or is a half day or a full day better?
How does the mastermind organization handle dealing with non-disclosure from the members?
What about non-competing members?
Do they encourage networking and joint ventures?
Is there a high level of educational material available as a mastermind group member?
What is the maximum number of members allowed in the group?
Once a group is started is the membership locked unless voted on to let new people in?
What's the minimum commitment (6 months, 12 months, 18 months)?

I could probably list out another 10 or so but I think you get the point. Mastermind groups come in all shapes and sizes with different nuances and focuses. For this same reason, those that believe in the power of the mastermind group for learning, support, accountability and camaraderie among like-minded people, often find themselves in multiple groups.

One last note here. Don't be discouraged if a particular group ends up not working for you. There will be questions you may forget to ask before joining a mastermind group before you realize a reason why the group is not for you. Sometime there are just too many personality conflicts to deal with that you could have no way of knowing existed. It take a commitment to make this work so you need to be comfortable in sticking around.

So good luck in your hunt for a suitable mastermind group.

Mastermind Retreat

2009-04-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Anne-Marie-Faiola

Anne-Marie's Posts - Anne-Marie's Blog

Recently, our Mastermind Group went on a retreat. We rented a home (in a lovely warm climate) and went on a trip together. We didn't know what to expect but it turned out to a wonderfully cementing experience for us as a group.

Things that worked out well for us were:

Eating meals together - We found that our conversation was about theories, books we had read and exciting plans we had (rather than gossip or griping)

Working out together - We would go on walks or jogs and find ourselves trying to remember all of our goals from memory and making it a game to see who could shout out all of them, while running. That practice and activity really spiraled the energy up.

Diet - It was amazing to spend all day, every day, with the group and see what our natural diets were. Best practices were shared and now we're all doing goals around improving what we fuel our body with

Reading - The group was all reading different, exciting books and every day ended up like a mini book club lecture series with all of us sharing the best things we had read that day. The discussions that came from these intellectual mind dumps was invaluable.

If you haven't planned a retreat for your Mastermind Group, perhaps now is the time to step your group up to the next level of cohesiveness. It's easy. Rent a house. Plan some activities and let the rest come naturally. You'll be delighted with the results.

Year In Review Thus Far

2009-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Michael Lipp
Michael's Posts - Michael's Blog

This has been an interesting year so far and it's just underway. We've expanded to 7 members and we are still figuring out how to reorganize while still growing in our individual projects. Ira has gotten his multi-million dollar business started. And the reason it will succeed is that it will save lives, making life safer for over a million kids a year. Sandy has re-organized his holistic health center and is busier than ever... Mark has booked significantly more business so far this year than ever before. Ron and Doug are more creative than ever and Mike has just landed a brand new job. I've had an emotionally difficult year, but I am attracting more and more good things into my life.

We are now looking to invent or discover a new project that we can all work on together - not as easy as it sounds. We are in three different states so geography is definitely a consideration. I think a first step will be to have a face to face day-long meeting. I'll keep you posted.

Are We There Yet?

2009-03-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Michelle Rumney
Michelle's Posts - Michelle's Blog

I'm starting yet another new group next month. Is there any end in sight? How on earth am I going to fit it all into normal working hours? Do I have a strange addiction to formal arenas for communicating?

No, it's because I consistently experience the Value in forming and joining and participating in these amazing groups. It doesn't matter who the members are, or what walks of life or experience they come from, you will always learn from others in meeting, exchanging opinions, ideas, points of view and advice. Always.

I now 'belong' to three such groups, one of which was started by someone else, one of which was started by a friend and one of which I started myself. And I'm just about to start a fourth. All are unique, all are incredibly valuable on both a personal and a business level, and all of them demand a commitment in order to reap these benefits - the simple commitment to show up whenever they're on.

So, just as you think your schedule is maxed out and almost bursting at the seams, I challenge you to take another look at it and ask yourself when you could create an hour somewhere within it - maybe monthly, or every two months, maybe weekly or fortnightly - to network, exchange and think with others. It will pay you back tenfold - to step outside yourself and your own universe for just an hour, which is nothing in the Big Scheme of things - and see what comes.

Make your own contribution to solutions to the Global Crisis by co-creating something new, something that has never existed before -totally unique fresh ideas, using a combination perhaps of wisdom, experience (this isn't the first time there's been a crisis), enthusiasm, naive-ity, curiosity, objectivity, listening, questioning, business acumen, creativity, marketing, thinking out of the box, and too many others to mention...

So, even if you're already in a Mastermind group, or running one, think again... Are we there yet? Thank goodness, no.

Make time and enjoy the next bit of your journey.

Has the economy affected your MasterMind group?

2009-03-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

It seems the downturn of the US economy is affecting everything. My husband is losing his job because his place of work is closing. Our family has had to make changes which, in turn, will affect my MasterMind group.

My MasterMind group currently meets on a weekday morning. I've been working part-time since we began, which has enabled me to meet monthly with my MasterMind group. Now I'm looking for a full-time job which may require me to work during the regular weekday.

If I find a job that meets during our MasterMind time, I may have to drop out of the group. Being a small group (3), this may affect the group greatly. I would hate to see them disband because I could not be there. Hopefully they could find other members to take my place and continue to meet. I think enough of them to wish them the best. But at this point I can't make attending the meetings a priority. Earning steady money and hopefully finding a job with benefits is my most important task. I know they understand this.

My outlook for a job is not certain. Thus, I will continue to meet with my MasterMind group. Each time we get together the others encourage me. It seems like those two hours we spend together are some of the best of my month. We laugh a lot and tease each other and eventually get down to serious business. At this point they are some of my best friends. Leaving the group would be a sad thing for me. But necessity speaks loudly, especially when it means helping to keep our family financially solvent.

I'm praying about the matter and know God will lead me to the right job. Has the economy affected your MasterMind group? If so, how are you dealing with it?

Getting Press for your Mastermind Group

2009-03-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Guest Contributor: Anne-Marie-Faiola

Anne-Marie's Posts - Anne-Marie's Blog

Our Mastermind Business Group was recently on the cover of a local business magazine. We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to share our story and the importance of surrounding yourself with successful people in order to achieve your highest potential. An exciting upside of being on a magazine cover is that many people will know our names when we randomly meet them. "Oh! Anne-Marie ... Aren't you in that ... Group? I read about you. Tell me more." This is a wonderful way to make new friends and to spread the good news about a Mastermind group.

Another positive thing that came out of the business magazine cover is that we have a list of people that would like to get into the group. It's nice to have a waiting list of interested, qualified applicants who would like to join our group when there is an opening that comes up.

If you are running a successful Mastermind group, getting press is a natural progression for your group. After all, who doesn't love good press? And since most people in a Mastermind group are in business as well, any press in about a smart business decision or group business success is helpful.

We landed our cover by simply asking. We got one of our group members to write to the publisher of the magazine with the message: "Hey! We've got a great story for you. What about the idea of profiling a group of six successful businesswomen who all work in conjunction to help support and grow their businesses in a formal way? Are you interested?" We were thrilled when we received a positive answer on our first pitch.

In addition to the other positive results mentioned above, the best result from this cover story is that three or four Mastermind Business Groups have been set up as a direct result of people being inspired after reading our experiences.

What are you waiting for? Go get you and your Mastermind Group some great press to increase your visibility and help to spread the news about this wonderful business tool.

Business Goals and Mastermind Groups

2009-03-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
George's Posts - George's Blog

Most business owners are very good at making goals. Unfortunately business goals often end up like New Year's resolutions... great ideas that never get done.

In many ways business owners are not like those that are employees. But when it comes to follow through on a plan versus winging it, they are just like every other person if not worse. Call it entrepreneurial spirit or what it really is; wearing too many hats to follow a structure and instead getting it done as time permits while putting out fires.

We all fall into this trap and the real reason is because the only people we have to answer to is our clients. Now of course businesses that have a board of advisors sort of have people to answer to. And those that have boards and others that are actually investors definitely have people to answer to.

This seemingly insignificant factor makes a huge difference in how an entrepreneur handles a business. There are a number of solutions to this problem that also solve many other issues that business owners face.

For those that like 1-on-1 problem solving, hiring a paid coach/advisor is the way to go. If you prefer a group setting with peers and a coach as a facilitator, then a business mastermind group is often a solution to the problem of being lonely at the top.

The name of the game with setting and reaching goals is accountability. No journal, computer program, etc will actually force you to do what it takes to make a goal a reality.

For this to happen three things need to be in place. First you need to set down realistic goals with a time line and measureable results. Next you need to structure a plan to reach those goals. And most importantly, you need to take action and follow the plan to make the goal a reality.

Most do part one. Some do part two. And almost nobody does part three unless they have accountability attached to it. Mastermind groups force the accountability into action. The facilitator makes sure your goals are feasible. But the group as a whole adds assistance, encouragement, and good old embarrassment for you not doing what you said you would.

This all ties together to give you the confidence, encouragement, resources and drive to get it done. Now you have multiple people to answer to and get help from instead of living on an island. Nobody survives on an island by themselves.

The bottom line; goals are very difficult to bring to fruition with out accountability. So set them, structure the plan, and utilize a business mastermind group to help you put them into action.

Mastermind Group: Time to Recharge and Refocus

2009-02-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Hueina Su
Hueina's Posts - Hueina's Blog

Last month at our mastermind group meeting, as we were going around the table sharing our status updates, one of our members, who was the last one to report, abruptly announced that this would be her last meeting. We were all shocked. Not only because she held on till the last minute to tell us, but also because she was the one who started this mastermind group over two years ago. Most of the eight of us did not know each other back then, and she was the one who had the most experience in our industry. So, in a sense, she was the "mother hen" who took us under her wings, when she gathered us in her home for our first mastermind meeting. We had since changed our meeting location to a conference room and then to another person's office, but the eight of us stuck together and became good friends.

She told us that she is "the kind of person who starts groups" and that she has stayed in this particular group much longer than she normally does. She is going through some personal transition as well as going back to school for a different certification. Our facilitator and I managed to express our gratitude for her contribution to our mastermind group, and wish her all our best. The rest of the group sat there in silence - I think everyone was in shock.

Personally, I didn't see this coming. However, now that I have time to reflect on the last couple of months, there were some signs. At times, she seemed a bit disengaged, impatient or agitated during the meeting, saying things that were out of character for her. Perhaps she was going through something in her life, and perhaps she was no longer interested in being part of the mastermind. I guess we would never know, unless she tells us someday.

It saddens me to see her go, but, as a group, we must go on. At this month's meeting, we went on as if nothing happened, but I couldn't help but feel that the group has changed somehow. Like I said, we have been meeting monthly for over two years, and we have become good friends, which is absolutely wonderful. However, I've been feeling lately that our mastermind group has become more social, and less business-oriented over the last few months. Even though I do enjoy seeing my friends every month, I'm starting to feel that we are not reaping the full benefits of having a mastermind group. I know I want more out of a mastermind group, and I wonder if other members feel the same.

It's time to have a heart-to-heart with my mastermind group, to see if we can recharge and refocus our vision, goals and commitment to the group. As I believe that there's a blessing and/or lesson in every situation we encounter. Losing our "mother hen" might be just what we needed as a group to grow.

2009 Resolutions

2009-02-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Kelly Smith
Kelly's Posts - Kelly's Blog

What are your 2009 resolutions this year for your mastermind experience? Is it to find a mastermind group you want to belong to or get more out of your mastermind group or contribute more?

Whatever your resolutions this year, share them. That is the big benefit of a mastermind group, having the ability to share with others what you expect from yourself and how you can utilize the mastermind to accomplish it. For instance, one of your resolutions this year, may be to contribute more to the group and step up to the plate, such as speaking in front of others. Share this goal with your mastermind group members at your weekly or daily roundtable/brainstorming session in order that you will be held accountable. Without accountability, most people do not bring goals to fruition.

You can also suggest the mastermind group as a whole bring their own resolutions to the table of how they would improve the group to make it more effective. No mastermind group is perfect and as the members grow as productive business people, the whole mastermind group should grow as well, such as having meetings more frequently or setting up accountable buddy systems.

Is your resolution to find a mastermind group?

Here are a few key things I look for in a mastermind group

- Synergy between the members

- A group of like-minded, positive individuals moving towards common goals and aspirations

- A mixed group of people with varying talents and experience (Otherwise how would you grow if you're not learning from others of greater experience?)

- Support and Trust (this is a big one, people need to know they are supported and they will not be belittled when sharing their aspirations and motivations within the group).

These are some of the most important aspects of a mastermind group to me and you may be a little different but the overall view is the same. Your 2009 resolution may actually be to start a mastermind and you will still want these principles in place to make it work, but know it can sometimes be a tough job to ensure it stays a positive group.

Whatever your 2009 resolutions may you enjoy prosperity in all aspects of you life.

Group Benefits

2009-02-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Kelly Smith
Kelly's Posts - Kelly's Blog

Being part of a Mastermind Group has been such a blessing to me. And it especially comes clear in a time when I need it the most. You see, right now I have two preschoolers of my own along with a few others I care for during the day, preschool classes, soccer, dance, oh and did I mention I am pregnant and also have an online business and belong to several active mom groups?

How would I ever get anything done without the mastermind group? We are all banded together to help each other, work hard to accomplish things like creating training sessions, a monthly calendar and a report to represent our marketing training group, Crazy Foxes Marketing Group. I would otherwise feel overwhelmed and my own business would not be growing without a close group of like-minded people who are there for each other.

You see, the mastermind group Brad and I belong to have banded together all of our resources and not only help each other to prosper in our other businesses but have put our knowledge into a marketing group that is of like-minded interest to teach, train and help others. Your mastermind group, when you discover the right one, can become not only a teaching and motivation center, but a community who come together and bring out the best in you. It can balance out your weaknesses, even the temporary ones. I am so thankful for our mastermind group because business just continues to flourish even when I can't be there.

Mastermind Book Group

2009-02-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Anne-Marie-Faiola

Anne-Marie's Posts - Anne-Marie's Blog

One way that my women's Mastermind Group helps propel each other all to the next level in our business and personal lives is by doing a quarterly book club. As a group, we take the saying by Charles Jones, "Leaders are Readers" to heart. We choose a book to read, give out homework assignments and then devote a portion of our meeting to discussing the readings. We've most recently read the book "The Answer" by John Assaraf and Murray Smith.

The book's basic premise takes a page from the popular DVD and book, "The Secret." It's premise is that you create your business by your thoughts. The place that it excels over "The Secret" is that it gives a blueprint for inspired action after you believe that your thoughts create your reality.

One of the things our Mastermind Group really resonated with is the concept of neuroplasticity. In the last decade, scientists have begun to realize that your brain can actually rewire itself. "The Answer" utilizes this information to give a concrete action plan for rewiring your brain for great business and personal success; a plan to break through your limiting self-talk and into a positive frame of reference to create your business and life.

Because of this reading, as a group, we have committed to following John Assaraf's suggestions on how to rewire our brains. We've done our homework (write positive affirmations) and we're doing the daily practice (read through and emotionally hook into the affirmations for 15 minutes per day). We're excited to see where this will lead us.

Get the most out of your MasterMind meetings

2009-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Kayleen Reusser
Kayleen's Posts - Kayleen's Blog

Last month our MasterMind group had trouble meeting, due to the weather. I live 20 miles away from our meeting point and with the weather predictions for the day, I decided the night before to cancel. I emailed the group members and asked that they let me know they had received the message.

Unfortunately I didn't remember to follow up and one member showed up at the restaurant for the meeting. Her Internet service had been down at her home so she didn't get the message. She waited half an hour for the rest of us to show, then left. She was very kind in informing us later by email what had happened. I felt bad and told her I'd buy her breakfast at our next meeting.

This was the first time after two years of meeting that we've had a miscommunication among the members. I should have called the members to make sure they received the message by every means. But I didn't know her Internet service was off, so I did have reason to think she would receive the message.The point is, be considerate of your MasterMind friends. Show up on time. Listen attentively to each member. Look happy to be part of such a group (so many people have no positive people in their lives!). Appreciate the commitment the others put into the meetings. Consider what else you can do to enhance the meetings - offer to buy everyone coffee, pass along items you run across that may be of interest to one or more members, smile!

What other ideas have you tried to make your MasterMind group meetings worthwhile?

Mastermind Groups: Commitment & Best Interest

2009-02-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: George J. Sierchio
George's Posts - George's Blog

I know when people think about becoming a part of a mastermind group, one of their peeves is the commitment. And it is a commitment.

Here's my quick take on this subject. Things take time to change around. The purpose of a mastermind group is to meet at a specific time/day every month, help out your other members, and come to the group with a few things you want help or an opinion on. Your goal is to help them, leave with answers to your concerns, and vow to get something specific done to report on in the next meeting.

If you're looking to go to a meeting or two and expecting the answers to the meaning of life to be given to you, you're not ready for the purpose and power of a mastermind group. Especially since it's as much give as it is take. Too much on either side of this fence and it doesn't work.

This is how you best utilize a "many heads are better than one" situation. A trust is built between everyone that is necessary to feel comfortable laying out your issues candidly and getting candid answers. The commitment lets everyone know you are in it for the long haul and the benefit of the group as a whole.

So once you understand how a group works, you can now see why if you can't commit to a year, 6 months at a minimum, you shouldn't bother joining. By the way, many times there is a minimum required commitment and rightfully so for the benefit of all members and the sanity of the facilitator.

Now that we have you looking for a group that you can see yourself committing to for 6 months or more, I can give you the rest of the big picture.

A mastermind group is not a life long commitment. If you did your homework, your current group should serve you well from 6 months to 2 years (in my experience). But don't think that eventually it won't work for you anymore. And I'm talking from experience here.

Sooner or later, something will prompt your exit of the group:
- the premise of the group (heavily marketing oriented or some other subject),
- the member make up of the group (you should eventually “outgrow” the membership in terms of reaching your goals and hitting the next level), or the
- facilitator of the group (you may have gone beyond the facilitator's ability to be a mentor based on your business growth or shift)

One way or another, you will outgrow the group. Stick to your commitment, be a true group member, reach the ultimate goals you set as a reason to join the group, and then move on to the next mastermind group that fits your needs.

Our New Year

2009-01-22T11:14:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Michael Lipp
Michael's Posts - Michael's Blog

We were ragged over the new year - vacations and holidays had us postpone ourselves until the 13th-- and then we had a hiccough for the inauguration. But we're back and raring to go. We started with a surprise. One of our members invited a friend to join us. He sat in on our meeting and we are now faced with a dilemma. Yes, we like him, but should we expand to seven? Can we?

Particularly as we are looking at inventing a group project… so in addition to doing what now works, we are exploring a project that will involve all of us-- something that will make a difference, one that will benefit all of us. I have no idea, but it will stretch our thinking and in that way, it fits our idea of the possibility of a mastermind group.

So we have two new projects. Can we and should we expand to seven members? Either way, we are imposing a new understanding of our own structure. And what will we take on as a group project. Should be a facinating year.

Masterminding and Job Searching

2009-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

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

This week I had the pleasure of watching masterminding at its finest. In one of my Career Transition Clubs (www.careertransitionclubs.com), each person shares what's going on with their job search, their current challenges, and always, any type of recent success. After the first go-round, one person in particular threw out lots of ideas about her previous work experience and what she enjoyed doing, all seemingly unrelated and not leading her to any satisfying job opportunities. No successes to report and her face certainly showed the disappointment. I then asked the question, "does anyone see some common threads in all of Christine's experiences?" A whole new discussion then took place. Ideas began flowing around the table, helping Christine see some patterns she hadn't noticed and even some great next steps she might take in pursuing interesting work. The power of "group-think" was amazing to watch. Christine's whole demeanor and attitude changed. After those incredible results, it seemed to take hold and others asked for the same kind of help. Ideas once again flowed and job seekers' faces told the story of the benefits of masterminding. When one or more people get together to discuss their common situations, fantastic results occur!

Know anyone in job search mode? Try this exercise: Have them recite their positive work and volunteer experiences, hobbies, interests and passions as another writes them down. Then conduct a brainstorming session - let everyone offer up thoughts on what this person might be best suited for. Get their buy-in and help them devise some action steps, and then report back to the group on their progress.

The Power of Listening

2009-01-19T14:28:00.000-08:00

Guest Contributor: Michelle Rumney
Michelle's Posts - Michelle's Blog

Napoleon Hill describes a 'properly chosen Master Mind Group' as '... a group of people who are willing to lend wholehearted aid, in a spirit of PERFECT HARMONY'. In most Mastermind groups that I've been part of so far, this has translated into dynamic pro-active group meetings where we share our experience, brainstorm ideas, discuss concepts and strategies and give each other advice. In short, the free-flow of conversation and debate is, for many, one of the most wonderful aspects of being part of it all.

But this week, on returning home after 6 months abroad, I met with some trusted members of my first ever Mastermind group and we decided to start 2009 with a session that was radically different. The focus would be on lending our 'wholehearted aid' simply by listening to each other - and I mean Listening with a capital 'L'.

The 'rules' were simple - the session was to last no longer than 2 hours. We chose a random object in the room to pass around - whoever held it would become the Speaker, the others would become the Listeners. The Speaker would take up the object and talk, uninterrupted, for as long as they needed about whatever they wanted. The others would just genuinely and completely listen to what they had to say, nothing more:

No questions. No interruptions. No input. No discussion. No advice.

Once the Speaker was done or felt the time was right, they would pass the object to the next person and then they would become the Speaker for as long as they wanted, then onto the next person. And round again - each member would get 3 turns, then the session would be closed.

So, with many reservations (how un-Mastermind! how will we cope without being able to ask questions or give advice?, how will that work? what good will it do?), we began. Here we go again - the Power of the Mastermind! What an amazing session. Somehow, the dynamics of giving support to each other by simply listening, allowed each of us to access our own thoughts and in this case, especially our emotions, in a truly uncommon way. We were all given time to speak our minds without being judged, interrupted or being given well-meaning advice. This allowed us the possibility of being able to talk ourselves round to a different perspective or leaving point during the session, especially over the course of our 3 respective turns. As my coaching manual says, Listening is 'the highest form of hospitality', of the sort that does not set out 'to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place, hospitality is not a subtle invitation to adopt the lifestyle of the host, but the gift of a chance for the guest to find his own'.

If there's one thing I love about Masterminding, it's the feeling that anything could (and almost always does) happen in the groups to change or expand your perspective and awareness. How many times a day do you feel you're being truly and deeply listened to by those around you? How often do you really Listen to what your partner or children or friends or colleagues are trying to say? Despite the fact that it's a crucial element to good communication, listening, unlike speaking, reading and writing, is a skill which is little taught and even less practiced in the true sense of the word. So listen up! Try Listening-only in your Mastermind group once in a while - it could be one of the most 'wholehearted' meetings you have together.