What is a Mastermind?
There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a Mastermind. The beauty of Mastermind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect and compassion. Mastermind participants act as catalysts for growth, devil’s advocates and supportive colleagues.
The concept of the Mastermind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900’s. In his timeless classic, “Think And Grow Rich” he wrote about the Mastermind principle as:
“The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”
He continues…
“No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind.”
In a Mastermind Group, the agenda belongs to the group, and each person’s participation is key. Your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track. You will create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move the group to new heights.
You’ll gain tremendous insights, which can improve your business and personal life. Your Mastermind Group is like having a objective board of directors.
What Will You Get From It?
Answers and ideas, which come from brainstorming with the group
Tap into the experience and skills of others
Increased confidence that you’ve made the right decisions and are taking the right actions to achieve your goals
Accountability and real progress in your business and personal life
An instant and valuable support network
A sense of shared endeavor – there are others out there!
Design things to be the way you want them to be, not as you’ve been told they “should” be
Who Should Attend a Mastermind Group?
People who:
have a similar interest (such as a group for self-employed people, first-time authors, CEOs, real estate investors, or a group for people in a certain corporation or industry)
have a similar skill and/or success level
have the desire and inspiration to make this year extraordinary
want a supportive team of Mastermind partners
want to reach or exceed their goals
are ready to let their desire to be passionate about their life and work overcome their fear of change
Read the article: How to Select the Right Members for Your Mastermind Group
How Does It Work?
Mastermind Groups can meet in person, on the telephone, or via online message boards. Also try Google+ Hangouts, Facebook groups, etc. For those groups that meet in person or on the phone, typically a once-a-month meeting is scheduled. You can find a mastermind group here,or learn how to create one of your own.
Because of the group nature, a commitment is required. Look for highly-motivated people who are willing to ask for — and give — help and support, and are willing to show up for every meeting.
How Do You Screen Applicants?
Before agreeing to let any new applicants into your group, it’s important to screen them to make sure they’ll fit into the existing group and that their commitment level is high. Decide in advance how many people should be in your group (I recommend that a group be 5-8 people), and only allow new members into the group with the unanimous consent of everyone in the group.
Do you have a personal or business mission or vision statement?
What are your three-year goals?
Where will you find time to participate in the Mastermind Group?
What is your commitment to moving forward in your business and personal life?
Why should you be chosen to participate in this group?
Even with a screening process your group is likely to run across people who say that they’re committed but then don’t participate, or who say that they’re honest but then fail to keep the trust of the group. Be prepared to ask people to leave the group who are not participating up to the group standard and do it quickly once the poor behavior becomes evident. A “slacking” member will bring down the energy and fun level for the whole group.
Should You Be a Facilitator?
The success or failure of a group is directly related to the skill and knowledge of the Facilitator. Someone who is capable of running excellent meetings, holding the group accountable, and brainstorming solutions to problems with the members will enhance the group. If you are putting together your own group, you will want to take on this role and lead the group. Mastermind Group Facilitator Training is available for those who don’t have experience in group facilitation or masterminding.
Can You Charge for Your Group?
The short answer is “yes!” I have found that people are far more committed to masterminding together if they put their money on the table. Often groups of a volunteer nature do not last long because members find other things to occupy the time they should have set aside for their meetings.
Next Steps – Resources and Articles for You:
– See more at: http://www.passionforbusiness.com/articles/mastermind-group.htm#sthash.beVd149G.dpuf