Masterminding Your Way To Greater Success

Napoleon Hill coined the concept of the mastermind alliance in his classic book Think and Grow Rich. He believed that a group of like-minded, achievement-oriented individuals could dramatically leverage each other's success.

The old adages still hold true today, "the sum of the whole is greater than its parts" and "two heads are better than one". More and more today people in business are harnessing the power of mastermind groups to think bigger. Combining the power of several minds to solve problems, seek advice, different perspectives and achieve goals, simply creates greater results than "going it alone".

Mastermind groups commit to showing up and contributing to the success of each other. They become trusted confidants who rely on each other for priceless insights, candid feedback, valuable ideas, encouragement, inspiration and motivation.

Mastermind Group Types

Essentially, the types of groups are as endless as your imagination. Mastermind groups in large companies frequently consist of managers from different divisions, internal client groups who serve each other, or new leaders who want to further their development. Some mastermind groups are industry specific. They can be Financial Planners, Coaches, or Supply Chain Managers who commit to learning from each other. Small business owners often create mastermind groups to develop strategies, share lessons learned and resources.

The Planning Process

The first and most important step in forming a successful mastermind group is planning. Details can be fine-tuned once the group is formed, but having a clear picture up front will increase your chances of getting the right people the first time around. It will also help you communicate with potential members.

What will be the group's purpose and objectives? Be sure to think through both "what it is" and "what it is not". For example, a mastermind group is typically not a leads network.

What are the ground rules and boundaries? What's ok and not ok? And don't forget to plan for how the ground rules will be enforced.

How large will the group be? Groups typically have less than 10 members.

Where, how often, and how long will you meet? Some groups meet virtually through teleconference or the internet. The virtual groups usually meet more often. Other groups meet in person. They typically meet monthly or quarterly for a couple of hours.

How will meetings be structured? Some are structured with a facilitator and an agenda, some allot equal time to each member, some simply focus on the most pressing issues.

Who is the "ideal" member for your group? What are their characteristics? What is their expertise? What value will they add to the group?

Where To Find Members

Don't forget, finding the "ideal" member is the goal. Warm bodies do not equal "ideal" members. Some places to look for "ideal" members: Your existing network; Professional Associations; Chamber of Commerce; Your place of worship; Internet bulletin boards or networking groups; etc.

Managing Expectations

Everyone in the group needs to understand that there is a development curve in forming a mastermind group. While you're ramping up, members need to have open and honest conversations about group norms and expectations. These conversations solidify buy-in, begin to build bonds, and lay the foundation for trust.

Being a part of a successful mastermind group can be an invaluable and enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Some groups have literally shared the evolution of entire careers with each other. Wouldn't that be an amazing experience to look back on? Now that's what I call "power".

About The Author

Lora Adrianse is passionate about inspiring the enrichment of growth and development in others. As the owner of Essential Connections, she is a catalyst for clients who aspire to achieve extraordinary results. She is the coach of choice for people who desire to unleash their potential and maximize their personal and professional development. She is accomplished in developing employees at all levels, a seasoned business manager, and an expert in building solid business relationships with customers as well as other business partners. Her natural instincts enrich her ability to get to the heart of the real business issues people face today. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com, coach@connectionscoach.com

---

The True BMI of Success - What is the True Definition of Success?

The TRUE BMI of SUCCESS (B)e a (M)illionaire (I)ndexWhy am... Read More

Your Words Have Power

You teach others how to treat you by how you... Read More

100 Top 2004 Secrets to Success

After all the things I have shared with you this... Read More

How the Subconscious Mind can Accelerate Self Improvement and Success

Just how powerful is the Subconscious Mind and how can... Read More

Success Achievement Secrets

You can achieve whatever you want by incorporating the following... Read More

Identify Your Unique Factor and Succeed

What makes you unique? Answering this question will provide the... Read More

Persistence and Determination: Golden Keys to Reaching Success

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.... Read More

Universal Success Secrets Shared

Are there any universal laws that most successful people seem... Read More

Do You Know Your Success Barriers?

I can tell, with 95% accuracy, if you are going... Read More

Self-Development Through Asking Why?

The Enlightened Warrior's 'Keys to Success' Through the Power of... Read More

Like A One-Eyed Cat Peeping In A Seafood Store

Want to be successful in whatever it is you choose... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Step Into Your Own Truth

Create a truth and step into it There is a... Read More

Fanning the Flames of Passion -- Reconnecting With Life

Imagine you are a fire. Fires burn at different levels... Read More

A Simple Idea from a Billionaire

It's simple and powerful.The philosophy of successful people is often... Read More

Filling Your Bucket - How Negativity Can Make Or Break Your Business and Personal Success!

I received an advanced copy of a book called How... Read More

Success Without Excuses

If we hope to achieve any worthwhile goal it will... Read More

Animal Teachers Reveal Success Through Pleasure

What the anteater and otter show us about success?It's been... Read More

As Long As You Try Your Best, There Is No Such Thing As Failure

I always say to my children, as long as you... Read More

Why Pain?: An Understanding of Pain as a Necessary Part of Personal Growth

Champions expect pain, endure pain, and never complain. ---UnknownAfter so... Read More

How to Achieve Massive Success Before Graduating

How do you land your dream job, win... Read More

Self Improvement and the Power of Concentration

One the most important Self Improvement skills to develop to... Read More

Five Principals for Prosperity

Many years ago, forty to be exact, I started my... Read More

Healthy Wealthy Wise: Boost Your Productivity

We all strive for a 'balanced life'. Although we may... Read More

Success; So Close, Yet So Far Away!

Have you ever had this feeling? You're standing in front... Read More

Do You Fear Your Own Success?

Noted author and self-worth teacher Eric Butterworth* says, "Poverty is... Read More

Are You Learning?

Whether you are self-employed, whether you are an employee, whether... Read More

Success Lessons from Baseball - Enthusiasm And Excitement Can Make The Difference

I remember, about 35 years ago, reading two books by... Read More

Empowering Other People

Everything you will ever have and accomplish in life will... Read More

How Top Performers Use Built-In Technology To Stay On Top

Do you ever wonder how some people consistently get what... Read More

Three Keys to Greatness

Ten years ago I went into the studio and recorded... Read More

Work Smarter Not Harder

When you are working over time but yet you do... Read More

More and More and More and More

About six years ago I began to study tai chi.... Read More

The Parable of the Touchstone

The Great Library of Alexandria once held the wisdom of... Read More