In last week’s blog, you were introduced to the Mastermind-group concept. A Mastermind is a group of people who have common interests and goals, who get together on a regular basis to support each other in growth and development toward actualizing their interests and goals. It’s a dedicated group of people who share at least some values, perspectives, and objectives in common. The group mind is far more powerful than a singular mind.
Several members asked some interesting questions about these types of groups. Three questions in particular stood out and we decided to share them, along with the answers. Hopefully, they will help you, should you decide to leverage the power of Mastermind groups for the benefit of your own business.
Q: How do you build or “fill up” your Mastermind group?
A: Start with one or two people that you think would be great “anchor” members of the group—people you might know or have some influence with. Once you get them, tell other members that you’re inviting about these anchors—and connect up the benefit of Masterminding with those anchors. Keep yourself out of the equation. Use the power of each individual you attract to attract others. Be patient. Wait until you have a good core group before starting. Don’t just let people in because you’re in a hurry.
Q: How do you conduct the meetings?
A: A good starting format would be to create a group with six members. Meet weekly for 60 to 90 minutes on the phone or in person. Each week, ONE of the members is the “focus” of the meeting. Start off by having that member share: 1) Their biggest challenge, 2) Their biggest opportunity. Next, the other five members of the group brainstorm to help that person reduce or eliminate their biggest challenge and how they can take advantage of their biggest opportunity. You, as the “organizer” or facilitator, makes sure that no one hogs all of the time and that everyone is heard, etc. The key is all six minds focus on ONE person’s situation, challenge, and opportunity.
Q: How do you keep your Mastermind members motivated and involved in the group?
A: If you have to motivate and involve them, then you’ve probably chosen the wrong members. Let them go, move on, and find members who are self-motivated—and who have a natural bent toward contributing and being involved. Trying to change people who don’t want to be changed is hard, unrewarding work. There are enough superstars in the world that you’ll have no trouble finding them to be in your MasterMind group.
There’s nothing more important to your growth in business than having Masterminds (or mentors)—and there’s no skill more valuable than the ability to create Masterminds, facilitate them, and nurture them.
Best of luck in forming your Mastermind group in your own community!