5 Tip Tuesday: How to make up your Mastermind

Let the record show I have never coached a mastermind group (confession is good for the soul). But I am in one that has developed spontaneously from a larger group and I must admit it is one of the best things for my business. I am so appreciative of the group of business women I have met this year who have encouraged me, given me tips, allowed me insights into their business journeys, traded valuable contacts and #netwerked with me to create more client relationships and better  services than I could ever have done on my own. They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a political party to grow a business. What's the difference??? I think some of the people who have contributed most to my business (money, clients and bottom lines which are separate from personal growth) growth have been the people who are campaigning. People who are campaigning are also concerned about their growth and progress in business. People who are campaigning are developing useful business relationships of their own, they are having similar experiences with delivering a product or service which satisfies their customers and they are engaging in similar problem-solving practices. They are developing the same skills as you are! You understand what I'm trying to get at here as my analogy falls apart. So when you do eventually decide to join a mastermind group these are my suggestions on what you should keep in (master) mind:

1. Location, location, location.

Pick a group that meets close to your home. Make it as easy as possible to meet with your group members. You have a million obstacles in your daily life as an entrepreneur so do yourself a favour and remove one. Reduce travel time and excuses by joining a group that is close to you.

2. Add some spice to your life.

Ensure that there is a good mix of industries in the group. If you are a makeup artist, find someone in a complementary industry, like photography, to join your group. Ensure that your group member's businesses are diverse enough that you don't feel the need to compete with each other. You should be motivated to bring helpful skills and knowledge to the group.

3. You don't know what you don't know.

I heard the very successful Melyssa Moniz say this in her Live Your Passion seminar. The seminar was inspirational and motivational, what a great event! Melyssa was right, you cannot see all of the areas in which you are blind. Be open to accepting the unique perspectives of others. Your fellow mastermind members will suggest new ways of operating your business to you, listen and learn. Take from the experience what you want and be willing to experiment with new ways of thinking and treating your business.

4. Stay in touch.

Set a regular date all group members know and keep consistently. Life gets busy for everyone. When the dates change too often people loose motivation to attend meetings. Select a monthly date and stick to it.

5. Women support women.

I am very grateful to all of the women who have been supportive of my business journey thus far and I hope I can be a support to someone else. Sometimes these meetings are not strictly business but migrate to personal topics also. Think of your mastermind as a support group for your business efforts. This is your opportunity to be reminded that you are not alone, other people are just as insecure, overworked, and excited as you are! Share and be honest about your struggles, guaranteed there is someone else who is struggling too.

If you are looking for a mastermind to join and you are in the Mississauga area come out Saturday, November 1, 2014. We will be meeting at 55 Square One Dr, Panera Bread, at 2 p.m. Seize this opportunity to connect with others who are going through the same things you are. I hope to see you there!

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