Mastermind Group

This weekend I met with a few other trainers for our third Mastermind group meeting. I organized this group a few months ago in order to help take my business to the next level and provide my readers and my clients with better service and information. So far it's been great, and we're almost finished our first project: a fat loss report for busy people. I'll post when it's ready... it's looking great!

What is a Mastermind Group?
There is synergy of energy, commitment, and ambition that participants bring to a Mastermind Group. The great thing about Mastermind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with the goal of personal or business development. Mastermind participants act as catalysts for growth and as a support network for each other.

The concept of the Mastermind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his highly recommended book, "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 this type of group, a collective agenda and goal is formed and each person’s participation is key. Members give each other feedback, help brainstorm new ideas, and set up accountability structures to aid in accomplishing the goals. Essentially, it's creating a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move the group to new heights.

Anyone can benefit from forming a Mastermind group, but certain guidelines should be used to make it effective.

Participants should:

• have a similar interest or be in the same organization or industry
• have a similar skill and/or success level
• have the desire and motivation to succeed or exceed their goals
• want a supportive team of Mastermind partners and are committed to the group
• ready to make positive advances in life and overcome their fear of change
• have a personal or business mission or vision statement

It's important to screen new members before agreeing to let them into your Mastermind, to make sure they’ll fit into the existing group. Decide in advance how many people should be in your group (5-8 is recommended), and get the approval of all members before inviting anyone.

Even then there will be people who say that they’re committed but then don’t participate, or aren't in a position to contribute to the group. But if you can ensure that all members are on a similar level this will really raise the energy and fun level for the entire group!

I'm still learning alot about this as we develop the group dynamic, but thankfully I am networking with some excellent professionals in the industry and expect some big things for the future!

Until next time, Stay Fit!

Josh