Mastermind Groups and Secret Societies

Black Book of the Master Mind Part 2 - Skull n Bones

2012-02-02T23:57:00.000-08:00

Just a note.

In the Black Book of the Master Mind part 2, I mention Skull n Bones.

Skull n Bones does something that your MasterMind group can and should do.

Watch for the new book on Amazon soon.

Ask Your MasterMind Group...

2011-12-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

What could you sell that has a HIGHER profit margin, to a BIGGER customer?

I asked a guy in my MasterMind that question today.

What I will ask him next is: what can we sell that will improve the lives of millions?

How can we do this better, faster and cheaper than the competition?

MJ DeMarco says, "to make millions, impact millions."

It Doesn't Matter Where You are Coming from, All that Matters is Where You are Going

2011-12-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

True, it matters who is in your MasterMind. A person with connections, money, skills, wisdom and resources matters a lot.

But obviously, such a person probably was not born with connections, money, skills, wisdom and resources. Most people built their empires themselves. Many with a small inner circle.

If you and your MasterMind are frustrated with recruiting, one idea is to recruit (and become) the type of person who will reach the million dollar mark, retire early, etc.

This means to use your time wisely. There are:
- skills you can learn.
- books you can read.
- people you can meet.
- books and articles you can write
- there is keyword research to do.
- and more.

Find the best people you can. Talk to the person who makes hay while the sun shines.
Talk to the person who has realistic goals he/she is working on and not wasting time or breaking the law.

Avoid the person who listens to and obeys the "they". Screw "they." "They" suck. We are after individuals.

When I was an undergrad, all the spurious wishy washie guys all tried to attach themselves to people with money and influence. Usually these scam artists advised people to sell a product that another business needs. I think it is a little different these days with widespread unemployment, the shift to technology, and foreign competition.

I don't want my fate to be tied to one other business. That, to me, is very risky. Businesses, even huge ones, do not want to make you rich. If your product is hot, there is the chance you could sell your business.

Recruit individuals to your MasterMind. Not sheeple.

Hold each other accountable to your goals.
Don't waste time.

A Salt of the Earth Christian Teacher Taught Her Class...

2011-12-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

..."Build each other up. No put downs."

That was our mantra. It works and this applies to MasterMind groups today.

Alex Cheong - 7 Ways to use Your Master Mind to get Ahead

2011-12-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

Are you feeling lethargic managing your business? Or perhaps you know that you need to do something in order to drive your business up and on, but do not know where and how to start? Is all that you can see ahead of you a dark, gloomy and never-seem-to-be-ending road?

Well your worries are over! We shall discuss the top 7 ways which you can actually utilize to move ahead with your Mastermind group through collaboration with like-minded people and be that one step closer towards realizing your objectives!

Here is a summary of the top 7 ways.

1. Clarity of your Mastermind group's objective.

2. Be positive and encouraging.

3. Setting up an accountability structure.

4. Building trust and privacy.

5. Asking and receiving help.

6. Brainstorm to get an influx of great ideas.

7. Contribute to receive more.

Clarity of your Mastermind group's objective. Make it a point to go through in your mind the very objective for the existence of this Mastermind group, and note it down. Your objective serves to concentrate the mind and the focus of your group right. With that the results will follow, otherwise your group could be languishing in mediocrity and not progressing.

Be positive and encouraging. This is done by...the words you use which effectively set the tone for the whole Mastermind meeting. Be positive and encouraging and at the same time show your Mastermind members that you care. While we are ruling out outright flattery here, complimentary words as well as gestures to show the appreciation that you have for your group members will not go unnoticed and will go a long way towards ensuring a harmonious and united mastermind group.

Setting up an accountability structure. Having a system in place is vital to ensuring your group does not stagnate. Many a times the full potential of a Mastermind group is not able to be harnessed due to the small matter of accountability. During the mastermind meeting itself, ideas abound and many suggestions are made but who is to ensure who does what? The person offering the idea might not be willing to get down to sorting out the nitty-gritty of the issue at hand, and responsibilities start to be pushed among members. This causes friction and over the long hauls results in tension brewing among members which will certainly not aid your cause. Hence, have a structure in place to ensure no one shirks responsibility and everyone does his/her part.

Building trust and privacy. The basic ingredient needed for any successful Mastermind group is for members to trust one another. And how do we foster trust within the group, whose members may hail from a diversity of backgrounds? Well, we aim to build lasting relationships over the long run. To do this, there must be complete honesty and absolute clarity in communication among members. This sets the foundation for the group to be taken to a whole new level in terms of the intangible factor that is trust. Oh, and always be prepared to listen to what others have to say, no matter how trivial or seemingly irrelevant that opinion may be. Everyone wants to be heard.

Asking and receiving help. As you work on that, do not forget that you are here in a Mastermind group not only to give but to receive as well. Share any problems that you might have come across since the end of the last meeting as well as any help you would like to receive. Do not be afraid to ask. There is no harm in asking. Failure only occurs when people keep their problems inside of them and do not request for help. Once you have established some form of rapport or other with your group members, you will find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Brainstorm to get an influx of great ideas. Once you have mustered up the courage to ask for help, expect to have lots of ideas and suggestions from your group members to work with. There will be ideas being bandied about and this is where the real brainstorming starts. Do not judge any suggestion offered by your group members by brandishing them as "impractical" or "not workable". Simply jot all the ideas down and you will soon find that you have a stack of ideas to work with. You can then slowly discard those you feel are not feasible. In this way, there is a higher chance of you solving your problem, when you learn to become less judgmental.

Give before you receive. Everyone has his/her own purpose in joining a Mastermind group. Think about it this way, should everyone give right from the start, then everyone would be receiving in one way or other right? It does not matter who gives first. As long as you are willing to give, you will definitely receive. Translated into reality, this theory can be construed as follows: Should you be willing to help your group members by going the extra mile to ensure that their needs are met, you can be assured that when the time comes to doing the honors for you, your group members will put in the same amount, if not even more effort for you.

Above are the top 7 ways for you to use your Mastermind group to move ahead. If you find that the progress of your group is mired in mediocrity and would like to improve its fortunes, would you like to take on this challenge and use the tips above to inspire your group to scale greater heights and achieve even more success than never before? The choice is yours.

About the Author

Joel Chue and Alex Cheong

Expert Authors in the topic Mastermind groups

How Can Ordinary People Leverage a Mastermind Group System to Produce Extraordinary Results Over and Over Again?

A Free 24 page Report Shows You How

Copyrights © 2006

Alex Cheong @ http://www.mastermind-your-way-to-success.com

Mastermind Group Hub

The contents of this article may be copied, reproduced, or freely distributed for all nonprofit purposes without the consent of the author as long as the author's name, copyright notice and contact information are included.

Alex Cheong is an expert author of the Mastermind Group Series articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Cheong

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MasterMind Quote

2011-12-01T21:54:00.001-08:00

"There is Victory in a Multitude of Councillors." - King Solomon...

The most successful people have the greatest team of advisors, councillors, and allies.

If You are Planning a Vertical Leap to Millions, I can help...

2011-11-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

Going from scratch to millions or a billion dollars will take more than drive, investors, credit, hype and some excellent ideas.

You need a MasterMind group to test your USP and all the other components of your business.
Its great if you like your site and/or your product, but your customers have to like it too.

So, join or start a MasterMind right away. The book to your right, The Black Book of the Master Mind will tell you what you need to know.

If you need up to $10K in your own money for your start up, see:

www.mastermind-university.com

What Will a MasterMind do for Me ?

2011-11-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Well, let's look at what my MasterMind did for me.

- I lost 60 pounds in 9 months.
- I discovered Dr. Schulze.
- Learned the basics of SEO and article marketing.
- I learned to use and channel anger and frustration.
- I was encouraged to take action.
- I received feedback on my stock picks.
- I get objective advice.

If you are interested and committed to ideal lifestyle design and want to help others:

Start a Master Mind group.

Order my book at your right and get busy.

Choosing the Perfect Mastermind Group

2011-01-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

There is nothing such as an absolutely "perfect" mastermind group that you can encounter and join. The whole trick lies in choosing the best group that suits you. There are too many mastermind groups out there; it is very hard to know all of them. But finding the most suitable group for your personality is not an easy business. There are some standards and prerequisites that you must look for in the group you become a member of.

If you are too busy, and your life is always in a hurry, you may think that you do not have sufficient time for a mastermind group. But even if you are always in hustle, the time you invest in such a group will be worth the great effects it will have on both your individual and professional life. Even so, there are several ways you can find and join a group that suits you best.

Like everything else nowadays, masterminding can be electronically done. You can use your internet to look for a group of like-minded people in your area then arrange meetings in a nearby café or a quiet library. You can also take your mastermind activity further by holding your meetings and sharing your ideas online. You can log on to online mastermind groups to browse the categorized groups and select the group that fits your purposes. You can meet people online, or you can post your thoughts for others to read.

Some people prefer old-school masterminding and interacting with people in the same physical place. Traditional meeting has its advantages and disadvantages. Meeting your peers in person increases the intimacy inside the group and the warmth in your interaction. The relationship becomes more like friendship, not colleagueship. The more you meet, the more genuine you become when dealing with your group and with every single individual in it. On the other side, holding your meetings in a coffee shop in the area may be a little challenging if the group members' working hours do not allow them all to have a free slot in their daily planners for a meeting. This is where meeting online comes in handy.

Most of the time the, meeting method will come naturally if you are joining the right group that matches you to an excellent extent. Your peers are more likely to have similar lifestyles to yours, and therefore agreeing on how and where to meet should not be surrounded with extended discussions.

Meetings should also be frequent, preferably once a week, for an hour or an hour and a half. Everyone should be committed and be present on time. You can think of penalties for every minute of tardiness if your group has punctuality issues.

Last but not least, if the mastermind group you join is hardly adding anything to you, or if you feel you are only consuming everybody else's positive energy without giving anything in return. You have to productive and effective in order to play your role in the group. The group has also to prove its efficiency. Make sure that the hour you spend in the group, gives you hours of action in the right direction.

Mark West invites you to join a mastermind group online that is dedicated to enhancing your success and has a mission to create an alliance with mastermind groups all over the globe.
http://michiganmastermindgroup.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_West

What's In It For You When You Join A Mastermind Alliance?

2011-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

You may be thinking, "What's in it for me?" "I do not have enough time for this." "I'd rather be working and getting things done." "Chatting with people can't do you much." These are some of the ideas that may come to your mind when you hear about mastermind alliances.

Choosing the word "alliance" in itself is actually quite smart. When Dr Hill talked about his principles of success, he talked about mastermind alliances. Success has never been a one man's show. It has always required the serious work of several participants in the same project. To put it clearly, you cannot succeed in a solo manner. Or at least, the potential of your achievements will not be augmented to the level you can reach when you form a mastermind group.

Mastermind alliances have been the path to several successful business leaders like Ford, Rockefeller, and Carnegie. Some used it even if they didn't give it the same name, like Thomas Edison and Mahatma Gandhi.

It is hard to find someone who thinks that brainstorming in a group is less useful. When you think alone, you discuss the ideas that come to your mind. It becomes a process that happens completely inside you. But, when you brainstorm among a group, you complete each others' thoughts, and the final outcome will be nearly flawless projects, or plans of action.

And as they say, a single minute of planning saves about ten minutes of implementation. There is a lot of contemporary literature that talks about the importance of evaluation for your business advancement. Dr Hill tells you to do that in his 1928 published book, but he tells you to do it in a group. When you evaluate each others' performance honestly, the results will surpass your imagination.

So, instead of wasting your time thinking that you are doing the right thing by working non-stop, pause for a while and think about allocating some of your time for planning, evaluation, education, and support, in a group setting. You can talk to your alliance about your fears and ask them for advice. And since every single person's experience is unique, you'll be able to learn a lot from every single individual's experience.

When you carry the attitude of giving, you benefit even more, because your group becomes focused on mutual assistance and everyone does their best to help the rest, just like they help him/her.

In the end, joining a mastermind alliance improves your business economically and satisfies your psychological need of support and continuous encouragement. Do not make the mistake of thinking that planning and interacting with other people takes the time that was supposed to be spent on hard work. Serious commitment to your group will lead to immense improvements in your work and in your life. You will be surprised by what you achieve because it will exceed both your expectation and your perceived potential.

Do your homework, and choose the most suitable alliance for you in order to make the most out of your regular meetings.

Mark West invites you to join a mastermind alliance that is dedicated enhancing your success and has a mission to create an alliance with mastermind groups over the globe.
http://globalmastermindgroup.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_West

Beat the Money Game and Retire Early

2011-01-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

You have probably heard the idea that you can beat the game or beat the system and enjoy the fruits of success while you are young. I have some ideas that can help you retire much earlier than at age 59 ½. These ideas will require a lot of initial effort, but I bet they will pan out.

First, the government should allow people to opt out of social security. What if each taxpayer could contribute an extra $100 or more every month towards their Roth IRA? We would be responsible to make good investments. But this idea is far better than the social security generation X and Y will get.

Second, end unemployment insurance. Your employer has to send the government a sizable percentage of your pay to the unemployment department. What if the unemployment plan were eliminated? What if the worker and employer split the money 50/50 and the worker could save and invest the difference? Again, you would be adding at least a few hundred dollars a month to your brokerage account.

Third, allow all citizens to invest in hedge funds and IPO's. Yes, these investments are more risky, but what if your broker or 401(k) administrator found you a great one? It could make all the difference.

Fourth, identify and thoroughly research and study your objective, whether it is a business or career, etc. It doesn't matter what your objective is, just thoroughly research it and make an organized plan for reaching this goal. Read the pertinent rules and regulations and look for any advantages and loopholes. Read books about or talk to the people involved in reaching this goal. This will help you uncover more facts that will help you. If your major business or career objectives lead to serious money, I would suggest serious research and work.

When you know enough of the facts you will have an easier time planning and doing the work involved in getting the money to retire early. You will also find that creative and lateral thinking are easier when you know what you are doing.

Fifth, join a master mind group and multiply your intelligence, your contacts, and mental resources. We don't know everything. This makes good master mind groups valuable. A guide in territory that is new to you is very advisable.

Now you have a few ideas that can help you retire early. To find more ideas for escaping the rat race see http://www.renegadeuniversity.net. Don't reinvent the wheel, visit this site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Drews

Mastermind Groups - A Simple Strategy for Building a Stronger, More Profitable Business

2010-12-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most challenging parts of owning a business is growing it. In fact, many entrepreneurs get stuck because there is so much to learn and do. Today, more entrepreneurs are realizing the value of business alliances. It is important to have a good network as you move your company to the next phase. This article describes seven key benefits of connecting with your peers in a business mastermind group.

Have someone to exchange business ideas. Creative ideas and witty inventions come naturally for many entrepreneurs. But knowing when to act on them is the part that can be overwhelming. Connecting with a mastermind group is one way to get feedback about new product or service ideas so that you can chart your next course of action.
Find solutions to business challenges. When you have big dreams for your business you may run into forks in the road. It's in those times that you need a sounding board. Members of a mastermind can relate to business challenges because many have faced similar situations and can offer you sound advice.

Give your spouse a break from business talk. Anyone who is married knows that there are very few people who understand your urge to talk business. Daily conversations are often consumed with issues about running your company. It is difficult to transition from business to personal talk at home so having a peer group to talk things out helps keep business separate from personal life at home.

Support the dreams of others. It is wonderful to have a supportive network that can help stretch you beyond where you are currently. But it is also gratifying to give back to those who help you along the way. Sharing resources, tools, tips, and advice is how mastermind groups allow you to support your peers.

Learn about things from others experience. There is a lot to learn when you are an entrepreneur. New methods of doing things, resources to improve operations, and other helpful ideas are evolving at lightening speed. Joining a business alliance increases efficiency through the sharing of tips, tools, and resources among the group.

Have someone to be accountable to. Setting goals is a habit that leads to business success. Visionaries can see the finished line long before their team. As a result, it's important to have someone who can hold you accountable for taking steps to get there.

Discipline. When you put your dreams on display you naturally feel a sense of responsibility for making them happen. Regular meetings with your group helps you stay focused on the tasks that you set so that you do not get sidetracked by the attractions that can detour you from your path.

Now that you know the value of a mastermind, how can you implement this strategy to grow your business? To learn about more ways to build a thriving company, visit http://www.tbsusa.com.

Copyright (c) 2010 Benita Tyler

TBS USA is committed to helping small business owners by providing proven financial management strategies to help them achieve their profit goals, minimize tax liabilities, and build wealth. Business advice and tax tips are available at http://www.tbsusa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benita_Tyler

5 Amazing Benefits of Masterminding

2010-10-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, studied the richest men of the early 1900's and wrote this book as part of his research (if you haven't read it already, I highly recommend it). One of the common practices of all of the wealthy men he researched was that they participated in a Mastermind with other like-minded men. These Mastermind groups served the purpose of helping the participants solve problems and move forward in their goals, making them more wealthy and successful.

"Mastermind as coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose," is how Napoleon Hill describes the Mastermind idea he studied. "This form of cooperative alliance (the Mastermind) has been the basis of nearly every great fortune. Your understanding of this great truth may definitely determine your financial status."

Today, women entrepreneurs are designing new models of the Mastermind - and the results are more powerful than ever before. Being a women entrepreneur and being a member of a high-level Mastermind group, I'm a huge believer in the Mastermind model (in addition to private coaching) because it connects me with like-minded, big vision people and has tripled my success as an entrepreneur. I get to offer my point of view to my Mastermind group, and I receive solutions from the most extraordinary people.

When we try to create a profitable business on our own, it's too easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated, isolated, and stuck. When entrepreneurs are in this place, they often begin to think that maybe there is something wrong with them (you may be able to relate to this). But, the real truth is there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. In fact, the real truth is that you have a profound message to share that will help people transform their lives. I know, deep in your heart, you long to get this message out in the world in a BIG WAY!

But what exactly is a Mastermind? And how do you know if it's for you?

Below are five elements of a Mastermind group. This will give you an idea of how they work so you can decide whether or not you would like to form a Mastermind or join one.

1. A Mastermind allows you to see a much bigger vision for yourself and moves you forward, allowing you to take much bigger leaps.

Mastermind is about creating consistent, forward momentum and helping you achieve your dreams and goals. A Mastermind group brings out the things that are within you that you cannot see for yourself. Masterminds are different than support groups. Support groups are wonderful to heal from past trauma, but Masterminds are not about healing.

Mastermind groups are about growing, taking big leaps, and being willing to live out your fullest potential and playing your biggest game. People who try to form casual Mastermind's often end up disappointed. Casual Masterminds are much different than a Mastermind group with strong coaching and high-level teaching of mindset, systems and marketing. All members have to hold that level of energy, commitment, desire, and set an intention to keep that momentum. This is not always an easy task!

2. A Mastermind Group is about powerful shifts in your mindset. Complaining, excuse-making and whining are not options!

In a Mastermind, each person gets a "hot seat" to present her big vision for her business and life to the group. She presents her goals, dreams, and challenges. Tears often happen, as she is releasing fearful energy that, up to this point, has kept her stuck and realizing the time is NOW to move forward.

Complaining, excuses-making, whining, and the feelings of staying stuck quickly dissolve. You are not only heard and fully supported, you are also given you need to gain clarity and move forward. Mindsets are a huge part of the Mastermind.

3. A Mastermind Group is about growth and expansion out of your comfort zone.

Most people desire expansion and growth. People who join a Mastermind know in their gut that, without growth for their purpose and dreams, they'll die a slow death. When you take part in a Mastermind, you will be expanded and stretched. This excites people because they know on the other side of their comfort zone is huge growth. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons people want to take part in a Mastermind! They know the results they have had from staying within their comfort zones and not satisfactory. Masterminds are very effective because they require you to expand out of your comfort zone so you get the results you want (let's get serious - helping more people, more money, more personal freedom, and the business you love!).

4. A Mastermind Group offers support and holds you accountable.

For me personally, I am showing up for my life and business in a way I have never done before as a result of being part of a Mastermind. The results I am achieving are mind blowing! So much, in fact, I won the recent "Implementation Challenge" amongst my Mastermind group.

You see, creating a clear vision, having systems, and deciding and taking action are my strengths, and Masterminding has made these strengths even stronger. (Actually, this is one reason why my clients love me as their coach. I move them from being stuck to achieving freedom through clarity, systems, deciding, and action.)

5. A Mastermind creates a huge space for new ideas, implementation, and resources. It's a relationship of giving and receiving.

Each person is fully present and committed to supporting their Mastermind group. >When each person gives their full focus and attention to one person and her dreams, brilliant ideas spark and solutions are offered. Challenges are no more - that is the power of the group. Resources and connections are often discovered in the process. This is just some of the tremendous value and benefit of taking part in a Mastermind.

There is something incredibly powerful about being amongst a group of 'Big Visionaries' within the Mastermind.

Napoleon Hill put it this way: "No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind."

The intention with the Mastermind group taps into a higher source of intelligence and creativity, naturally guiding the group and moving it forward together. A greater awareness happens.

The awareness of this "third" mind helps me trust and access the knowing from within. Therefore, I am able to walk into fear and trust there is something bigger happening on the other side of fear.

Being part of a Mastermind is the greatest gift I could have ever given my business. It was an investment and risk I knew I had to take if I ever wanted to grow my business to a point where I could help more women and produce a larger income. Without risk, there is no reward.

Empowerment Expert, and Master Certified Coach Karen Fagan publishes her "Live in Your Brilliance" weekly ezine. If you want special tips to live bold, brilliant and rich in your life and business, you can sign up for a FREE subscription to Live in Your Brilliance at http://www.karenfagan.com. Want to see more secret tips? See Karen's blog at http://www.karenfagan.com/blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Fagan

Mastermind Your Way to Success - Henry Ford & Thomas Edison Belonged to a Mastermind, Why Not You?

2010-09-16T03:49:00.000-07:00

There's a popular saying that says that two heads are better than one. The truth to this old adage is one of the reasons that there are more people than ever participating in a popular new concept called masterminding.

If you haven't participated in one yet, consider finding a mastermind group to increase your chances of success. In one of the most influential business books ever written, Think and Grow Rich author Napoleon Hill wrote "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind."

Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone (of Firestone tire fame) and John Burroughs (a famous American naturalist) were co-members of a mastermind group. Their legacies are testament to the power of this invisible, intangible force.

In a mastermind group, your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track. By participating you create a community of supportive colleagues who brainstorm together to move each individual and the group to new heights.

Additional benefits of joining a mastermind include: clarity, leveraging the group's ability to produce new and better ideas; challenge; help with decision making; a supportive network, both in mastermind meetings and outside them; new friendships; the ability to tap the experience of others; increased confidence; progress in your business and personal life and a decreased sense of isolation that pervades our technological culture, especially solopreneurs and small business people.

Groups can meet either in person, or by phone. Schedules vary, some meet twice a year, others twice a month. A commitment to the length of the mastermind group is always expected, because like most relationships, it takes time to bond, and to trust others as you help each other move rapidly towards your goals. Most masterminds require a minimal commitment of three months. There is little tolerance for missing a meeting, because of the knowledge that all participants add to creating this powerful, "invisible, intangible force." Group numbers are often limited, which allows members to bond and work deeply on their goals and challenges in a small group environment. Lastly, participants are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement to protect the privacy of every participant.

Intrigued about the concept of mastermind, wanting to join the ranks of Ford, Edison and Firestone? To determine whether or not now is the right time to join a mastermind, ask yourself the following questions:

Are you ready to grow personally and professionally?

Are you looking for a supportive and encouraging community of like-minded folks?

Are you ready and motivated to focus more on your life and/or business?

Are you willing to invest everything it takes to create the life and business that you want?

Can you commit to meeting at a regular time and participating full out?

Does your desire for a fuller life exceed your fear of change?

Are you committed to being supportive, and to keeping the confidences of other members of the group?

Are you willing to both ask for help, learn from your peers and to give as much as you receive?

If your answers to most of these questions are yes, then consider joining a mastermind. You won't regret it.

Kathy Santini, the CEO of Savvy About Success knows that success leaves clues, making it easy to model and replicate. She takes the mystery out of success by showing success-oriented individuals and business owners how to be more successful by teaching them what successful people know and do.

As a coach/educator, Kathy offers coaching, group coaching and mastermind programs, and hosts teleseminars and telesummits on the subject of success.

To learn more about her offerings, to subscribe to her weekly Ezine, full of success tips or to get your own copy of her FREE report, 101 Ways to Become More Successful - Learn What Successful People Know and Do visit http://SavvyAboutSuccess.com

Kathy's expertise has been profiled in Canada's national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, on Canada's national broadcaster, CBC Radio; in newspapers across North America and on radio stations across Canada. She is a former coaching columnist for The Business Examiner Newspaper and Exceptionalife Magazine, has written guest columns and articles for various publications and been a guest on numerous TV programs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Santini

Mastermind Groups - The Benefits of Masterminding

2010-09-16T03:42:00.000-07:00

Mastermind groups have been a popular subject of discussion since Napoleon Hill wrote about them in his famous book, Think and Grow Rich. A mastermind group is a forum in which goals may be made manifest with greater speed and in greater measure than would be possible were its members to conceive and pursue them separately.

Such a group exists for more than the fulfillment of simple goals, however. It's about challenging its members to expand and grow who they are. A successful mastermind group produces a consistent experience whereby its members come to know themselves as better people, capable of more than they ever would have imagined previously.

However, the word "mastermind" has been misused and come to identify with an inaccurate picture. It's not intended to depict the idle discussion of "someday" fantasies, nor are they for simple brainstorming. While the discussion of ideas is one component of a mastermind group, more critical is the framework for bringing them into tangible reality.

Masterminding is also not to be confused with a simple accountability group, such as a group of individuals who hold each other to account to show up at the gym five times per week for their workouts. Mastermind groups also generate by design one other critical element: inspiration. Inspiration and accountability go hand in hand. Without consistent action, no one is likely to remain inspired very long. Without a spark of inspiration, little action is likely to occur.

The structure of a mastermind group is unimportant if these intentions and principles are kept at the forefront. A mastermind group can be virtually any shape or size. A Toastmasters club, a business networking group, a network marketing business, a 12-step addiction recovery group, or any other group of people can all employ the principles of masterminding without changing a thing about their existing structure.

All that's needed is to periodically ask some fundamental questions about the mastermind.

Do I know the personal goals of everyone in this group?
Do I see measurable steps being taken toward the fulfillment of those goals?
Does it appear that this group continues to inspire its members day after day?

If the answer to those questions is "no," look to see what you could bring to the table to change that. Or, consider leaving the group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Baldwin

A Place to Network and Recruit for Your Mastermind Group

2010-08-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

www.renegadeuniversity.net

click on "chat" on the menu on the left.

Create Momentum With Your Own Mastermind

2010-08-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

When I first heard the term master mind alliance, I immediately thought of the Star Wars movie series. I don't know why, but thoughts of the Jedi Counsel popped into my head. I know that must sound a little silly, but stick with me for a minute. Those Jedi Knights were some powerful warriors, but it wasn't muscular strength that made them what they were. It was the power of focusing their mental energy, and tapping into the force that gave them power. They were an elite group of special people who were selective about the folks they allowed to join. As a cohesive, like-minded unit they were also able to achieve great things together! Are you smelling what I'm cooking yet? You can also create momentum with your own mastermind alliance to build your home based business!

While you are working on developing your network marketing team, a group like this would be quite beneficial! The act of getting together with other networkers who share the same goals, work ethic, and desire to succeed is just what you may need to get your business vehicle driving down the right road. It is said that your income will be the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who are you spending your time with?

The average person is spending between forty and sixty hours per week at work, probably at a job they don't like, with other people that don't like their job either. They go to lunch with each other, and complain to one another about their boss, their pay, and their lack of vacation time. They look forward to the weekend, and then dread going back to work on Monday. Does this sound like you?

Now envision a small group of entrepreneurs inspiring and encouraging each other. Keeping each other in the right frame of mind, and focused. Pointing all of their mental energy toward reaching a common goal, and holding each other accountable. Now, there's no mystical force to learn how to tap into. The only thing to tap into is yourself, your dream, and a healthy dose of personal development. There's no Yoda, but John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, or Chris Widener are all just as readily available to provide direction and instruction.

The sooner you find those few dedicated business partners that want the same level of success you do, the sooner you can get your own mastermind alliance up and running. Think of it like this, wolves always run in a pack. Find pack mates that share your vision, create that momentum for your business, and soon you'll be howling at the moon for the success you achieve!

For more of the training you need to succeed with your home based business, visit http://www.networkersnest.com. Get a free copy of the Ebook, "Achieving Success With The You Inc. Business Model" when you sign up for the site. Go now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Carrell

http://ezinearticles.com/?Create-Momentum-With-Your-Own-Mastermind-Alliance!&id=4722441

Its Not What You Know, Its Who You Know

2010-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

In business, you often hear the statement "It's Not What You know, It's Who You know!"

Napoleon Hill introduced the concept of a mastermind group in the early 1900's. In his timeless classic "Think and Grow Rich", he wrote the Mastermind Principle: "the coordination of knowledge and the effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony." Hill also wrote, "No two minds come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind".

The powerful result of a mastermind group is that there is a synergy of energy and excitement that participants bring to the group therefore raising the bar by challenging and encouraging other members to create and implement their goals.

Being part of a mastermind group has proven to have many benefits to entrepreneurial success:

- Idea Sharing, Creativity and Brainstorming Information is one of the most powerful assets a person can posses and having the ability to leverage other people's information is exponentially better. Each group member will come with different experiences, perspectives and ideas that will most likely be your next big money making idea. The ability to brainstorm and be creative with a group of people all focused on helping you solve a problem is one of the biggest benefits you will experience from a mastermind group.

- Accountability and Responsibility Most goals are not achieved because (as business owners) we are not held accountable to anyone to achieve them. It is our business and we want to procrastinate or put task on the backburner because of other operational issues we deal with, which is our prerogative, right? The second biggest benefit of a mastermind group is that they hold you accountable to reach your goals and monitor your actions to ensure you are on the right path. They act as sounding boards, gatekeepers and test groups while asking you where you stand with your plan.

- Motivational Support Staying positive and motivated is a big challenge for some business owners especially after the excitement of starting a business has worn off and the business becomes work. Businesses have many different sides and not everything runs smoothly all the time. This can be very frustrating and cause many entrepreneurs to lose their motivation. By surrounding yourself with a mastermind group, you will receive positive encouragement no matter how you perform and the active discussions you will participate in will most likely inspire and stimulate you to move forward.

- Networking and Business Relationships A big part of being in a mastermind group is developing solid relationships with your group members. These relationships have been proven to last a lifetime and can be the catalyst for millions of dollars. You will form friendships and connections that will provide you more than just business benefits; they will provide you with a sense of belonging and being part of something special.

- Additional Resources In a year where time is money, having access to additional resources is critical to any business owner's success. By connecting with peers in your mastermind group, you will be provided with access to the resources that others in your group are using to achieve similar results. This will reduce the time required to find alternative solutions as well as the learning curve usually associated with implementing new solutions. Not to mention you will save time working within a group versus trying to figure something out on your own.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Kellie D'Andrea is the creator of the BLAST system and publishes "The Marketing Edge" a FREE award winning ezine for small business owners who want to gain the competitive edge with strategic marketing and branding techniques that actually work. Find out the 23 Common Mistakes Most Entrepreneurs make with a FREE report offered at www.KellieDandrea.com .

http://www.mycontentbuilder.com/Article/-It-s-Not-What-You-Know--It-s-Who-You-Know--/219333

How to Develop a Mastermind

2010-07-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

The idea of a mastermind alliance is based on the principle of leveraging. In essence it says that 2 minds are better than one. If you don't know how to do something there's a chance that a member of your alliance might. There is great strength in numbers as long you are directed toward a similar aim.

Before Your Form A Mastermind Alliance

Know where you're headed before beginning a journey. You want to join minds with like-minded people. How can you find a like-minded person if you won't know what your mind is like?

Adopt a definite major purpose. Know what God placed you here for. We each have a part to play. Figure out your role or else you won't know who to seek out. The birds of a feather saying holds true. You need an aim in mind in order to attract similar people.

Form A Mastermind With Knowledge

You can form a mastermind with prose. Fall in love with the library. Become a voracious reader. Use the internet. You have access to unlimited free resources. Tap into the minds of Einstein, Emerson, Buddha, Gandhi. Study leaders. Immerse yourself in their stories. By studying these people in depth you form a mastermind with them. You begin to adopt some of their characteristics.

Form An Alliance With Leaders Of Your Industry

Whoever leads your chosen field should be your friend. Pursue them. Be bold. Leaders appreciate boldness since it's a quality which successful people adopt.

To become the best learn from the best. Don't waste your time making unnecessary mistakes. Use the master's mind. The majority of mentors are more than willing to help you. Tap into their knowledge base.

Form A Mastermind With Friends Or Loved Ones

Just because your friend isn't a titan of industry doesn't mean they can't provide valuable support. Those closest to us know us the best. They can sense when we're heading in the wrong direction and they are the only ones who we trust to tell us that it's so.

Here's the caveat: their goals must be similar to yours. They must be a positive person. They should have drive. A well meaning but misinformed person will hurt your chances of becoming successful. They might tell you to take it easy when it's time to move into overdrive because they fear for your well-being.

You Can't Do It On Your Own

No matter how hard you try it's virtually impossible to become successful on your own. We're all in this together. Form a mastermind to multiply your mind power.

Ryan Biddulph is an entrepreneur and motivational author who inspires people to obliterate their limitations. Use the personal development program which transformed him from an unemployed secruity guard into an influential webpreneur Wealth Beyond Reason

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Biddulph

http://attractwealthbeyondreason.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Develop-a-Mastermind-Alliance&id=4227937

7 Steps on How to Start a Mastermind

2010-07-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

You have heard it said, "Two are better than one," well when it comes to masterminding it turns out that 12 can be even better still.

The concept of the Mastermind Group originally came from Napoleon Hill and his book "Think and Grow Rich," first published back in 1937. The idea is simple yet powerful. The goal is to surround yourself with a group of people who share similar interests and desires. As you meet together you share ideas, hold one another accountable and use your collective brains to help one another out. The only problem with Mastermind Groups is that they can be hard to find. I mean when was the last time you dropped by a friends house only to find them immersed in their Mastermind Group. Chances are this has never happened. If you can't find one you can always go ahead and start one yourself. Here are a few tips to guide the process.

Find the people - You want the right people in your group. Mostly you are looking for individuals as committed to personal growth as you are If you are an entrepreneur then you may want to find other entrepreneurs or small business owners to team up with. A lot of associations will not allow more than one person per trade to join their group, but in masterminding this is not necessary. I have seen groups made up completely of individuals who are competing with each other for business. Start getting word out, you'll be surprised at how many of your friends or colleagues will be interested in the idea.

When, Where, and How often. - It's a good idea to commit to a time period like one year or 6 months. This gives people a starting and ending date. People are busy enough so don't have too many meetings. Once a month is fine. Try and schedule all of them when you first begin i.e. "We'll meet the last Thursday of every month."

Size - This one's up to you. Mastermind Groups can consist of two or even 20. However the bigger they are the harder they are to manage. I think an ideal size is 6-10 people but as I said it's really up to you.

Ask for a commitment - This is essential. If you don't ask for a minimum attendance commitment you will soon be having half the group show up at your meetings. Even the most driven and committed among us sometimes wane in their convictions. Make sure you all agree up front what you want to commit to.

Format - There is no standard here and the possibilities are only limited by your creativity. Some groups have every member chair at least one meeting taking the responsibility of setting the agenda as well. The agenda can include a short talk or discussion on a relevant topic (i.e. goal setting, or marketing strategies) a brainstorming session, or problem solving for one of the members. Usually there is also a time for each member to publicly commit to one action item between now and the next meeting as well as accountability regarding the commitments made since the last meeting.

Keep it fresh - Like anything, Mastermind Groups can fall into a rut from time to time. Keep your meetings alive by being creative. Have great food, change the theme, rotate locations, or invite a guest speaker to address the group. Again the sky is the limit; just don't deviate too far from the original purpose of the group.
Have Fun - There is no point in doing it if you can't have a lot of fun. During a dead month like December go and do something social together.

Mastermind groups can help accelerate your own personal growth and effectiveness if you find the right people to share the journey with. Good luck. Have fun and work hard.

James Robbins is creator of The Summit; the online goal setting game guaranteed to help you reach your peak potential. He delivers keynotes on personal excellence and leadership issues such as employee retention and creating engaging workplaces. To find out more go to www.ontothesummit.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Robbins

Mastermind Group - So What is IT?

2010-07-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

First let's talk about what a mastermind group is. When you look it up on the Internet which I am sure you have, you will undoubtedly get a definition that starts with the quote from the Napolean Hill book "Think and Grow Rich, " This has been sighted by many as the beginning of all the rage around mastermind groups in recent years.

He wrote about his experience of interviewing many successful people commissioned by Andrew Carnegie who requested his services and we know what Mr. around for centuries if we just recognize Carnegie accomplished.

I like to suggest that mastermind groups have been e the intent and formations. Another quote comes to mind "When two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them." (Matthew 18:20)

I also imagine that peoples from time immemorial have been masterminding with each other. They sat together and played board games, had quilting circles, socialized at tea parties, joined cigar smoking clubs, hung out in men's groups, shared in women/sister circles, rejuvenated in sweat lodges, and more. All to support, council, guide and help each other. This is collaborative problem solving at its best.

So putting this all together simply, a master mind group is like-minded people working together for the success of each member.

Master mind groups have different focuses determined by the interest of the members; for example: first time business owners, women in small business, solopreneurs, boomer generation retired and more. The formations in 2010 can be very effective when done as a conference call. What type of group do you want to belong to?

Tendai Jordan the Boomin' Boomer, a business woman, and master mind group facilitator committed to the success of each member.

Mastermind: http://tonoaw.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tendai_Jordan

What is a Mastermind and Why You Nedd to Be a Part of One

2010-06-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Having a mastermind group means that you surround yourself with people who have similar goals as yourself. You can have a mastermind group in real life and meet at cafes or at your houses. You can also have an online mastermind group where you talk online in forums, membership sites or with special designed software.

One of the secrets to getting the most out of a such a group is to have people with different way of thoughts, but with the same goals and dreams. For example, you need someone who is already where you want to be in the future and you need one who is where you where in the past.

When we talk about internet marketing, you could be the one who is on his way to getting a full-time income from the internet, while another person is already making a lot of money online and finally a third person who is just starting out with internet marketing.

If we take a look at an example that differs from internet marketing, we could look at a playgroup. Most often you'll see a few mothers with newborn babies and without older children and you'll see mothers who already have raised a few children.

The fun thing here is that these mothers are forming a mastermind group, without even knowing it. They each give away their knowledge and their experience to the "new" members of the group, while the new mothers are contributing to the group with new ideas and a new way of seeing things.

The above example isn't really that different from an internet marketing mastermind group. They're all passionate about what they do (taking care of their children or making a living online) and they are more than willing to spill out their experience, knowledge and ideas.

Mastermind groups are probably the best way to get your business to the next level. Learning from others is a great way to get to the next level, while passing your knowledge on to the "newbie" is the perfect way to develop yourself and your ideas.

If you aren't already in a mm group (off- or online), take the steps necessary to be a part of one.

If you want to learn more about mastermind groups, all you have to is to click here!
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isak_Ravn

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-a-Mastermind-Group-and-Why-You-Need-to-Be-a-Part-of-One&id=4512690

The Six Words that Set Me up for Success

2010-06-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you know by now, I am a strong believer in the power of words.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” – Frank Outlaw

This past year has been an incredible journey for me, both professionally and personally. Working with a powerful and successful business coach is essential when you are serious about growing your business. I’ve heard so many entrepreneurs saying: “I don’t have the time. I don’t have the money. I’ll wait until…….” and many more reasons as to ‘why not’. My take on this: The future is promised to no one!

What if you changed your thinking and took a ‘no excuses approach’ to growing your business – and changing your life? It all starts with the way you think and the words you use. Here are the words that supported my success this past year:

BELIEF

“To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” – Anatole France, 1844-1924

I am on an aggressive 5-year plan with my business. As I mentioned at the MMBW workshop, I have started my life over and I am no spring chicken right now. Time is of the essence for me. Once I did the research and identified Fabienne as THE business coach for me, I put together a plan – and held firmly to the belief of what was possible.

DECISION

“There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.” – William James

Last year, at the MMBW, Fabienne presented the information about her master mind groups and distributed applications for membership. I had already made the decision, before even landing in L.A. last year, that I was going to get into her master mind group. If you haven’t read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill – then get it and read it. It is essential for anyone in business. The power of the master mind has been known for generations – but, it is important that you get into the RIGHT master mind group for you. When I saw the price tag for the master mind membership, it would have been very easy for me to start with all the excuses – all the reasons why I couldn’t, or shouldn’t, participate right now. I chose to take a no-excuses approach! I’m in! The results speak for themselves!

FOCUS

“I never could have done without the habit of punctuality, order and diligence………The determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time.” – Charles Dickens

I learned very quickly that, to achieve the results that I wanted, I must focus on my talents – my unique abilities. One of the first steps I took was to create a team around me – yes, I know what you’re thinking – “I’m barely making any money so how in the world can I afford to hire a team?” For me, I couldn’t afford NOT to hire a team. It was essential for me to focus on doing my talent and make the money I knew that I could make – and have a team working with me where each person is also focused on their talent. I needed that support in order to succeed. I know have a team of virtual assistants, a book-keeper, an accountant, a travel agent, a house-keeper, etc. etc. etc.

I focus. My time and energy is extremely focused; as a result, I’ve had a phenomenal year! Another book I highly recommend is “The Power of Focus” by Jack Canfield.

ACTION

“Don’t wait for a light to appear at the end of the tunnel, stride down there……and light the bloody thing yourself.” – Sara Henderson, b. 1936

I am big on action! While I have studied with some of the best of the best over these past 20+ years, it really comes down to taking action. As Fabienne said at our workshop, ‘he who implements fastest – wins.” And what I continually tell my own clients is that ‘it is not a matter of intellectually knowing – it’s a matter of personally applying the information that you have learned’.

I believe there is a great little book out called “Eat the Big Frog First.” – I love that title. The moral of the story is to look at all of the outstanding items you have on your To Do list, choose the Big Frog (the one that scares you the most, or overwhelms or intimidates you), and get to it. Get ‘er done! Then, the rest is easy-peasy. Try it and you’ll see! (and let me know how this works for you…..ok?)

COMMITMENT

“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” – Anon.

I could write a whole book on this one word alone. When I started my journey last year with this particular business coach and my master mind group, I made a commitment – not only to them, which is important – but to me, which is even MORE important! One of my coaching tips is to ‘keep the power of your word’. It’s bad enough when you don’t keep your word to someone else but what does that do for your own integrity. When I commit – I commit. Has it always been easy? NO! Has it been worth it? YES! The beauty of the whole process is that, with a master mind group, I had the full support of many amazing, intelligent, high-achieving women who were there for me, no matter what, no matter when. I had their word. We were all committed to our success plans. What about you? Do you give up when the going gets tough? What causes you to back up and continue to play small? If you’re in business for yourself, are you involved in a master mind group? No one can do it alone – and, why would you want to?

It’s all about the power of your word.

PERSISTENCE

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

I absolutely love this quote and keep it close to my computer. As human beings, we have a habit of ‘comparing the inside of us to the outside of everyone else”. Stop and think about that for a minute. A few months ago, I wrote about the fact that each and every one of us goes out into the public wearing our masks – whichever mask is appropriate for the day and for the situation. We are so busy comparing ourselves to others that we lose sight of our own goals and objectives. I had a long conversation with one of my mentors a few years ago. I was commenting about how ‘lucky’ he was to have everything go his way, thus leading to massive success. He taught me a valuable lesson and it is reflected in the Confucius quote. He told me that it has nothing to do with luck but, rather, the fact that he just tries more things – some were a success – some failed. He doesn’t dwell on the failures. He celebrates, and builds on, the successes. That is what I do now.

There have been many times, over the past few years, when I have felt like giving up. My self-talk would be ‘it’s too hard – I can’t do this – I’m too old – it’s not fair, etc.” I have trained my mind, however, to shift my self-talk to be positive, uplifting and forward thinking. That is essential in order to persist and to reach our goals. Don’t give up – ever! I take it one day at a time.

CONCLUSION

As I reflect on the 6 words that set me up for success, there is one thing that comes to mind. It’s my tag line: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” Yes, I have some incredible business coaches and a supportive master mind group. But the bottom line is that I am responsible for my success and I am responsible for my happiness – for my life.

Author's Bio

Pat Mussieux has a message of hope and success. For more than 20 years, Pat has studied the internal driving forces that create happiness and success at all levels. She knows what drives women, what inspires them and what it really takes to transform them from the inside out. As a coach, international speaker, author and radio host, she teaches women mindset and marketing techniques to help them figure out what they want to be when they grow up, how to get out of their own way, how to attract more clients, make more money and have more freedom – so they can develop the confidence and courage to live their best life – at any age! Pat is the author of the “Building Confidence and Courage Home Study System” and the book: “Who Am I Now? Simple Steps to Inventing Your Future – After Divorce, Retirement, Death of a Spouse, Empty Nest, etc.”

P.S. Visit my website www.confidenceandcourage.com to get your free CD: “Finding the Confidence and Courage to Live Your Best Life – At Any Age!” and my F.R.E.E. weekly ezine.

http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/the-six-words-that-set-me-up-for-success

Having A Napoleon Hill Style Mastermind Group Is Essential For Success

2010-06-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of having a mastermind group to help you in business? Let me tell you exactly what this is, and how it can help you achieve success. It is any group of people larger than 1 person that collaborate together to achieve a common goal. Having more than 1 person working on the same goal would almost always make that goal more attainable.

I want to tell you a little bit about my life and my business before and after I found my mastermind group. Before I realized I needed a mastermind group to actually achieve success, I truly thought that I could do everything on my own. I thought that everyone who wasn’t in my personal team had no potential to help me with my business. I only thought of myself and the money me and my team would make.

I made some money. I had some team member sign-ups. Some of my team had the same type of success. Most of our success faded away until I had no team left, because we didn’t work together the way we should have been.

Then I met the man that would start my first mastermind alliance with me. His vision and goals were so similar, he was truly my brother from another mother. I mean this guy would eat, sleep, and breathe our business. This was all he ever thought about, and I was on the same page. We desired success more than anything else. This mastermind was started shortly after I got done reading Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”.

We would talk quite often throughout the week about anything and everything. We would mastermind about business, personal development, life, and almost anything that affected our lives. We began to build a very strong personal relationship as well. The biggest reason we were able to accomplish more because of this mastermind group was because we promised each other we were going to get things done, and we did get things done.

We then started to encounter other people who were also like-minded and looking for a mastermind group. Thus our group grew some more. We now had 4 minds thinking about how to achieve mlm success rather than just 1 or 2 minds. Note that we weren’t even in the same business opportunity. Our weekly meetings became so packed with knowledge that we decided to open our meetings to the world through live webinars. We are now attracting some much greater minds than our own to our mastermind group because we’re working together to achieve these goals. This is the true power of a mastermind alliance.

In conclusion, the formation of my mastermind group was the best thing that happened for my life and my business. I went from struggling to make money consistently, to now making commissions almost every single day. I went from having to practically search for people to join me, and I now have people swarming towards me to learn from me and join my team. The best thing you could possibly do for your business if you haven’t already is to start attracting your mastermind alliance together.

Jordan Schultz has developed a mastermind group which has helped him achieve great success. Visit his blog to learn how to set up your own Napoleon Hill mastermind and a lot of alternative great network marketing success tips.

http://www.articleplugin.com/category/culturesociety/entrepreneurialism/

The Mastermind Group

2010-06-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

I belong to an interesting little group of businesspeople. We call ourselves The Mastermind Group.

Paul Burri
As nearly as I can tell, we stole the idea from something suggested by Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich, written in the 1900s. We may have somewhat mangled Hill’s original idea, but the concept is very simple and it comes from the idea that “two heads are better than one.”

Here’s how ours works. We are a group of five or six local businesspeople who meet for breakfast every two weeks to talk about almost anything but mainly business-related subjects. We never have an agenda, but we always find something of mutual interest to talk about. One week it might be about competition and how to deal with it. Another week, one of the members may be having an employee problem. Still another week, someone may be considering renting or buying a larger facility for his or her business.

The truth is that most small companies have similar problems, even though they might be in vastly different business fields. All businesses have problems relating to customers, employees, suppliers, money, credit, insurance, compliance with various regulations, taxes, insurance, real estate — the list seems endless.

It often turns out that a problem I may be having in my business today is similar to one that another member has had in the past and successfully solved. Or perhaps another member can learn from a mistake I made in the past.

Rarely does anyone go away from a Mastermind breakfast without having learned something useful for his or her business. Beyond the camaraderie of our breakfasts, we have developed a sort of “brotherhood” of businesspeople who we can call or e-mail for help and advice when we need it.

Lastly, and not to be dismissed lightly, is that the group helps dispel the feeling of being all alone in one’s business. This is a phenomenon not often discussed. Many small businesses are owned and operated by a sole owner/manager who often feels all alone with no one to talk to about the day-to-day problems that arise. Sure, he can talk to his wife when he gets home at night, but it’s just not the same as talking to another person facing the same daily issues.

Our little group is always looking for one or two fresh faces. Alternatively, I would be happy to explain how to start and nurture a new Mastermind Group to anyone interested. E-mail me at pburri@west.net.

— Paul Burri is an entrepreneur, inventor, columnist, engineer and iconoclast. He is not in the advertising business, but he is a small-business counselor with the Santa Barbara chapter of Counselors to America’s Small Business-SCORE. The opinions and comments in this column are his alone and do not represent the opinions or policies of any outside organization. He can be reached at pburri@west.net.

http://www.noozhawk.com/paul_burri/article/061310_paul_burri_the_mastermind_group/

Excellent Mastermind Article

2010-05-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/how-to-start-and-run-a-mastermind-group.html

How to Develop Your Mastermind

2010-05-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

The idea of a mastermind alliance is based on the principle of leveraging. In essence it says that 2 minds are better than one. If you don't know how to do something there's a chance that a member of your alliance might. There is great strength in numbers as long you are directed toward a similar aim.

Before Your Form A Mastermind Alliance

Know where you're headed before beginning a journey. You want to join minds with like-minded people. How can you find a like-minded person if you won't know what your mind is like?

Adopt a definite major purpose. Know what God placed you here for. We each have a part to play. Figure out your role or else you won't know who to seek out. The birds of a feather saying holds true. You need an aim in mind in order to attract similar people.

Form A Mastermind With Knowledge

You can form a mastermind with prose. Fall in love with the library. Become a voracious reader. Use the internet. You have access to unlimited free resources. Tap into the minds of Einstein, Emerson, Buddha, Gandhi. Study leaders. Immerse yourself in their stories. By studying these people in depth you form a mastermind with them. You begin to adopt some of their characteristics.

Form An Alliance With Leaders Of Your Industry

Whoever leads your chosen field should be your friend. Pursue them. Be bold. Leaders appreciate boldness since it's a quality which successful people adopt.

To become the best learn from the best. Don't waste your time making unnecessary mistakes. Use the master's mind. The majority of mentors are more than willing to help you. Tap into their knowledge base.

Form A Mastermind With Friends Or Loved Ones

Just because your friend isn't a titan of industry doesn't mean they can't provide valuable support. Those closest to us know us the best. They can sense when we're heading in the wrong direction and they are the only ones who we trust to tell us that it's so.

Here's the caveat: their goals must be similar to yours. They must be a positive person. They should have drive. A well meaning but misinformed person will hurt your chances of becoming successful. They might tell you to take it easy when it's time to move into overdrive because they fear for your well-being.

You Can't Do It On Your Own

No matter how hard you try it's virtually impossible to become successful on your own. We're all in this together. Form a mastermind to multiply your mind power.

When people tell you certain programs or products have changed their lives it is natural to be skeptical so I was reserved about making that claim for Bob Doyle's Wealth Beyond Reason Program but there is no other way to put it. It improved my life dramatically. I truly believe it can do the same for you. Enter in your name and email to receive a free 6 video series - Wealth Beyond Reason.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Biddulph

The Black Book of the Mastermind

2010-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just released a book called the Black Book of the Mastermind.

This book will help you recruit for your mastermind and get the most out of your mastermind group.

If you are using a mastermind group for personal development, getting yourself out of the rat race, I think you will like this book.

Click this link to see the description and etc from createspace (amazon):

https://www.createspace.com/3448936 use zeta486 as your password.

Thank you!

5 Important Reasons A Mastermind Group Accelerates Business Growth

2010-04-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

What do King Arthur and Napoleon Hill have in common? They both knew the power of a mastermind group. King Arthur had his round table of knights. Napoleon Hill dedicated his life to learning about the secret to success from the most powerful men of his time. Having a group of advisors you can trust is necessary for all successful business owners and leaders.

Consider the countless times you have used someone as a sounding board for your ideas. When two or more people collaborate with a specific goal in mind, the mastermind process is activated. A third unique consciousness is created by the discussion.

So many times I will be talking with a colleague and new ideas occur because of the conversation. I might have eventually gotten these ideas on my own, but the process is speeded up by discussion and feedback.

The diversity of the group lends power to the mastermind. All members of the group must be committed to a similar goal, whether professional, personal or spiritual. Having a common focus with like minded people is dynamic. Your mindset for success will strengthen from this collaborative process.

The list could go on and on about the benefits of a mastermind group. These are the top five reasons for joining a mastermind group to help you reach your goals.

1.Test ideas with the group before beginning a project
This will save you time and heartache. How often have you thought you knew exactly what your clients need? You begin to implement this idea and then launch the new product or service only to find there is no response. What you thought they needed and what they wanted were two different things.

Being able to bounce your ideas off the group will help you gain insight. When you trust the group and their feedback, you will begin to flush out an idea before going live with a new product saving a lot of time and angst along the way.

2.Accountability
It would be ideal if we were all natural implementers and be accountable to ourselves. That is true for some people, but not for everyone. The truth is you will have increased success for reaching your goal when you know others are counting on you. None of us want to let our peers down. Being part of a group helps to give you that extra nudge and drive to keep on going even when obstacles get in the way of progress.

3.Stepping out of the box
What I have learned from being in a mastermind is how much I just don't know. We all have different experiences about what works and what to avoid. Your mastermind group is your resource. Ask them your questions. You will likely get the direction you need to take the next step. The group is a valuable resource.

I am a big fan of stepping out of the box and doing things differently than everyone else. Be outrageous and have fun with the process. The suggestions I have received from my mastermind group have helped me to create products and services which are uniquely mine. The amazing women in my group have supported me with tapping into my unique purpose in a loving, gentle but honest manner. This priceless guidance has helped me shape my business and maintain a positive mindset. Sometimes you just can't see something yourself because you have always looked at things one way. Receiving insight from others opens up new possibilities as you strive to reach your greatest potential.

4.Stretching yourself
How often in your life do you have the opportunity to connect with people who encourage you to expand your focus? When you are part of a dynamic mastermind group, you will receive support to stretch yourself and reach even bigger goals than you would have envisioned on your own. There will be moments when you are stepping out of your comfort zone as you progress. You might not always know how to do something and realize a leap of faith is required before you can move forward. This is where your mindset might falter. Your mastermind group will give you the encouragement and support you need to take the next step. It is almost as if they are taking that leap of faith with you.

5.Dividing the sorrows and sharing the joys
Let's face it, there will be setbacks. Along the way toward your success challenges will arise and you might not understand where it all went wrong. Instead of allowing you to retreat, your mastermind group will provide the feedback to learn from the experience. With a positive mindset you will receive insight to refine your process. You will also know you are not the only one with challenges. Each of us experience setbacks. This is all part of the learning curve toward the next level of success.

You will achieve milestones. Share your successes and breakthroughs with the group. It is okay to brag. When you succeed, the group benefits and it motivates everyone else to keep moving forward as well. This is the place to allow yourself to shine and not feel self conscious about it. In fact, create a ritual with each mastermind meeting. Set aside a check-in process where you get to brag.

You might be in a different league from King Arthur and Napoleon Hill, but you will benefit from having your own personal board of directors. Your mastermind group will fill this role. All successful leaders have a team of consultants. This association with other like minded people will help you maintain a winning mindset to achieve the next level of your success and beyond.

Activity: There is no one right formula for a mastermind group. It can be as small as two people or as large as you want. Consider your reason for being in a mastermind. List all of the pros and cons. Write your intentions for joining a mastermind.

You can either choose to have a paid group leader or have it be a lay-led group where everyone takes a turn. If you were to be in a mastermind group, what would your goals be? How would you benefit from this type of support system? Determine how often you meet. Will the meetings be face to face, phone or virtual?

About the Author:
And now I would like to invite you to claim your FREE E-course "Tapping into Emotional Freedom" available at: => http://mindsetformarketingsuccess.com

Click here to get everything you need and begin clearing the obstacles to the next level of your success.

From Loren Fogelman, the success expert, founder of Mindset for Marketing Success.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/5-Important-Reasons-A-Mastermind-Group-Accelerates-Business-Growth/1023365#ixzz0mPoXfJCk
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

Master the Power of the Mastermind Group

2010-04-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

In a constant effort to do more with less, our world seems to become more frenzied every day. Security issues and national politics change rapidly. We have to know more, be more, and do more than ever before. There seems to be no time for planning future personal or career moves, or thinking creatively about business issues.

One avenue that's working well for many people is a master-mind group. Such a group gives us contacts and resources to make planning and goal setting easier. Such a group helps us stay on course when everything seems to be pulling us in different directions. Master mind groups are spawning all over the country, offering support and specialized knowledge to people in every industry and sector.

A master-mind group consists of people who work together in absolute harmony to achieve diverse goals. The group members come together at regular intervals to brainstorm ideas, share knowledge, and help each other discover the tools to realize their dreams. While these people work well together, they may be very different from each other. The common element is that each draws something from the others, and each contributes freely to the group. It is the focusing of each mind on a common issue that triggers thoughts not readily available to one mind. Those in the group draw upon their unique experiences and specialized knowledge to help each other.

When many minds concentrate on a single point, the activity generates a power over and above the sum total of each of the individual minds. It is as though an invisible force joins the group and provides additional insight. As a result, the group members accomplish more than any one person could have accomplished individually.

Forming a master-mind group is relatively simple, but you need to plan carefully. Below are some tips to keep in mind while forming your group.

1. Choose people who are not like you. People with different perspectives will challenge you and contribute different ideas that you may not have thought of. While your master-mind group participants should be different from you, they should also possess some similar qualities - they should be action-oriented, have a high energy level, and have a strong commitment to follow-through. Search your contact list for only those people who share your values and with whom you'd want to meet regularly.

2. Ensure that group members can benefit from the experience, skills, and specialized knowledge of each other. Each person must have something to contribute to others in the group. This can be a specific talent, leads, or specialized knowledge or skills, such as marketing or organizational skills. Some members may choose to present tips or provide information, while others could contribute something as basic as good will and encouraging words. As a result, each person should be able to gain something from the group. The gain may not always be material. It may be increased self-confidence or "know-how." Ultimately, it may be the realization of a dream.

3. Agree on organizational matters, such as leadership, objectives, decisions on when and where to meet, and an established agenda. Group leadership initially rests with the person forming the group. His or her responsibility is to set the meeting time and place until the group decides on a permanent meeting time and place. Leadership of meetings may then rotate, meaning one person leads the session for a month, then the next month someone else leads. With an established process and ground rules, there is no need for an elected or designated leader.

Take the Initiative

Forming a master-mind group is a powerful way to get ideas and support from others. Take the initiative to start your own master-mind group today. You will soon see the wonderful benefits of contributing and receiving ideas, which will propel you and the entire group to new levels of personal and professional success.

Jo Condrill is the author of "How to Form a Master Mind Group," a downloadable 25-page booklet that provides the details. She is also author of "Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue Your Dreams" and "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly." She provides a unique learning experience in leadership, team building, personal development, and success strategies. She has worked in the corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. http://www.goalminds.com/mastermind_groups.html

How to Use the Power of the Mastermind

2010-04-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

How did the great entrepreneurs of yesterday achieve their goals and dreams?

What helped Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison get the desired

results that they all were looking for? I would like to share the answer to that very

question with you now.

They all achieved their success through the power of the mastermind! Masterminding

by definetion is the collaboration of two or more people thinking in perfect harmony to

achieve a common goal or task. When people mastermind together, the power of the

mastermind group is much greater than each individual's power alone. To compare it

to old mathematic logic, the value of the sum total is greater than the value of the individual

parts!

Andrew Carnegie had his mastermind group that consisted of fifty men, thinking together

to form a plan to manufacture steel. Henry Ford didn't find his success until he met

with Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison and John Burroughs. All were thought to be great

thinkers of their time. When you look at Presidents, both past and present, you see that

they all have teams of advisors around them and a large staff to help them. Why is this so?

When you mastermind with a well chosen group of people, you can create a solid well

conceived plan to translate your burning desire into your established goal. Through

massive action and great persistence in implementing the plan, you are more than half

way there. When your mastermind group is thinking in perfect harmony, all in the group

will benefit equally! No great success is achieved on your own. The power needed to create

great success is only accummulated through the mastermind. People take on the nature

and habits of the mastermind from the power of thought created by the entire group.

So remember, all great success stories from the past had big help from their mastermind

group. The power of the mastermind is much greater than anyone's thinking alone.

Great success and riches and true wealth can be only accummulated through the use of

the mastermind principle.

Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Norm DeCelles

http://www.newroadtoriches.com
An entrepreneur and business coach educating and training other fellow entrepreneurs to become the best version of themselves. Through great training and massive action anyone can have the lifestyle they've always dreamed of.

http://www.newroadtoriches.com

Mastermind Group Members - How to Find, Choose and Invite Them to Join Your Group

2010-03-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

Once you know the purpose and type of mastermind group you wish to create, it's time to find, choose and invite prospective members. What kind of qualities are you looking for? Start with yourself. Take a good look at what you are bringing to the table, not only in experience and skills, but also values. A well-bonded mastermind group will often stay together for years while growing and evolving.

The following is a list of qualities and traits to refer to as a guideline when deciding who you want to invite into your own group. Use it as a starting point and add your own desired traits.

Creative
Open
Positive
Intuitive
Supportive
Committed
Confident
Generous
Good listener
High integrity
Achievement oriented
Willing to give and receive
Where do you find this wonderful people?

Everywhere. If the purpose for forming your mastermind group is for personal reasons such as pursuing a hobby, weight loss, self-improvement book group or creativity group, start with your friends and neighbors. Even a family member may be a good choice. If you can think of only one person who is a good candidate, start there and put your heads together to find more members.

Draw from people in your work, school, church, fitness club or exercise class, chamber of commerce, Rotary club, and other organizations you belong to. Consider people you see regularly and are friendly with in stores you frequent or other places you go, such as a dog park, farmers' markets or at concerts. If you regularly run into some of the same people, it could be a sign you have similar interests.

Run a classified ad seeking mastermind members in a weekly lifestyle or entertainment paper, local newspaper, area business journal, an organization's newsletter, or online at CraigsList.org or Meetup.com.

If you are open to a long-distance group, members can be located anywhere in the world as long as you can coordinate the meeting time to suit everyone.

Do an Internet search in your area of interest or type of group you have in mind. Check the Yahoo groups.

Ask, ask, ask everybody: " Who do you know that...?"

You want to choose carefully and find the right fit, but don't get stuck over-thinking this process. Often the best members for your group are closer than you think.

How do you screen and invite prospective members?

Now that you have some good prospective members in mind and are convinced the person would be right for your group, contact them by phone, in person, or even by email if far away. Explain the purpose of forming the mastermind, why you think they would be a great addition to the group, and invite them to join you.

This is the first conversation with this person, and you are feeling pretty good but not 100 percent sure yet that you want to issue an invitation. To further qualify this potential member, use some of the following questions. This isn't necessarily an interview or audition, especially from their point of view, so just work them into the conversation gently as questions. If an assessment is something you want to use, feel free to help yourself to any of these statements.

I appreciate the value of brainstorming new ideas with a trusted team.
I am willing to respect the privacy and protect the confidentiality of the group members.
I am open to learning from my peers.
I am willing and able to give as much as I receive.
I am committed to attending all meetings and treating them as a high priority.
I am able and willing to give myself permission to succeed.
I am a person of my word and will take the actions I say I will.
I see myself as a glass-half-full (positive) kind of person.
Next step, set a date for your first meeting and start inviting. If you think some people have agreed to attend the first meeting to check it out first before committing to join for the long haul, then invite more than your ideal size. You can then ask for a firm commitment after everyone has had a taste of what the group is about, what the ground rules are, and decided if it is a good fit for them.

Enjoy the process. If a person doesn't fit for the mastermind group, you still may have made a great new friend or business acquaintance.

Susan Henderson is a coach/consultant/mentor who assists creative entrepreneurs to take that seed of an idea you've been holding close to your heart and sprout it into the business of your dreams. I will guide you through the steps in discovering your purpose and creating a life you can love. One that includes the values that are most important to you-things like independence, flexibility, integrity, and creativity. To find out how, please visit: http://www.susanhenderson.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Henderson

Take Refuge from Negative Influences - Form a Mastermind

2010-03-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

79) Form a mastermind alliance with like minded achievers. Have standards for yourself
and your mastermind, and then raise them incrementally. A mastermind can and should
be an excellent refuge from negative influences.

http://www.renegadeuniversity.net

Tips for Starting a Mastermind Group

2010-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

In his book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill talked about something called a "mastermind alliance." Hill went on to describe his concept of a mastermind group as, "A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one another to follow through with both plan and purpose." Today, like-minded professionals come together through a plethora of available mastermind programs to help each other achieve success, thanks in part to Napoleon Hill's original idea.

Note: This two-part article is intended to offer some valuable tips, suggestions and observations for those readers who are planning to start a mastermind group, or seeking to become an active member of a mastermind group in the near future.

Before starting a mastermind group, do your homework. Carefully select the topic(s), and solicit the advice of others who have started similar mastermind programs, so you know what to expect. Attend several group meetings to learn about the differing formats, content, membership requirements, etc. This will assist you in determining the appropriate structure for your mastermind group before proceeding.

Get help with start-up. Karyn Greenstreet, the owner of Passion for Business and The Success Alliance http://thesuccessalliance.com/, is someone you should schedule time with before you start or join a mastermind group. Karyn currently offers a variety of teleclasses and valuable resources on how to start and manage a mastermind group, including a free e-Book, to help you research and successfully start your mastermind program.

Mastermind programs, if properly constructed, require a serious commitment in terms of preparation and planning, personal and professional growth, and active participation. As a group leader, it's important to set aside the time necessary to develop the group's charter, format and content, and the outline for planned meetings, programs and events, well in advance. For the group to be successful, members must also share this same level of commitment through regular attendance at meetings, self-study, professional development and growth, and their support of other members.

The group charter and guidelines should clearly define the purpose of the group, information about scheduled meetings, attendance expectations, group etiquette, member additions and removal, communication and membership fees. Members should know as much as possible about the group's plans and requirements in advance, and what they will gain through their active participation. This clarity, in turn, will help new member candidates make informed decisions as to whether the group is the right fit for their specific need.

Whether you choose an open or closed group format, diversity and the group's dynamics are critical aspects to consider to ensure a rich mastermind experience. You want to create a "buzz" by recruiting business leaders with differing perspectives, business backgrounds, experience levels, and industry profiles. Above all, select business professionals who are passionate about their personal growth and success, and are equally dedicated to helping other group members achieve the same goals.

Prepare for growth and attrition. In the early stages, you should expect a certain amount of attrition to occur for various reasons including time and workload requirements, schedule conflicts, family and health issues, and business changes. Your recruiting efforts, therefore, should be ongoing so you have a backlog of candidates in the event that you lose group members. Also, have a transition plan to help new members quickly get introduced to the selected topics, recommended readings, homework and group exercises, to enable them to contribute from day one, and not feel left out.

Part 2 of this two-part article will focus on several additional areas you will want to emphasize when starting your mastermind group including Communications and Confidentiality, Programs, Activities and Events, and Accountability. In the meantime, please share your thoughts, ideas and experiences on this subject with me.

COPYRIGHT © 2010 John Carroll

http://trescoach.blogspot.com/2010/03/tips-for-starting-mastermind-group-part.html

Every Leader Should Be Focused on Improvement

2010-03-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I was asked to organize and lead a presentation on Mastermind groups at a chapter meeting of the National Speakers Association of Ohio in Columbus. There were about 80 people at the session including experienced speakers who have participated in Mastermind groups and new speakers hoping to join one.

A Mastermind group is a select number of people who gather on a regular basis to brainstorm, coach, or give feedback to one another on business practices and products. Most Mastermind groups meet several times a year in person. Others communicate by conference calls. I find the face-to-face meeting the most productive.

The value of this group is the collective wisdom of people whose businesses have similar struggles. By-products of such groups are the friendships, which blossom and deepen. However, it is important to maintain objectivity and commit to giving honest, respectful feedback to gain the most out of these groups. The typical size of a Mastermind group is no more than five to six people so that each person can get an adequate amount of attention.

A key aspect of the best Mastermind groups is accountability. Members must commit to appropriate business goals and attempt progress on those goals between meetings. At the meetings, successes and failures should be discussed and refits designed if necessary. As with every aspect of a Mastermind group, if the accountability structure fails, the group should modify it to be more productive. Experimentation on structure should be a part of every Mastermind group.

I shared with the session participants my business goals and accountability measures that I track on a daily basis such as articles distributed, sales calls made, hours spent writing, presentations made, books sold among others. I have twelve in all. I share them with my Mastermind group every other month and receive feedback on my progress.

Group members must be willing to ask for help and comprehensively share their knowledge and ideas to other group members. Detailed agendas must be developed and owned by all group members and distributed well in advance of Mastermind sessions. It can be helpful to design your next agenda at the end of each meeting.

I recommend that at the first Mastermind group meeting, the participants jointly create a set of expectations and behavioral Ground Rules to guide the actions of individual members. Expectations describe desired outcomes and Ground Rules describe the process of how you interact. Make sure every member agrees on all elements of both documents. If any group member does not accept an element of the documents, modify the agreements to gain consensus. Have them prominently displayed at all meetings and refer to them as needed.

Every leader should be focused on personal, professional, and business improvement. It can be extremely helpful to seek feedback and ideas from other professionals in your field. I recommend that if you are not already in a Mastermind or a similar group, you should seek four or five other people whom you respect and initiate one. You may experience quantum leaps in your outcomes and achievement of lifetime dreams.

R. Glenn Ray, Ph.D., is the president of RayCom Learning. To learn more about Ray's new book Tons of Stone above my head: Coal Mining Stories with Leadership Lessons, visit his Web site www.raycomlearning.com. Everyday Leadership appears each Wednesday on the Business page

http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/520372.html?nav=5003

The Mastermind Group

2010-03-13T01:56:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you put four smart, interesting people getting together to help each along the wily, treacherous path of growing a business? The magic of a Mastermind Group!

In August of 2006, I posted an article called Why your business needs a peer-led MasterMind on Mastermind Groups by Mark Silver.

He did a great job of explaining the basics of what one is, how it works, and how it compares to some the other support systems available.

Even before that article popped up, I’d been thinking about how great it would be to have a Mastermind Group. Well it only took a short three years for that to happen.

Yup, it swam around the idea phase for a good two years, broke the surface several time in that last year trying to get beached on my Project List, and then in November of 2009, it gathered up the momentum to shoot out of the water like a dolphin doing flips in the air and yelled, “The time is Nowwww!!!” Splash!

That moment fortuitously happened at an Open Conference for Leadership right at the time that the participants were being asked to volunteer subjects.The next thing I know, I’m offering a session on Mastermind Groups–zero planning or pre-meditation.

While most people didn’t know what it was, the name Spoke to them. A good 35 people showed up for that session.

I described my understanding of what a MM group was, called on some people who had been in several groups to share their experience, and then suggested a structure:

•4 people
•commit to 6 months
•meet once a week
•meet for an hour
•divide the time up between people there
•each person gets to lead their time
•use a timer
•finish and end on time
•be supportive and honest
•and as Mark calls it, compassionate accountability
Four groups of four people initiated right then! Mark’s group meets over the phone. We meet in person.

A success story
One woman in my group is rebuilding her jewelry business. She resisted calling up a new account because she was afraid that nothing would have sold. (The mind is sooo creative in coming up with horror stories when it comes to our personal work!) She finally made the call only to find out that most of the pieces had sold and the buyer bought ten more pieces.

After reporting back on this success, another woman in our group, a landscape architect, immediately identified a phone call she’d been procrastinating due to fear. She made it her homework that week to make the call.

At our next meeting, she reported back that the jeweler’s courage helped her take the bull by the horns and she had made her dreaded phone call (which also had great results).

There are books on the subject to help people jump in and kick-start their group. My experience supports the idea of just getting it going. The critical ingredients:
Commitment and Respect.

Whether concrete ideas of how to proceed in a confusing area, determining what the next step is for marketing might be, how to handle a tough client, or guidance on starting a blog–it’s likely that someone in the group has experience where another lacks it.

The progress that people can make based on this weekly support structure can be akin to magic–it’s that powerful.

Such an empowering way to let it be easy!

http://projectsimplify.com/out-and-about/the-mastermind-group/

Mastermind Groups in the 21st Century

2010-03-13T01:52:00.000-08:00

The mastermind principle, as originally conceived by Napoleon Hill, is about the power of a “third mind” made possible through regular collaboration.

That’s when a small group of co-equal colleagues and contemporaries share experiences and insights that create “Ah ha” moments for each of them.

In a real mastermind group there are no profesional organizers. There are no gurus acting as experts.

And nobody is paying anybody for advice, group management, or facilitation.

In a real mastermind group it’s just you with a few of your colleagues, other people you know, like, trust, and whose opinions you respect. Simply peers with no ax to grind and nothing to sell, with only your best interests at heart.

That’s right – no professional moderators and no organizers are required to have a successful sustainable group that meets regularly over the years.

Many of the old fashioned mastermind groups are the face-to-face variety, like the one that Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone made famous nearly a century ago.

Just think, if you could put together a group of peers, people from your industry, who are far outside of your (and their) traditional marketing areas – you could have all the benefits that come from sharing experiences with people who know what you want to know. People whose insights are directly relevant to you. And since you are not direct competitors there is never any fear of giving away your secrets.

Today, cheap long distance calls, instant online webinar services, and free Yahoo! groups can make your meetings much more effective than the old fashioned face-to-face variety. No time and money wasted getting to and from the meetings and the ability to connect with the other members of your group 24/7 – to deal with the speed of business today.

You can get together in person of course – that’s what your trade association meetings are for.

Using the simple techniques that I later complied into my mastermind group report I established and participated in several peer to peer mastermind groups.

I personally use a conference call service that allows each member of my group to call a central number and connect over a bridge line. Nothing special about that. Except with the service we use if one of us in not able to be there the call can be instantly recorded and available for the missing member – no extra charge and nothing to do but push the record button.

Recently one of the members was out of the country on vacation. He was able to log on to the call via the Internet and participate in the live simulcast of the meeting. No extra charge for this either.

And using our Yahoo! group we can post documents to be shared confidentially among the six of us. In addition we can create a calendar of upcoming meetings, keep track of who is in charge of the next meeting, post links to the resources to be discussed, an outline of our normal agenda and set reminders for one another some of he previously time consuming activities required to keep a mastermind group vibrant and productive.

A few years ago I suggested to several business owners from across North America, members of the same association, that they create a mastermind over the phone to continue a discussion we had together at their annual meeting.

That was a dozen years ago and they still get together twice a month to share strategies, offer insights from their experiences, and provide support to one another.

If it was possible at the time, Napoleon Hill would have created this type of mastermind group process.

Just imagine how much more Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, President Harding, and Henry Ford could have achieved if they had the tools available to you today?

Today I am making the same tips, tools and techniques available to you – so you can create your own board of advocates – your own strategic planning team.

When you purchase the mastermind group report you’ll receive priceless tips, tools, and strategies for creating and managing your own mastermind group. 21stCenturyMasterMindGroups.com

Wayne Messick WayneMessick.com
http://www.ilabstech.com/info-blog/mastermind-groups-in-the-21st-century.html

Mastermind Groups that Really Work

2010-03-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

By:Denis Orme

MasterMind groups that really work

Denis Orme

Founder: www.SpeakEasi.org

Napoleon Hill coined the concept of the MasterMind alliance in his classic book Think and Grow Rich some fifty years ago. He believed that a group of like-minded, achievement-oriented individuals could dramatically leverage each other\’s success.

But even earlier than that Benjamin Franklin\’s autobiography alluded to 鈥楯untos\’ in the sense of group problem-solving.

Since then many others have attested to their value.

JFK 鈥淟ofty words cannot construct an alliance or maintain it; only concrete deeds do that.鈥?br />

Hillary Clinton once said, 鈥淣o one ever became a success without the help of other people.鈥? I believe it. You need others to help and support you and for you to help and support them.

MasterMind groups are formed for a variety of reasons including: increasing business, spiritual fellowship, education or intellectual pursuits, networking, cross-coaching, problem-solving and planning either personally and in business and personal goal setting and attainment, again either as part of a life plan or in business.

Over time through your MasterMind partners you will get support, ideas, accountability on the aspects of your life you select - business, personal, career, physical and spiritual. Assisting you both personally and professionally by building resources into your life, career or business, and also providing support and encouragement. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

Members of your MasterMind group become your partners and so their selection is critical to the success of all group members. More than any other qualities prospective members must be totally trustworthy, dependable and have a genuine desire to do better - there is no room for 鈥榥eedy\’ people. Find people who are mature enough to commit time, and healthy enough not to suck energy or induce negative energy.

Relationship bank deposits - Zig Ziglar - 鈥淵ou can get everything in life you want, if you\’ll just help enough other people to get what they want.鈥? Clearly for me this is an underlying principle of a MasterMind group. Ask yourself, Am I consistently adding-value to the Relationship Bank? Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

You will have partners/coaches and not advice givers - a broader frame of reference and experience for you to apply your own judgement to before making decisions, but more importantly acting on the information and feedback. Interdependence, not dependence.

Consider members as your sounding-board and if a little problem-solving help is required, fine. But it is not the main order of the day. The group will help you think smarter, brainstorm ideas, encourage creativity and support your efforts. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

Remember though, in the end you are the CEO of your life, your career and your business. 鈥淚f it is going to be, it is up to me.鈥?

Determining a purpose:

For MasterMind group objectives I tend to eliminate exchanging sales leads as the purpose for such a group. There are many fine organisations like www.BNI.com you can join. That said, sometimes business just flows naturally as relationships grow.

There are many different reasons why your MasterMind might meet, ranging from career planning, growing your business, building a stronger team, to establishing broad spiritual or life connections. Be very clear on what you are trying to accomplish and the more specific you are, the more productive you will be - Build an understanding about the purpose for the group and how it will work.

Selecting members

Core values in selecting members may include:: tolerance/understanding, cooperation/growth, good communication skills, caring/commitment, synergy/mutuality, but most importantly trust and respect. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

If the group is business-related then seek out those from complementary not competing businesses, perhaps at a similar level within their organisation, and sometimes if possible of a different business discipline. One of the successful groups I formed was to have all owners of non-competing SME\’s in the group, and in another situation participants were all CEO or COO\’s from larger businesses.

If the primary purpose for the group is life planning or spiritually related, then perhaps select members high in positive energy.

Establishing guidelines

鈥?Group Size - I recommend 5-7 only. Any smaller and it is hard to keep the group going if one or two members have prior commitments. However, the Mastermind group should be their primary commitment, and if someone is absent they get to chair the next meeting. Any larger than 7 and the group becomes too impersonal and does not allow sufficient time to focus on each person.

鈥?Frequency, time date and place of meeting. It does take time to sort this out because of conflicting schedules. Allow for social time, or a social event after the meeting.

鈥?

鈥?Establish a meeting theme in advance. Figure out a way that you will all have an opportunity to bring something new to the meeting. Maybe it is an article, book, tape or a news story relevant to your group.

鈥?Focus on goals and not telling stories - keep to the time limit and end the session on a positive, upbeat note.

鈥?Bring forth solutions and not problems or obstacles.

鈥?Ensure members share time and do not dominate. We all need to be active listeners. Alertness from both sides equals mutual success.

鈥?Create an atmosphere of confidentiality and respect.

鈥?Encourage members to jump in with support and positive ideas for the person who is talking. No criticism is allowed.

Picking a Leader

Obviously the two approaches are either fixed term or rotational. I prefer the rotational approach. It ensures a more constant flow of new ideas and themes and in the unlikely event that you have a dominant personality in the group this can provide a counter-balance. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

Each member of your group should be well-versed in operating within your meeting guidelines so they can be more effective as the group leader. Remember, you only have guidelines and not rules. The group should be a relaxed fun place even though there is a serious purpose.

Meeting Focus

鈥?Sharing individual successes. Celebration time is a very powerful way to start a meeting.

鈥?Embark on the meeting theme. Have the theme leader bring copies of material for all and to lead the discussion..

鈥?Devote 10-15 minutes to members who need help with a particular opportunity or problem. Not all will at each meeting.

鈥?Provide an opportunity for people to share ideas on resources which have proven invaluable, and why that resource was invaluable. It may have been an online newsletter, a vendor or a professional advisor.

鈥?Make time for social interaction. Definitely a great way to grow the partnership, by having a meal or a cocktail hour afterwards.

Meeting Tips

There is an element of personal surrender with your partners and it will take time to build trust and confidence between partners. Initial meetings therefore should not centre on close personal situations. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

I believe all participants should provide an honest report on how they are doing, or how they did in relation to last month\’s goals.

Allow social time before/after meetings or at separate events of helping relationships to flourish. I find social time is better after the meeting.

Finally, notes should be taken. Not formal records but a record in particular of goals or progress towards goals that each group member plans to undertake. In my words: 鈥淔ocus and Follow-through.鈥?br />

If it stops working

It is perhaps time to try something different or inject new blood. Maybe members have gone stale, changed their personal goals or now have larger priorities making them less frequent attendees of your meetings.

Honesty between members in recognising the need for change will ensure you retain a healthy vibrant group.

Results

No need for a disclaimer here 鈥淩esults will vary according to鈥︹€? etc.鈥? You are in a group of highly motivated people, and these are people who achieve.

I have been in different MasterMind groups and my results have included valuable input on the purchase of a business and as to whether or not the founder-seller was really motivated to sell or was lonely and just enjoyed my company; suggestions for growing a business which subsequently received a sales award; career planning suggestions and suggestions regarding relocating to another country. Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

I have seen others break out of personal relationships, get married, buy and sell houses, get suggestions in relation to dysfunctional work teams and in other cases build community involvements.

Conclusion:

The late Jack Boland and Napoleon Hill laid down some universal principles which hold true today, and which you should bear in mind when forming your own MasterMind group:

鈥?a) Align yourself with a group of as many people as you may need to create and carry out your plan or plans.

(b) Before forming your Master Mind Alliance, decide what advantages, and benefits, you may offer the individual members of your group in return for their cooperation. No one will work indefinitely without some form of compensation. No intelligent person will either request or expect another to work without adequate compensation, although this may not always be in the form of money.

(c) If your goal and the goal of other MasterMind group members is the accumulation of wealth arrange to meet least twice a week, until you have jointly perfected the necessary plan or plans for the accumulation of money.

(d) Maintain PERFECT HARMONY between yourself and every member of your Master Mind Group. If you fail to carry out this instruction to the letter, you may expect to meet with failure. The Master Mind Principle cannot obtain where PERFECT HARMONY does not prevail.

Free newsletter at www.SpeakEasi.org

Keep in mind these two facts:

First, you are engaged in an undertaking of major importance to you. To be sure of success, you must have plans which are faultless.

Second, you must have the advantage of the experience, education, native ability, and imagination of other minds. This is in harmony with the methods followed by every person who has ever accumulated great success.鈥?br />

As your MasterMind group starts you on a great journey, remember life\’s balance:

鈥淒on\’t get so busy or live so fast that you cannot listen to the music of the meadow or the symphony that glorifies the forest.鈥?br />

- Dale Carnegie

Author: Denis Orme

www.SpeakEasi.org

1-877-293-6760

About the author:
Denis Orme
Fake Watch
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Essential Elements of a Powerful Mastermind Group

2010-03-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

A mastermind group is a fantastic tool for success and creates a group of like minded people that support each other. The group becomes a sounding board for ideas and acts as a personal advisory board.

An ideal number of people to start a mastermind group is 10-12. Invariably, a few flake out and don’t commit the time and usually its because they don’t want to get out of their comfort zone. Also, over time, people move or leave town.

Mastermind groups work best when done at the same place and same time every week. People are creatures of habit and when they get in the habit of showing up at the same time, it works best.

A great location to hold a meeting is free from distractions. Attempt to have it in a place where kids are not playing and have people turn their cell phones off and focus on mastermind group. We have had great success using library meeting rooms and peoples homes that don’t have kids.

The first meeting should give an overview of what the process is all about. Your mastermind group should have rules to be followed, such as, no cell phones, must be on time and must show up.

A great way to teach basic success principals is to study Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Hill’s classic book teaches many valuable lessons such as desire, faith, auto suggestion and many more. This timeless classic will get the group fired up and ready to rock.

The time the meeting should last should be at least an hour and not to exceed 1 1/2 hours. Prevent one person from doing all the talking and keep the conversation moving using everyone at the meeting for different ideas.

People should be focusing on how they can give to the other members of the mastermind group. If everyone is in a givers mentality, each person will have 10-12 people giving to them on a weekly basis. It is extremely powerful.

About the Author

Lanny Morton was trained by Bob Proctor to operate Mastermind Groups. He was seen in entrepreuner magazines, television and print. Sign up free to begin a Mastermind Group in your city.

http://business.mylucena.com/essential-elements-of-a-very-powerful-mastermind-group.html

Confidence Through Mastermind Groups

2010-03-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Confidence in business is a necessary characteristic for success. But staying focused and ready for success is not always easy. Working with a mastermind group can be one of the most important business decisions a professional can make in a business career. These ideas give ways working a mastermind group can build confidence for business success.

1. Mastermind groups consist of a group of people with the same goals that come together to support each other to reach their individual goals. Finding a mastermind that works for you provides an effective ways for you to stay focused on your goals. If you have a problem setting goals the mastermind group can help.

2. Mastermind groups help you to maintain the self-discipline to get moving towards your purpose each day. Being in business often means feeling tired and burned out. If you feel like stopping in your business pursuits, your mastermind members are there to keep you on track and help you develop business routines for success.

3. Mastermind groups provide a place where you can be accountable to reach your goals. Because you check in on a regular basis with your group, you will soon begin to feel accountable to report on your goals to the group. You will enjoy having the other members recognize the efforts you made to reach your stated goals. This helps to build your self-esteem because you will be sharing your successes on a regular basis. They can also help you through the tough spots without being judgmental.

4. Mastermind groups hold you to the expectation of doing what you set out to do in business. They are supportive when you want to implement new ideas or try creative concepts. You have a sounding board of people who can let you know whether or not they feel your idea needs some tweaking or is fine as is. This lets you have more confidence to try something innovative before introducing it the world without this type of feedback.

5. Mastermind groups often share insider information that you wouldn’t be able to find in other settings. That is because the focus is usually very tight and the members are professionals in the same area. You can expect a level of confidentiality that is respected by each group member so you can speak freely bout your issues. Of course, be sure this idea of being confidential is a stated policy in your mastermind group before sharing too much.

6. Mastermind groups provide a mentoring atmosphere which means you are supported to understand the nuances of your profession that only come through a close mentoring relationship. Everything can’t be taught or passed along through books or even public training sessions. Some have to come through a mentoring situation and the mastermind can provide that setting in your industry.

7. Mastermind groups could help you to establish life long friendships and business partners that you wouldn’t find in other situations. Mastermind mind members get to know each other in a way the general population doesn’t. Members want to see each other succeed and often provide support and resources only with other mastermind members that could make the difference in building a business quickly an defectively.

Mastermind groups are one of the most important concepts for helping a professional grow a business and build personal self-esteem and confidence to succeed. When you know you are working with a select group of people who care about your success, hold you accountable and support you no matter what, you naturally grow in the confidence to reach you stated business goals.

http://consuelomeux.com/articles/?p=113&cpage=1#comment-22

2010-02-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Evelyn Bourne | Featured in my free eBook Get Your Business Straight

The world is moving so fast right now, and as an Internet entrepreneur you may sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed at the pace of change. If you're a business woman who runs your company from your home office, you may sometimes feel isolated from the world despite the fact that you are connecting all day with customers and clients and vendors.

But what if you had a group of trusted confidantes that you could consult with about how things are going with your business, ask for advice, share your knowledge and get feedback on your plans? A Mastermind group is all of those things and more. While the basic concept of the Mastermind group has been around for centuries, Napoleon Hill, author of, Think and grow Rich, and The Law of Success, popularized the concept in the early 20th century and it has become part of mainstream business practices.

The Mastermind principle basically states that when a group of like-minded people come together with a common purpose combining their energy and ideas towards a common goal there develops an, ". . . invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind]." So, this Mastermind, this "third mind" that emerges out of the harmonious cooperation of two or more individuals, is the key to achieving more than any of you could on your own. Whether you join or start a Mastermind group here are three strategies for making sure that your group is successful:

1. Clarify expectations
Each person may come to the group with completely different ideas about what a Mastermind group is and what they want out of it. If everyone gets their ideas out on the table and discusses them freely you can come to agreement on how you will operate your group. Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the group members and the structure and flow of each meeting.

2. Establish common goals for the group
Even as each individual has goals that they are working towards, the group should come into agreement on the common goals of the collective. This is a prime example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

3. Be transparent
Harboring hidden agendas will hinder the free flow of positive energy needed to keep the group moving forward. You must be able to trust your Mastermind group as you should always be trustworthy. Each member should agree to keep everything discussed in their Mastermind group as strictly confidential.

Participating in a Mastermind group could be just what you need to fuel a breakthrough in your business and in your personal growth. Meeting on a regular basis with other business women who have similar goals and aspirations can provide each of you with a sense of accountability for the goals you set, support for your ideas and a place for you to share your knowledge and expertise while you soak up the wisdom of your colleagues.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Evelyn Bourne is a Freelance writer and blogger who specializes in creating compelling web content that converts to higher sales, makes visitors come back for more, and keeps you visible in the search engines. For SEO articles, eBooks, White Papers or special reports visit, http://contentcreation.wordpress.com today.

SUBMIT A SMALL BUSINESS ARTICLE
Are you an expert in your industry? Would you like to promote your business? Add your best small business article to my freely distributed eBook, "Get Your Business Straight: Small Business Advice from Black Business Women." Click here for more details. This eBook is distributed on my social network, Black Business Women Online, over 7,000 members and counting!

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There's Support in Numbers !

2010-02-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

"There's Support in Numbers!"

I'm serious about my living my best life and I am serious about being successful in business. What about you? I am in Florida for a whole week of meetings with my business coach and master mind group. This has been a huge investment for me – and one of the best decisions I made in 2009!

"The Power of Great Dreams" –

We who are in this race for riches should be encouraged to know that this changed world in which we live is demanding new ideas, new ways of doing things, new leaders, new inventions, new methods of teaching, new methods of marketing……..new ideas for moving pictures. Back of all this demand for new and better things, there is one quality which one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants, and a burning desire to possess it."

My intention, over the next few years, is to make a ton of money – with money comes freedom and part of that freedom, for me, involves 'giving back" – wherever and whenever I can! That's my dream and that is my intention.

Having a dream, knowing your purpose and holding on to that burning desire to succeed are all important aspects 'of the journey'. The key to success, however, is gained through the master mind.

"No individual may have great power without availing himself of the Master Mind……no two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind. The human mind is a form of energy, a part of it being spiritual in nature."

The one thing over which you have absolute control is your thoughts!

I have believed in the power of the master mind for years and years. It must be a properly chosen master mind group! My group, here in Florida, is made up of phenomenal business women from around the U.S. – an EFT practitioner, a wellness coach, a sales coach, a dental hygienist, an interior decorator/designer, a virtual assistant, a social media strategist, a videographer and so on.

We have worked hard, we have laughed hard, we have played hard – we have experienced tremendous success.

"The ladder of success is never crowded at the top."

When I was on my trip around the world, we visited the Maasai Mara tribe in Africa. It was so very interesting to chat with them about their lifestyle and their tribunal practices. Even they believe in the power of the master mind concept!

What are the benefits of belonging to a master mind group?

1. You are surrounded by people who know, like, trust and care about you and your success.

2. You have responsibility and accountability.

3. You have a plan and you work the plan. You tweak the plan and then you continue to work the plan some more.

4. There is tremendous cooperation, collaboration and sharing of intellectual property. Why re-invent the wheel?

5. We face fear – we celebrate success – we train our brains – we persist – we execute! We care.

"No individual has sufficient experience, education, native ability, and knowledge to insure the accumulation of success, without the cooperation of other people."
Have you had experience with a master mind group? If not, what are you waiting for? "No man is an island....".

Assignment

1. Do some research and learn everything you can about Master Mind groups.

2. Read "Think and Grow Rich."

3. Find a master mind group that is a perfect fit for you.

Do this and I will guarantee that you will take control of your life. When you try new things, you are developing the confidence and courage to move forward and invent the life you truly want to live.

Author's Bio
Pat Mussieux is an expert coach on mind-set and goal-setting techniques, helping female baby-boomers add more happiness to their daily lives. To get your free CD: "The 10 Steps2Happiness", visit http://www.steps2happiness.com

Starting a Mastermind Group

2010-02-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

Some people like to cooperate with others to achieve their goals, while others prefer to chase their dreams on their own.

I find that involving mutually committed partners in my pursuits is intensely rewarding - especially mastermind groups. I've strengthened my friendships, made measurable progress towards my goals, and continue to grow thanks to the support I've received in my mastermind groups over the years.

In this article I'll lay out what a mastermind group is, the benefits of having a mastermind group, and concrete strategies and actions you can take to start your own mastermind group today.

What Is A Mastermind Group?

The first place I came across the concept of a mastermind was in Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. In it, Hill describes a mastermind group as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

In my experience, my mastermind groups have formed around multiple people striving for a common purpose - from goals as small as college admissions and improving fitness, to as large as your entire life.

What Are The Benefits of a Mastermind Group?

Mutual support. I like to form groups around a specific activity, but even with differing goals you'll be able to lean on each other for support. Many times when my progress has slowed on a specific goal, the members of my mastermind are the only people who really understand what has been going on behind the scenes, and give me support in spite of my failed efforts.

Differing perspectives. Hearing the different views my fellow mastermind participants have allows me to see issues I wouldn't otherwise become aware of - in my life, and in my approach to my goals. Whether I agree with their assessment or not, it always gives me a better understanding of how I can better improve my approach.

Resources. Everyone in your group will have access to a different skillset and network of people. I've often found that when I ask for help in my mastermind groups, these resources help me make progress in ways I never could by myself.

Accountability. My fellow group members hold me accountable to goals I set. In addition, just knowing that I have a regularly scheduled meeting internally drives me to make progress - because I don't want to be the only person reporting back that I haven't made an effort to move my projects forward. How Do I Start a Mastermind Group?

Starting a mastermind group is deceptively simple in its steps:

Pick a Topic. This may be as narrow as you like, or as broad as you like (such as your entire life). If you are new to mastermind groups, I would recommend picking one specific aspect of your life to start out with. Perhaps fitness, your career, school, or some other broad area that you would like improvement with.

Pick your Partners. I'll discuss this in detail below. A mastermind group is only as good as the people in it - pick your partners with care.

Agree On Ground Rules. I'll provide some guidance below, but keep in mind the purpose of setting rules is not to stifle anyone - the purpose of the rules is to ensure everyone benefits from the mastermind group. I like to keep a loose set of rules and count on mutual respect of the individuals to keep everyone in line, but you may choose to have strict ground rules if you like.

Meet!

Who Should I Invite Into My Mastermind Group? Two words: mutual beneficiaries.

Any member in your mastermind group should not only be able to provide you with sound feedback and advice, but should be able to receive some benefit from your feedback as well. Some qualities I look for in a participant include:

Similar Drive and Commitment. You want everyone in the group to be similarly committed. If one person is striving to compete in a bodybuilding competition, while you're just trying to cut the sugar out of your diet, you may not be compatible for a mastermind group.

Diverse Skill Sets. For me personally, I am very analytical and approach things from a scientific, engineering perspective. I enjoy mastermind groups where some people share this perspective, but also gain valuable feedback from people who are perhaps more abstract and in touch with their emotions (as opposed to a "cold" analytical approach).

Problem Solvers. This is my personal preference, I like partners who are active problem solvers. My purpose in a mastermind group is to get feedback, solutions to my issues and move forward.

I like to limit mastermind groups to between 3 and 5 people. This keeps meeting short, in depth and on point. You can experiment with more or less, but I recommend starting with 2 or 3 if this is your first time with a mastermind group. How Do I Run A Mastermind Group?

Meet Regularly And Precisely. I call this the "nuts and bolts." Keep to a regularly scheduled time, ensure all members are punctual - and end on time. I typically meet for 60 minutes once a week. You may require more or less time, but ensure that you have adequate time because you want to...

Give each member equal time. We don't use a timer, but for larger groups that may be necessary. I keep most of my groups to only three people, and generally we are all aware that we have approximately 20 minutes per person, and try to keep it in that time frame.

Don't Interrupt. One person at a time, and keep in mind the purpose of the meeting is to give everyone a chance - it's not always about you. Hold all comments until the person speaking has a chance to speak. We generally do not jump in at all unless someone has a specific question.

Decide if you need an agenda. My mastermind groups typically have a conversation topic (often decided at the meeting prior), but no explicit agenda. I previously have run groups that had more explicit items on the agenda for accountability and progress reports - try it out and decide what works best for you.

Decide on whether to have a facilitator. In my groups, I start the calls, and act as a very loose facilitator - I point out who is going to go first. That's it - everyone polices themselves. Perhaps your group will need a facilitator who is more active - keeping people on target for time, and moving you from one items on the agenda to the next.

Capture. Make sure you capture what happened at each meeting - lessons and triumphs, goals, and items you want to keep each other accountable to. I like to use Google Documents and Mindmeister. When I conduct groups online using Skype I use MP3 Skype Recorder (free) to record mp3s of my calls. Three Question To Kick Start Your Mastermind Group

If you're ready to start a mastermind group, you may want some very basic structure help you in the beginning. These three questions never fail to get my mastermind groups off to a great start. As your group evolves, you'll come up with your own agenda and questions that you'd like each member to answer - but if you don't know where to begin, this is a great place to start:

What Are You Working On? Nice and broad, and each member can answer with whatever they feel comfortable sharing.

What Did You Learn? Very often my groups are focused on similar goals, and lessons learnt by one member benefit all of us.

What Do You Need Help With? By having a specific question on the agenda, this helps take pressure of members who want to reach out to the group for help

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How to Start and Manage Your Mastermind Group

2010-02-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

Some of the most successful people in history have leveraged the power of mastermind groups, a concept that was introduced in Napoleon Hill's best-selling book "Think and Grow Rich." The purpose of a mastermind group is to exchange and refine ideas, while assisting each other in reaching goals. From experience I can tell you that the right group can create spectacular results.

While you can seek out an existing group, a more powerful option is to start and manage your own group. This will give you the opportunity to cultivate a group with the right level of experience and synergy. Following are some suggestions for getting started.

Develop Meeting Structure and Frequency

Knowing how often your group will meet and where those meetings will take place are some primary considerations. Some groups meet weekly by phone, some meet monthly in a local conference room, while others meet quarterly. If your group is geographically disbursed you will need to facilitate conference calls or meetings at a remote location such as a resort or hotel.

While establishing frequency, a big consideration is how many members you will have and how long meetings will last. Since the purpose of the group is to brainstorm and leverage each other's experience and advice, each member needs a chance to be heard. Some groups rotate this benefit around, while others make sure each member receives focused time at every meeting.

The amount of time you can allot to each person depends on how many people are involved. If you have a group with ten people and each gets 20 minutes to present their ideas and challenges, you will need about three and a half hours of spotlight time, plus extra time for breaks and transition. Keeping the group size small-six to twelve people-allows members to each benefit from more focused time.

Select Your Members

While you could place an ad on Craigslist or Meetup.com to find members for your group, I encourage you to hand-pick participants. Your group should be a safe place for fleshing out ideas, which involves a level of trust among members. Also, consider the different skill levels you want to bring to your group. Some people are highly creative and generate a lot of ideas, while others are detail-oriented and can serve in the role of devil's advocate. Both types of people should be included in your group to keep the creativity flowing, and to refine ideas and uncover potential road blocks.

You might also want your group to consist of people with specific skills. For example, someone with a financial background can help focus on the numbers, while someone with internet skills can bring online marketing ideas to the table. Consider carefully what roles you want filled and how these roles can compliment each other.

Experience is also an important consideration. The point of a mastermind group is to collectively help each other grow your respective businesses. With that in mind, the members should consist of people who have been around for awhile. If you fill the room with new business owners, more experienced members may feel like they are carrying the load and won't stick around for long.

Establish Guidelines

Your group will benefit from some policies that outline what is expected of members. These guidelines could include a mission statement that describes the purpose of the group, an attendance policy to ensure members are committed to participating regularly, and a confidentiality agreement.

Inevitably members will need to be replaced when they leave the group for any number of reasons. It is wise to outline a member selection process with guidelines for nominating and inducting new members. For example, you might want to exclude anyone who could potentially be a competitor of an existing member. You might also invite potential new members in on a trial basis before voting to make things permanent.

Keep the Momentum Going

Strong leadership is essential in setting the tone for the group, inspiring members to participate, and ensuring that the time is well spent. If someone is disrupting the group or affecting its level of quality, it is up to the leader to deal with the situation. The leader must also coordinate and manage an agenda effectively.

Ongoing communication is also required. E-mail is the standard for keeping in touch, but you might consider developing a private online forum through Yahoo Groups or Groupsite.com. This can provide a central place for members to share information in between meetings and further build the kind of bond that is essential to the success of your group.

Some members will thrive from the accountability that can come with a mastermind group, while others will be inspired by the exchange of ideas. Celebrate each other's successes and make sure the group is focused on helping members take giant leaps forward. This is the ultimate pay-off of a good mastermind group. It serves as a mutually beneficial tool for helping its members advance their businesses.

Stephanie Chandler is an author of several books including "LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business" and "From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, eBooks and Information Products." She is also the founder of http://BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs. For additional author and speaker details, visit http://StephanieChandler.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Chandler

Surround Yourself With Positive People for Success

2010-02-01T10:18:00.000-08:00

Posted by Rae in January 31st, 2010 3 CommentsPosted in: Informative Articles, Inspiration
By: Bud Bilanich

Self confidence is an important key to personal and professional success. If you want to become self confident you need to do three things.
1) Become an optimist.
2) Face your fears and take action.
3) Surround yourself with positive people.

In this article, I’d like to focus on the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people. Positive people help your self confidence because they tend to see the potential in you – even when you might not see it in yourself. Negative people, on the other hand, will hinder your self confidence because they tend to reinforce your self doubt and negative beliefs about yourself.

As Mark Twain said…

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that. The really great make you feel that you too can become great.”

Positive people help you realize your dreams. Negative people take them away. Positivity and optimism are contagious. Unfortunately, so are negativity and pessimism. Surround yourself with positive people, and you’ll become positive and self confident. On the other hand, surround yourself with negative people, and you’ll become negative and lose your confidence. Self confidence and negativity are mutually exclusive.

Negative people tend to come in two flavors: cynics and humorists. Cynics are not fun. They don’t like much of anything. They’re the kind of people who complain about having to pay taxes after winning the lottery. Humorists, on the other hand, can be seductive. They’re clever and amusing. They go around with a smirk on their face, using humor to point out everything that’s wrong. At first, they can be fun to be around. It’s like the two of you have an inside joke on the world. In the long run though, their negativity will wear you out.
Set your boundaries. Walk away from the negative people you encounter. End your toxic friendships. It may be difficult at first, but as you move away from negative people, you’ll become more positive and will attract positive people into my life.

Forming a group of positive friends and colleagues is one way of surrounding yourself with positive people. Make a commitment to meet with this group on a regular basis to discuss one another’s hopes, dreams and goals. Exchange ideas and support one another. You want to find people who accept you for who you are, but are willing to challenge you, in a positive and constructive manner, to excel and to become a personal professional success.

I can’t take credit for this idea. In Think and Grow Rich, probably the most famous self help book of all time, Napoleon Hill suggested the idea of Mastermind Alliances. An article in the February 2009 issue of SUCCESS Magazine defines a Mastermind Alliance…

“The Mastermind principle consists of an alliance of two or more minds working in perfect harmony for the attainment of a common definite objective. Success does not come without the cooperation of others.”

A Mastermind Alliance then, is a group of positive people helping one another achieve goals; exactly what I suggested above.

Of course if you want to surround yourself with positive people, you need to be a positive person yourself. Here are ten small sentences you should incorporate into your daily vocabulary if you want to become known as a positive person:

You can do it.
I believe in you.
I’m proud of you.
Thank you.
I need you.
I trust you.
I respect you.
I appreciate you.
I value you.
I love you.
Here are some of my best ideas on attracting positive people.

Think positively. Train yourself to see the opportunity in every difficulty and the good in every person you meet. Be genuinely happy about not only your success – but the success of others in your life.

Smile. Smiles are contagious. When you smile at others, they tend to return the favor. A smile can have a positive impact on someone who is having a bad day. By smiling, you’ll attract other smiling positive people – the kind of people who will help you fulfill your dreams.

Speak positively. You attract positive people when you say positive things. When someone greets me by saying, “How are you?” I always smile and answer “Great, and you?” even if I’m having a tough day. This doesn’t mean that I don’t share my troubles with close friends. I just don’t wear them on my sleeve.

The common sense point here is simple. Self confidence is an important key to personal and professional success. Surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to build your self confidence. Jettison the negative people in your life. If you can’t remove them completely, do your best to keep them at arm’s length. Build a network of positive people by being positive yourself. Think positively. Smile. Speak positively.

http://www.raecattach.com/2010/01/31/surround-yourself-with-positive-people-for-success/

The Power of a Mastermind Group

2010-02-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

MasterMind=Many Minds Working Together in Callaboration Towards a Common Goal????????????..

At least thats what almost everyone will say. I was gonna call it a night and retire towards the couch to watch the ladder part of a House episode and it hit me like a ton of bricks. ? I have a lot more to do tonight, yet am so tired?, I thought to myself. So what on earth is keeping me here, writing this to you? Well, lets just say that I know my team is also awake plugging away at making this world, somehow, a better place.

Creating a group of folks that you surround yourself with which have common goals, common interests and an uncompromising will to win, is invaluable. A mastermind group helps one expand their horizons of thought but will hold you accountable to yourself and those things that are true and right. Being a compenent of one will cause you to stretch youself, support constructive criticism and lastly will pick you up when you are down.

It Expands Your Horizons Of Thought

If you are dependant on what you are able to do alone your very limited as to what your gonna accomplish in your life. Sure there were the Albert Einsteins and Thomas Edisons that created their initial inventions on their own. However, if you take a look into history at a few of the most successful businessmen ever, you will observe that they surrounded themselves with people that were smarter than them. Many minds working as one can produce more energy than one mind alone.

It Holds You Accountable

Accountability seems to be a thing of the past today. Who are you accountable to? Yourself? Your Spouse? Your mates? When you have a group of people that are sold out to the ideal and your sold out to theirs, you never want to let them down. Don?t you wish to be held accountable for your word as well as your actions? A mastermind group can hold a person to your word and having that, your more apt to complete even more than you would if by yourself.

Makes You Stretch Yourself

I love to call this "Stepping Outside Of Your Comfort Zone". Nothing good ever comes about when your stagnant. Ever hear the saying, if you keep doing what you have always done, you will have what you have always had? This is how a lot of people cant move past it. Why? Because they are so accustomed to being comfortable. When you're accountable to a masterind group, you'll want to do more within your days. You will no longer settle for average work but will always take it to the next level. Do things your uncomfortable doing to get ahead in life. Or not. If your willing to perform what most of the people aren't, you'll live like lots of people will not have the opportunity to.

Constructive Critisism

Having someone or perhaps a group of people that you are able to be honest with and vice-versa is invaluable. You want someone to be able to watch your blind spots. There are some things ?flaws? that you cannot see in yourself, but others see clear as day. Give your mastermind group permission to let you know every time they see room for improvement in anything you do. Taking constructive critisism will make you humble your self and it is an act of obedience. Take it like a man, or tough woman..

Will Pick You Up When Your Down

Everyone has their ups and downs but it?s always nice to be between uplifting people. Surround yourself with positive people. Always make an effort to raise people up. I heard a saying once that said:

-Individuals are like elevator buttons, they will either take you up, take you down or leave you right where you are.

Which button are you?

For Some More Free Training On How You Can Succeed In Life, Be Happier and Wealthier, Visit Josh Boxer's Personal Success Blog

To Partner With Josh In A Business of Building Gold and Silver Assets, Visit Gold and Silver Pays

http://www.goldandsilverpays.com/

Money and Marketing - 5 Ways Being in a Master Mind Can Pay Off

2010-01-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

When I first started my business I knew I needed help but I had no idea where to go or who to ask. Perplexed, I kept trying networking groups, teleseminar programs, at one point I even considered some of the traditional government-run small business centers.

I felt like Goldilocks. Each option was either too stodgy and “brick and mortar”-based, or felt cheesy. Plus, many of the avenues I researched seemed focused on slow growth, charging by the hour and other business no-no’s that I knew weren’t right.

Finally, while attending an event a few years ago, I was introduced to the idea of joining a high-end Master Mind. I watched in fascination as more than a dozen people signed up for a program that, at the time, seemed “priced to the nines.”

Intrigued, I did my homework and found out why being in a high-end Master Mind pays off. Frustrated at the slow growth in my own business, I gulped, filled out an application and joined a high-end program. Within 90-days I had tripled my income. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

Since then, I’ve been a believer! Now, not only would I never not be in a high-end Master Mind, but I’ve become a recognized expert at leading my own Master Minds, plus teaching my clients how to add this profitable income stream to their business.

Here are my personal, top 5 ways a Master Mind can pay off for you. Plus, the #1 “no-no” you must never do when joining a Master Mind.

Tip #1: Join A Master Mind With Members Who Are MORE Successful Than You

Your ego may not like this but if you’re going to get the maximum value from a high-end Master Mind, you must surround yourself with others who have walked the path ahead of you. And please don’t worry that you won’t “have anything to contribute.” As long as you show up powerfully and authentically, you’ll offer plenty of value to the others in your group.

Tip #2: Choose Your Master Mind Leader Carefully

My mom taught me to always learn from the best. Which is why I carefully choose my Master Mind based not only on the successful track record of the leader but also on whether I resonate with their energy. I need to know they’re going to push me beyond my comfort zone, challenge me to stretch into new levels of success, but do so in a way that feels supportive and collaborative.

Tip #3: The Bigger The Investment The Bigger Game You’ll Play

I’ve always invested more than I thought I could “afford.” Reason is, if the amount you’re investing doesn’t take your breath away (at least a bit!), you won’t take the program, or yourself, seriously. Simply put: the more you invest, the more you implement.

For example: last year I invested 6-figures to be in a Master Mind. Believe me, that took my breath away, big time! Making that leap caused me to immediately step up, raise my fees, launch a new program, then launch a high-ticket info product that had been languishing on my to-do list for months. That launch alone turned into a multi 6-figure pay day.

Tip #4: Be Willing To “Undo Your Knitting”

Being flexible and having a beginner’s mind will help you stay open to the creativity and feedback of your Master Mind group. It’s not unusual to go into a Master Mind with one business but come out with another. What’s both powerful and cool about this is that the business you end up with is the one you knew in your heart you wanted to create in the first place, but were afraid to.

High-end Master Mind members will instantly see what’s possible for you, what your truth is, and where you may be hiding out. Not only will they call you on your “stuff” (ahem), but they’ll help you with ideas and resources to make your product and program launches succeed far beyond your current vision.

Tip #5: Focus On The Transformation You Desire, Not The Amount Of Time Invested

A high-level Master Mind is not the place to be looking for the “super size me” option. While I highly recommend choosing a program that includes private coaching, the amount of coaching included isn’t what will produce the transformation you desire. What will, is the collective ideas, feedback and “pull” forward you get from the group.

The Biggest “No-No” In Choosing Your Master Mind Program…

You must pay to play. Creating a Master Mind where no one pays does not pay off. There is simply no substitute for stepping up and investing in yourself in this way. Stepping up creates a powerful transformation within you that immediately shows up for you in your business.

Last tip on how being in a high-end Master Mind pays off? If you want to offer these types of programs in your business (and I highly recommend that you do), then you must be in one yourself. Otherwise, offering your own won’t give you the experience you need, nor will it be authentic.

Considering that my clients routinely end up bringing in six figures per Master Mind program they launch, the investment in participating in one themselves is truly a wise one!

Article Source

11 Tips for Successful Mastermind Groups

2010-01-23T07:15:00.000-08:00

Smaller mastermind groups allow for more personal interactions and are less likely to cause conflict.

Don't focus meetings on any individual. Everyone should get equal attention each time you get together. This means its less of a problem if a member doesn't show up too much.

Have a cool down period after the bulk of masterminding is done. Go to a local restaurant or just starting blabbing on about random things.

If you don't look forward to a mastermind group you're doing it wrong.
A notebook is a handy tool to have with you even if you don't plan to write anything down.

You should feel 100% comfortable with the people you're masterminding with. Our mastermind group is made up of people I was at school with every day for 6 years. We'd even hang out at recess + lunch and just talk about this kind of stuff.

Bring your expertise to the table. I'm the guy that can make websites (and damn good ones at that). Work on making yourself useful to the group as a whole - it'll make you and other group members feel better.

Share your "secrets". If you don't trust your mastermind group enough to keep your secrets secret then you have a problem. Sharing your secrets signifies trust and will give everyone else the chance to help you.

Mix it up. Don't let meetings become monotonous. We get Thai food and that adds diversity. But we also randomly wandered around the beachfront whilst talking about business stuff. Little things like that make it even more fun.

Have a rough idea of what you want to talk about, but let ideas flow freely.

Try to hold meetings at a time where no one has any commitments for the rest of the day. This gives everyone the chance to share their thoughts and ideas.

Find more articles like this at David Turnbull dot com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Vincent_Turnbull

Mastermind Groups in the 21st Century

2010-01-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

By admin on January 17, 2010

The mastermind principle, as originally conceived by Napoleon Hill, is about the power of a “third mind” made possible through regular collaboration.

That’s when a small group of co-equal colleagues and contemporaries share experiences and insights that create “Ah ha” moments for each of them.

In a real mastermind group there are no profesional organizers. There are no gurus acting as experts.

And nobody is paying anybody for advice, group management, or facilitation.

In a real mastermind group it’s just you with a few of your colleagues, other people you know, like, trust, and whose opinions you respect. Simply peers with no ax to grind and nothing to sell, with only your best interests at heart.

That’s right – no professional moderators and no organizers are required to have a successful sustainable group that meets regularly over the years.

Many of the old fashioned mastermind groups are the face-to-face variety, like the one that Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone made famous nearly a century ago.

Just think, if you could put together a group of peers, people from your industry, who are far outside of your (and their) traditional marketing areas – you could have all the benefits that come from sharing experiences with people who know what you want to know. People whose insights are directly relevant to you. And since you are not direct competitors there is never any fear of giving away your secrets.

Today, cheap long distance calls, instant online webinar services, and free Yahoo! groups can make your meetings much more effective than the old fashioned face-to-face variety. No time and money wasted getting to and from the meetings and the ability to connect with the other members of your group 24/7 – to deal with the speed of business today.

You can get together in person of course – that’s what your trade association meetings are for.

Using the simple techniques that I later complied into my mastermind group report I established and participated in several peer to peer mastermind groups.

I personally use a conference call service that allows each member of my group to call a central number and connect over a bridge line. Nothing special about that. Except with the service we use if one of us in not able to be there the call can be instantly recorded and available for the missing member – no extra charge and nothing to do but push the record button.

Recently one of the members was out of the country on vacation. He was able to log on to the call via the Internet and participate in the live simulcast of the meeting. No extra charge for this either.

And using our Yahoo! group we can post documents to be shared confidentially among the six of us. In addition we can create a calendar of upcoming meetings, keep track of who is in charge of the next meeting, post links to the resources to be discussed, an outline of our normal agenda and set reminders for one another some of he previously time consuming activities required to keep a mastermind group vibrant and productive.

A few years ago I suggested to several business owners from across North America, members of the same association, that they create a mastermind over the phone to continue a discussion we had together at their annual meeting.

That was a dozen years ago and they still get together twice a month to share strategies, offer insights from their experiences, and provide support to one another.

If it was possible at the time, Napoleon Hill would have created this type of mastermind group process.

Just imagine how much more Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, President Harding, and Henry Ford could have achieved if they had the tools available to you today?

Today I am making the same tips, tools and techniques available to you – so you can create your own board of advocates – your own strategic planning team.

When you purchase the mastermind group report you’ll receive priceless tips, tools, and strategies for creating and managing your own mastermind group. 21stCenturyMasterMindGroups.com

Wayne Messick WayneMessick.com

http://www.freeblogshare.com/general-information/mastermind-groups-in-the-21st-century.html

Networking : The Powerful Pillar of the Mastermind Group

2010-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

If you own a small business, you need to become part of a network, period. All of the most successful people in business have been part of networks and you should to. You can't do it all alone and the benefits are amazing. Read on to find out about the power of the mastermind in networking.

There are three main pillars to a successful small business network:

1. The pillar of service- This is where you unconditionally help other members of your network so that they can grow their business.

2. The pillar of referrals- This is the goldmine pillar where you give and get free business by referring clients to other members without expectation of reciprocity.

3. The pillar of the mastermind- This is the basis of this article. The mastermind is the principle that a group of people working together towards a common goal is more powerful than each individual working towards it.

This principle was coined by Napoleon Hill in his world famous success book called "Think and Grow Rich." Hill used the term Master Mind. In the book he explains to us how the great, successful business owners of the past have used the mastermind principle to achieve unheard of goals against unbeatable odds.

Well, you can use the power of the mastermind as well. Once you establish your small business network, you will select a smaller group of people that you will be able to completely confide in. You need to make sure that these members are dedicated towards helping you achieve your small business goals. In turn, you will become part of other mastermind groups dedicated towards helping others.

Once a group of business owners take their individual expertise and put it together to help others, their power to come up with ideas and solutions is amazing. It's like taking the best part of each person's brain and mashing together to create a better brain, a mastermind.

Your mastermind group should be relatively small. There needs to be limit of 4-8 people so that ideas will not start to clash together. It's the same principle as having too many cooks in the kitchen. Your actual business network can have hundreds of members, but the mastermind needs to be a very small group, a chosen few. This group of people will stick with you for a long time. There are cases where these groups have stayed together for the life of the business.

Joshua Black is an on-line infopreneur, marketing consultant, small business owner and copywriter dedicated to helping the bootstrapping small business owner succeed.

Visit his flagship resource site for entrepreneurs at http://www.UnderdogMillionaire.com for the free Underdog Millionaire Wealth Pack: including 5 FREE e-books and daily wealth building tips for the bootstrapping small business owner- in the areas of sales, marketing, motivation, product creation and more.

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The Ultimate Wealth Creating Secret

2009-12-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

The most successful business leaders in history - Carnegie, Ford and Rockefeller - have used this principle. Thomas Edison used this principle. Mahatma Gandhi used this principle. And many more.

What is this principle that has contributed to history’s greatest success stories? This principle is:

*** The Power of 1+1=3 ***

No, it is not a new math formula. This principle represents a “Higher Force” ... a collective force greater than any individual ... created through the power of Master Mind Alliances.

WHAT IS A MASTERMIND ALLIANCE?

A Master Mind Alliance is a group of like-minded individuals with the common purpose to contribute to each others’
success, in a spirit of harmony, partnership and reciprocity.

HOW DO MASTERMIND ALLIANCES ACCELERATE YOUR SUCCESS?

Such Alliances work on two levels:

THE ECONOMIC LEVEL:

A Master Mind Alliance becomes your own personal Board of Directors who wholeheartedly give advice, expertise and knowledge to further your success.

THE PSYCHIC/SPIRITUAL LEVEL:

When Master Mind Alliances form for the sole purpose of mutual success, a “Higher Creative Force” results, allowing
each participant to achieve more than is possible on their own.

In practical terms, MasterMind Alliances ...

• Raise your income, and productivity.

• Give you an opportunity to leverage the wisdom and real-world experience of other business owners.

• Provide creative ideas for improving your business.

• Give you support and encouragement from within a group of your peers.

• Inspire you to reach new heights as a result of others' success.

• Provide a networking source of great contacts, referrals, and connections.

• Give you an opportunity to share your experience and contribute to other's success.

• Gives you a great way to monitor your progress and accountability.

• Provide a forum to reflect on your business results and strategies.

• Are a great place to air your ideas and plans and get feedback.

• Achieve more than you could on your own.

HOW DO YOU PARTICIPATE OR FORM A MASTERMIND ALLIANCE?

For 25 years, I have both participated and facilitated MasterMind Alliances and have gained much wisdom in what works and doesn't work. As simple as the concept of a MasterMind Alliance sounds, the logistics of such groups can make or break their impact. Below are the top 7 critical success factors when forming or participating in a mastermind alliance.

1. Clear Common Group Purpose

Does each member have the same needs and wants from the group? Eg., some members may be primarily interested in brainstorming; another may have joined the group for emotional support and connection. If members do have different needs, is there a way of addressing all of them without diluting the cohesiveness of the group? What will be the key focus of the group?

2. Group Chemistry and Trust

What is the level of trust in a MasterMind Alliance? Trust in a mastermind alliance comes from respect and supporting each other, from communicating cleanly and from a spirit of collaboration rather than competition. Without trust and chemistry, a true mastermind alliance does not exist.

3. Serious Commitment

The biggest reason, in my experience, why mastermind alliances fail is because one or more members did not make a serious commitment and make participating in the group a top priority. Lack of serious commitment destroys the cohesiveness and momentum of the group.

4. Group Decisions and Responsibilities

While one person may start the alliance, within the first meeting, it is important that the success of the group becomes every member's responsibility. It is critical that the leadership of the group and other responsibilities be rotated amongst members. All decisions should be done by group consensus.

5. Consistent Meeting Format

Having a set structure and agenda for each meeting is essential. Possible agenda items may include: brainstorming, a quick check-in, an accountability segment, sharing of resources, etc.

6. Equal Give and Take

The purpose of a MasterMind Alliance is both to give and receive support. Reciprocity is critical. If a group becomes imbalanced where some members only give support or some only receive support. it destroys the very foundation of the group. Active giving and active receiving maximizes the flow of ideas, energy and outcomes of the group.

7. Closed Membership

In my experience both as a facilitator and participant, it is important to allow the first 1-3 meetings for members to explore whether the group is a good fit for them. Once a decision is made by each individual, closing the group to new members allows the group to bond, know each other in depth and allow the trust to form. That is when the magic begins. Group dynamics are very volatile to changes, especially with changes in membership. If, after a certain period of time, the group wants to add new members, how many and who should be a group decision.

While there are many other logistical details beyond the scope of this article, the key is staying focused on that common purpose to contribute to each others’ success, in a spirit of harmony, partnership and reciprocity. I can say, from my own personal experience, that mastermind alliances have been and continue to be the #1 driver of accelerated momentum, success and breakthroughs in my business. As a facilitator of MasterMind Alliances for CEOs and business owners, I have also watched how that "Higher Force" ignites the potential and greatness in each member, beyond what anyone could imagine.

For an additional resource regarding Master Mind Alliances, I recommend reading Napoleon Hill’s classic best-seller, “Think and Grow Rich”, Chapter 9. According to Hill, such Alliances have been the basis of every great fortune in history.

What are you waiting for? Find or form your own MasterMind Alliance.

Denise Corcoran - CEO, The Empowered Business (tm) - assists CEOs, executives and business owners in taking a quantum leap from the ordinary to extraordinary … from unrealized dreams to mastering their destiny … from slow growth to exponential results. A business & leadership coach, strategic consultant and Master NLP Practioner, Denise's unique "inside out" approach provides deep transformation and lasting change in you, your organization and your results. Her latest e-book: "The Mindset of Greatness: 21 Principles to Becoming an Unstoppable Woman ... Oprah Winfrey Style!" http://www.EmpoweredBusiness.com

Subscribe to her monthly ezine - The Empowered Business (tm) - and learn the legendary mindset, strategy and performance secrets of top business achievers. http://www.goldbar.net/go.php?id=7996&c=1738&ac=ezar

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Corcoran

The Power of a Board of Advisors or Mastermind Group

2009-12-19T22:26:00.000-08:00

This week I've had a lot of discussions with people about Mastermind Groups. All large corporations have a Board of Directors to be sure the company stays true to their mission, hit their numbers and fulfill their responsibility to stockholders. Small businesses (even sole-proprietorships) need them too. But usually, only those small businesses who accept private funding (from banks, angel investors, venture capitalists) have outsiders on their Board of Directors. A professional Board of Directors may not always create a happy, supportive, safe environment for business owners to turn to for problem solving, brainstorming, or even feedback.

On the other hand, we all need a sounding board, experts on our side, and a safe haven in which to ask for and receive help and advice. Every small business owner, CEO, or entrepreneur (in my opinion) must have a Board of Advisors. The easiest and fastest way to put one together is to join/create a Mastermind Group where each member gets and gives equal doses of advice from the group. I wanted to share with you my top ten reasons why you need one.

1. In a Mastermind Group the agenda belongs to the group and each person's participation is key. Peers give each other feedback, help each other brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep each other focused and on track. They create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move each member of the group to new heights.
2. Each member gains tremendous insight, which can improve their business and personal life. A Mastermind Group is a powerful influence and resource.
3. Here is a golden opportunity to interact and collaborate with like minded people in a non-competitive environment.
4. Be part of a distinct community - a tribe. It is an instant and valuable professional support network. You get to team up with people who are better than you at some area of business or experience - people you can learn from.

5. You will find and attract people who can help and support you - good match for the long term growth and success of your business.
6. It helps you establish a strong personal foundation and see beyond what you can see yourself.

7. Share business models with each other and brainstorm with people who are already on the same wavelength. You get a sense of shared endeavor - that there are others out there!

8. You can walk away with a gem/perspective changed from each meeting - there's no wasted time or energy.

9. Experience, skill and confidence develop from the Mastermind Groups' support freeing you to take more risks and reach for bigger goals and dreams.

10. The Mastermind Group will help you design your business (and your life) to be the way you want them to be, not as you've been told things should be.

http://www.articlesbase.com/self-improvement-articles/the-power-of-a-board-of-advisors-or-mastermind-group-1600267.html

Get the Power of the Mastermind Group

2009-12-18T20:31:00.000-08:00

A MasterMind Group is a powerful tool for success. Talk with any truly successful person and most will tell you that a MasterMind Group played a pivotal role in their realization of unlimited possibilities. They also found the support and accountability the group provided gave them the necessary structure that they needed to focus on their "definite purpose".

What is amazing is the number of people who do not take advantage of a MasterMind Group for whatever reason. Those are also the same "reasons" they use for living a life of mediocrity and not achieving the level of success that they "talk the talk but don't walk the walk". This is a chance to put miles and years between you and your competitors and you do that by don't what they don't do...you get a MasterMind Group.

When you find others with a burning desire to overcome all the obstacles that are between them and the success lifestyle they desire and join them in a group, you will find yourself immersed in the "power of the Master Mind" and guarantee your own success. The mixture of unique experiences, the expansive knowledge, the array of skills and the networking opportunities increase geometrically with each group member. If you have spent a lot of time alone, trying to work out the problems of your business, you know it would be great to have some others to discuss your thoughts and get their input even if it only backs what your were thinking. It is great to have that sounding board to give you feedback from a different perspective that you may have never considered and then implement those recommendations and have your business take off. It has happened to many others and it can happen to you but you have to take action...at least twice.

The first action is to get a MasterMind Group and the easiest way to do that is online here. The second action is participate; immerse yourself in your MasterMind Group. Everything you put into the group will come back to you many, many times over. It will be the best business decision you can make as we go into 2010.

http://knol.google.com/k/glenn-sojourner/get-the-power-of-the-mastermind-group/1dt27q7dj0zy5/3#

Three Key Tips for a Successful Mastermind Group

2009-12-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

" Health, happiness and success depend upon the fighting spirit of each person. The big thing is not what happens to us in life - but what we do about what happens to us ." George Allen

I am always looking for solutions. The concept of the mastermind group is vividly described by Napoleon Hill in "Think and Grow Rich". Consider the people in your life that are supportive of you. Identify the people willing to give you honest feedback and genuinely want the best for you. Who are the mentors, close friends or professional associates that you trust?

You might already have a support system, people you turn to for advice and to confide in. Do you have a network of people you speak with about aspects of your life? The mastermind group will give you accountability and support on the goal that you are working toward. Napoleon Hill defined the "Master Mind" as "coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose".

Think about the direction you are heading toward, are your goals primarily personal or professional? This affects the type of people chosen to be in your group. The most successful people realize they do not have all of the answers and look to others for guidance and insight as they work toward specific goals.

The next aspect to consider is the purpose of the mastermind group. One type of mastermind group is solely designed to help you reach your goals. A second alternative is to have the people on the group working toward the same goal or project. The other option is to have a group of people that each have goals and they use the group for support in reaching their individual goals. Napoleon Hill states "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind]." The benefit of working toward goals, no matter which type of group you choose, is the insight and accountability you receive from the other members of the group.

Three key tips increase the success of the mastermind group include specific goals for each group member, trusting the group members and having ground rules.

1. Have a common goal and meaning for the group. The mastermind group's purpose is to advise as a way to help each group member reach peak potential. The bonus is getting a group of people with differing perspectives. Each member is a necessary part of the group offering insights that could help you reach your goals sooner than if you were just working on your own. Each person's unique experience and perspective will propel you toward attaining your goals at a faster pace than working toward your goal alone.

2. Trusting the other group members is necessary in a mastermind group. The group offers accountability and support. Harmony will develop as the group forms and each person is committed to work toward their goal as well as being a support for the other members of the mastermind group. Because each person is working toward their own goal as they support the other members of the group, this creates an incentive to be fully vested in the group. Creating a safe and healthy group dynamic is necessary for it to function effectively.

3. Developing ground rules that are agreed to by all group members clarifies expectations. Although many mastermind groups are lay-led without a facilitator, developing norms helps to build trust and commitment. Another option is having a leader who will facilitate the discussion and coordinate the group.

Mastermind groups can take many different forms. Some of these include King Arthur's Round Table and his advisers, a council, board of directors and support group meetings. As a result of Napoleon Hill, mastermind groups are becoming more mainstream.

You are more likely to reach your goals, and at a faster pace, being part of a mastermind group than you are alone. Take the time to determine your goals, choose like minded people you trust and that have a willingness to participate, then take the next step to developing the group. The payoff will be well worth the time and energy committed to this unique opportunity.

Activity: If were ready to join a mastermind group, what would your primary goal be? Personal or business? Think of people that you know that have been a support for you, whether family, teachers, friends or associates. Consider how these people supported you. A mastermind group can be as small as two people. When forming one it is best to have an even number of members for balance.

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About the expert(s): Loren Fogelman, the success expert, shows you how to master the mindset to grow your business with confidence. Now is the time to easily get past the hurdles about marketing your business and have clients be attracted to you.

Receive Loren’s popular FREE "Tapping Into Emotional Freedom" available at: => http://mindsetformarketingsuccess.com

Forgotten, but Powerful Business Strategy

2009-12-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wonder what a mastermind group is and what makes it hold so much appeal for successful people? Dr. Napoleon Hill, most renowned for his classic "Think and Grow Rich", defines a mastermind group as "an alliance of two or more minds blended in a spirit of perfect harmony and co-operating for the attainment of a definite purpose".

In Dr Hill's book, he came to the conclusion that a group of like- minded, achievement-oriented individuals dramatically leveraging upon one another's strength provided the crucial platform for their collective success. This finding is based upon the research and analysis behind the achievements of no less than 500 of the most successful people in America, in a glittering list that includes Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

This is due to the fact that having a mastermind group allows one to tap into the power and wisdom of many, and put in place a support group to assist all in attaining personal and professional goals. This is in stark contrast with the individual who cuts a lonely figure struggling to build and shape an entire business by himself.

How can business Mastermind groups benefit you?

“Me” no longer exists in a Mastermind group, it’s harnessing the power of “We” that is intriguing. Imagine have a Mastermind group of people that are fighting with you in the same trenches or people who have been that, done that! And you given access by them to this unique brain trust, so as to speak, to generate support and understanding and ultimately solutions from these people, allowing you to dismiss that temporary setback as an insignificant blot on your otherwise impressive CV in future...

How does that sound? A mastermind group does exactly that for you! You are able to leverage upon the skills, knowledge, experiences, ideas and abilities of others as though they were your own and in the process, create a synergy within your group and a precious compilation of thoughts which would otherwise possibly never be generated.

The benefits of being in a mastermind group are bountiful. It provides you with marketing contacts, sales referrals, and information about new business opportunities, as well as advice on how to improve the way your business is run. However, it’s important that you realized that referrals and leads exchange is just a small part of what a Mastermind group does.

Being involved in a mastermind group also calls for accountability. There can be no excuses not to get things done as you are not only answerable to yourself, but to your other group members as well.

Once you have accrued the long-term benefits such as being able to sustain your business and being able to build lasting and deep friendships with the other members of your mastermind group, you can expect unbiased and non-judgmental advice from them, and over time, they will grow to become your most trusted business associates upon whose shoulders could be relied on should you run into any sort of trouble in future.

To be able to reach that stage though, you have to first learn to give and share, objectively. Sharing allows you to process things better in your brain as you are talking to a group of people who genuinely care and this allows you clarity of thought so as to be able to set more definite and realistic goals. To benefit the most from a Mastermind group, follow the credo- Givers Gain!

Finally, should you reach this stage, you can even rely on members of your mastermind group, people whom you trust, to help regulate your business and serve as a layer of protection against external threats.

Copyrights © 2006

Alex Cheong @ http://www.mastermind-your-way-to-success.com

Mastermind Group Hub All Rights Reserved. The contents of this article may be copied, reproduced or freely distributed for all non- profit purpose without the consent of the author as long as the author’s name, copyright notice and contact information are included.

The Keys to Achieving Success With Your Mastermind Group

2009-12-12T02:37:00.000-08:00

As humans we are programmed to imitate others. It has been said that we are the product of the 5 closest people to us. If you study any successful person you will find invariably that they have been associated with other success-minded individuals who assisted them to reach their goals - it is worth noting that the two richest men in the world: Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are close friends.

It follows that if you wish to achieve success in any discipline that you should surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share the same goals as yourself. Napoleon Hill, one of the foremost authors on success and acquiring riches defined some important rules regarding creating your mastermind - we will go over the most important.

1. Make sure each member of your mastermind has a Definite Major Purpose:

A definite major purpose is considered the most important aspect of creating success. It starts with a clear goal or vision of what you want to achieve. Each member of your mastermind must share this same vision so that every member will be working in harmony.

2. Expect to give as well as receive

Each member of the group should expect to give as well as be rewarded. This may be financial but could take on other forms of value as appropriate.

3. Ensure you have no "bad apples" in your group

Your group should consist of positive like-minded individuals any "bad apples" will bring down other members in the group and your overall achievement.

4. Ensure Harmony is maintained:

It is your job to make sure that your group is in harmony and alignment with its definite major purpose. By maintaining harmony the best decisions, actions and creations will flow from your mastermind group naturally.

The first step to creating your mastermind group is to clearly define your vision or purpose and then seek out individuals who will be able to assist you. Make use of the internet and phone to create your group - in the modern age you don't have to be in the same location.

To find out how you can join a mastermind group in the home based business world and pickup a free copy of The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles visit my site at http://www.3stephomeincome.com.

Find out how you can increase your levels of achievement and success at www.3stephomeincome.com and evaluate a lucrative home business in personal development. Free resources available!

Why You Need a Mastermind

2009-11-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

All large corporations have a Board of Directors to be sure the company stays true to their mission, hits their numbers and fulfills their responsibility to stockholders. Small businesses (even sole-proprietorships) need them too. But usually, only those small businesses who accept private funding (from banks, angel investors, venture capitalists) have outsiders on their Board of Directors. A professional Board of Directors may not always create a happy, supportive, safe environment for business owners to turn to for problem solving, brainstorming, or even feedback.

On the other hand, we all need a sounding board, experts on our side, and a safe haven in which to ask for and receive help and advice. Every small business owner, CEO, or entrepreneur (in my opinion) must have a Board of Advisors. The easiest and fastest way to put one together is to join/create a Mastermind Group where each member gets and gives equal doses of advice from the group. I wanted to share with you my top ten reasons why you need one.

1. In a Mastermind Group the agenda belongs to the group and each person's participation is key. Peers give each other feedback, help each other brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep each other focused and on track. They create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move each member of the group to new heights.

2. Each member gains tremendous insight, which can improve their business and personal life. A Mastermind Group is a powerful influence and resource.

3. The group is a golden opportunity to interact and collaborate with likeminded people you trust in a non-competitive environment.

4. Be part of a distinct community - a tribe. It is an instant and valuable professional support network. You get to team up with people who are better than you at some area of business or experience - people you can learn from.

5. You will find and attract people who can help and support you - good match for the long term growth and success of your business.

6. It helps you establish a strong personal foundation and see beyond what you can see yourself.

7. Share business models with each other and brainstorm with people who are already on the same wavelength. You get a sense of shared endeavor - that there are others out there!

8. You can walk away with a gem/perspective changed from each meeting - there's no wasted time or energy.

9. Experience, skill and confidence develop from the Mastermind Groups' support freeing you to take more risks and reach for bigger goals and dreams.

10. The Mastermind Group will help you design your business (and your life) to be the way you want them to be, not as you've been told things should be.

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About the expert(s): Business Accelerator, KERRI SALLS, President of Breakthrough Enterprise, LLC, works with solo-professional achievers: entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, consultants and solo professionals, providing proven systems and strategies to grow and thrive in any economy. Check out http://www.solopreneur-blueprint.com to receive 3 free reports every solopreneur needs: You Too Can Build a Business That Makes You Money as a Consultant or Solopreneur; 100 Tips for Solopreneurs & Consultants To Survive and Grow In a Recession; Plan Time to Plan.

Think and Grow Rich - Organized Planning through Masterminding

2009-10-31T03:22:00.000-07:00

Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich” stressed the importance of masterminding at two critical phases in his sixth step toward riches. At the onset of our planning we must have mastermind group input. As we implement and adjust our plans we must continue to maintain our relationship with this group.

Most people are ready to grow rich but really have no idea of where to start, much less the processes involved.

Previous steps prior to organized planning include:

•Desire or a burning passion to acquire riches or some other goal.
•Faith that you will obtain you desires.
•Autosuggestion to enable you to build your faith.
•Specialized knowledge as may be required.
•Imagination to conceive the idea which you will use to obtain your riches or goal.

As we progress through the steps toward our goal, we have arrived at the point where our initial desire will be as Mr. Hill described it, “crystallized” into action. This will require planning.

This is not to be confused with our initial plan which contains our goal, expected date to receive our goal, etc. This plan is where we begin to take definite action.

You may ask why you need to have a plan when you know what you want.

Napoleon Hill said it best. “No individual has sufficient experience, education, native ability, and knowledge to insure the accumulation of a great fortune without the cooperation of other people”.

What he is saying is that you will need to jointly plan with your group. The original idea may be your own creation, but the final version and its methods of implementation must be a joint venture.

Masterminding is certainly not a new or unique concept. It is no more than a group of individuals with mastery in various and numerous subjects pertaining to your particular needs, coming together to advise you and critique your plans.

Mr. Hill deemed this step as absolutely essential. Do not neglect it!

How to form a mastermind group:

•Research and seek out people who may assist you with your plans.
•Form an alliance with as many people as you need to create and help you carry out your plan or plans.
•As you form the alliance, decide what service you will render in exchange for their alliance. This may be money or a service.
•Arrange to meet with this group as often weekly as is necessary to create and implement your plan.
•Establish and maintain a harmonious relationship among all members. This again is an absolute essential.

The advantages of a mastermind group:

•Allows you, with the help of the group, to formulate plans that to the best of everyone’s collective knowledge are sound and faultless.
•Enables you to “fall back and regroup” if your plan does not work and you have to make adjustments or new plans.

Your ideas may indeed be sound, however your plans may not be and therefore you
don’t achieve what you desire. This is where most simply give up. Most people give up on the idea rather than press on until they find the successful plan.

As Mr. Hill illustrates in his text, Thomas Edison experienced ten thousand “temporary defeats” before he perfected the incandescent light bulb. Yes, ten thousand!

If you really having a burning desire for riches, you will need a fiery persistence to build and if need be rebuild your plans, never admitting final defeat.

“No man is ever whipped, unless he quits in his own mind”, Napoleon Hill, “Think and Grow Rich”.

My name is Gerrald Hendrix (Jerry). I am an internet entrepreneur marketing wealth creation, education and management products and services. I am one of a team of marketers teaching others how to be successful in challenging times. See what we do and how your life can be changed forever.

To learn more about me please visit: http://gerraldhendrixblog.com/

http://www.betternetworker.com/articles/view/personal-development/think-and-grow-rich-organized-planning-through-masterminding

The ‘4 Shining White Armored Knights’ of a Mastermind Group That Most People Are Kept In The Dark

2009-10-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

When you hear the words ‘Mastermind group’, what comes first into your mind? Do you picture Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone “collaborating” in the Winter Estates? Or perhaps Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield in the midst of promoting their best-seller ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’?

If you are, you are on the right track. Mastermind group is not a game nor is it sinister. Successful people have always leveraged on a Mastermind group to achieve paranormal success. And this is due to the ‘4 Shining White Armored Knights’ of a Mastermind group.

Mastermind group levels the playing field.

The business battle field is never equal. You got to be keenly competitive to start and build a thriving business. And this requires you to develop your core expertise but at the same time, develop multiple skills and knowledge databases. Mastermind group empowers you to do so with much more ease. A meeting of minds from a diversified field of expertise adds perspective, depth, experience and knowledge to the person being masterminded. The only requirement is that you have to be receptive, and become a dry and thirsty sponge ready to absorb the input. Leave the analysis to a later time. Do this and you can level the playing field in a much shorter time.

Mastermind group promotes individual and team excellence.

Excellence is a product of habitual good practice. The regularity of meetings and constructive feedback is important in establishing habits. Members catch the habit of constantly assessing themselves for their strengths and areas for improvement that they themselves perceive what knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to acquire to attain team goals. In the process, they attain individually excellence as well. An example is in the case of a musical orchestra: each member plays a different instrument. In order to achieve harmony of music from the different instrument, members will polish their part in the piece, aside from practicing as an ensemble. Consequently, they improve individually as an instrument player.

Mastermind group develops high commitment to common goals.

A Mastermind group balances the attainment of immediate targets with long-term goals towards the vision of an organization. As mentioned earlier, with the alignment of personal goals with organizational or team goals, personal interests are kept in check. By constantly communicating the vision through formal and informal conversations, the members are inspired and motivated. Setting short-term team goals aligned with organizational goals; and making an action plan to attain these goals can help sustain the increased motivation and commitment to common goals of the members.

Mastermind group produces valuable leaders.

Leadership by example is important in a Mastermind group. A leader loses credibility when he cannot practice what he preaches. This means that a leader should be well organized, highly competent is his field, communicates openly and encourages feedback, and has a clear idea of the organization’s vision-mission-goals. By vicarious and purposive learning, members catch the same good practices and attitudes from the leader, turning them into coaching leaders themselves. If a member experiences good leadership, he is most likely to do the same things when entrusted with formal leadership roles.

Walt Disney once said, “Many hands, hearts, and minds generally contribute to anyone’s notable achievements.” As a business owner, you have to leverage. The inability to leverage will mean less profit and in the worst case scenario, it will spell doom to your business. Make the commitment to learn the art of leverage through a Mastermind group and frog leap your business to the next level!

About the Author

Joel Chue

Expert Author in the topic Mastermind groups

A Free 24 page Report Shows You How

Copyrights Â© 2006

Joel Chue @ http://www.mastermind-your-way-to-success.com

Goal Determination and Mastermind Groups

2009-10-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

Some people who when dealing with personal development & positive affirmations may think that goals have a definite timeline to accomplish. In part this is really correct but there are certainly methods on how you can speed up the process. You are able to achieve more special things by focusing on the current job and getting it done the best that they can. Let’s take a look at guidelines from the self development experts that you can use yourself in line with the secret movie.

Part i: Forming a Team – Things can be done more rapidly if you make use of other individuals and give things to do in turn as they will have other skills that may include expertise with self esteem. When forming a mastermind group, it is important that you find people whom you can rely on and are actually competent in the areas you give them to do. Mastermind Groups need to be supervised to make sure that you get the results you want. You can also create a hierarchy or create pairs so that one can look out for the other, and will save you time when looking over tasks and therefore making use of specific hypnosis techniques skills.

Creating a Mastermind Group gives you the benefit of developing your leadership skills and making use of the various other skills such as self determination. You will find that later on, you also get to complete jobs more rapidly alone, since you’ve already developed a system that works that will provide a smoother flow of various jobs. Make sure you also get the right number of people for the job or else you risk having a great deal to take care of, wasting precious time in the process.

The personal development field is vast and covers several topics such as yoga for beginners which one should be aware of, this leads us on to …

Part 2: Finding Shortcuts – Some goals actually have Quicker ways that you can make use of to get to more quickly. These are not rapid fixes, but can assist the complete system respond in a more conducive manner, thereby boosting the process. For example there are no short cuts to permanent losing of weight, but you can use various methods that will speed up the losing of weight. Some of the methods include using HIIT, as opposed to the traditional CV exercise. HIIT is done only in 20 minutes tops & gets rid of extra fat and raises your metabolism higher and for longer periods of time.

We have covered goal setting along with the compass movie, self hypnosis & yoga for beginners and it is up to the individual to move closer to their goals in as efficient a time as possible.

http://my-article-directory.com/2009/10/28/goal-determination-mastermind-groups-goal-setting/

Mastermind as a List Building Resource

2009-10-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

When I mention social networking, most of you probably think of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and a dozen other popular websites. But what I am talking about in this article is actual social networking in real life--specifically Mastermind Groups.

Mastermind groups were an invention by Napoleon Hill in his wonderful life changing book Think and Grow Rich. He theorized in pre-Internet days that groups of like minded people need to come together to share knowledge on wealth building and marketing techniques. He envisioned groups all over the world who would congregate in different areas and then once a year they would all get together for a big meeting. He makes it all sound like a marketing "secret society" and was actually on to something brilliant: list building.

Not only is this a great way to build your opt-in list but also creates a forum to share ideas with fellow marketers in your niche and forge long lasting friendships. By getting together in real life, you help each other push your businesses forward to the next level. The idea of the group is that multiple people working in the same niche will be able to figure out problems and generate better ideas as one Master Mind rather than on their own.

These groups are not easy to find but trust me, it will be worth the time and effort once you find a good one. They can be life and business changing. If you can't find one nearby you can always start one.

There are two main places you can look for publicly advertised mastermind groups. The best one I think is the mastermind events sub forum on Warrior Forums. If that turns up nothing in your niche, then I would also check meetup.com and see what is there. Warrior Forum mastermind groups are going to be mainly IM related but meetup groups vary and you could find groups from any niche.

Some mastermind groups have requirements before you can join them. Others you will need to pay to be involved. Some Internet marketers speaking at seminars will offer paid memberships to their mastermind group exclusively to people at the seminar. Just keep in mind all the factors, like time commitment and money exchange, before you decide to join a paid group.

Mastermind groups are one of the best ways to share info related to your niche and also to build traffic to your squeeze page resulting in a successful list. You can network at mastermind groups and greatly increase your online business. I hope you find a mastermind group that appeals to you. You will not be let down and all the effort will be worth it. The rewards are countless.

Whether you are trying to survive failed businesses, botched partnerships, heavy credit card debt, or bankruptcy, Matt Bacak offers firsthand knowledge on overcoming the hardships of a business. As an accomplished and established Internet millionaire and best-selling author, you might be surprised to learn just how much his startup business was like yours a few years ago.

For the most up-to-date information on List Building, learn more here-->

http://www.internetmarketingdirt.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Bacak

How To Make The Power Of Mastermind Work For The Ordinary You!

2009-09-26T23:05:00.000-07:00

It can be quite a daunting prospect trying to form your mastermind group for the first time. You start to wonder where can you find the right people, questions start to be asked, you doubt the practicality of your efforts and eventually a cloud of uncertainty pollutes your mind. Soon enough, you may even drop the whole idea!

To avoid descending into this pitfall, you must learn to make the power of the mastermind work for you, regardless of what you are pursuing.

The identity of a group is paramount to its success. By identity, I refer to the vision as perpetuated by the individual/s who founded the group. A mastermind group cannot achieve its desired results should the members lose focus or deviate from its vision. The vision stems from the reason why the mastermind group is put together in the first place. There must be a purpose, which not only serves the interests of one or two members in the group but that of the entire group. Hence, the challenge would be looking for the kind of people who would benefit from being in your group yet are savvy enough to offer something to your group.

The foundation work done is crucial because you do not want a high turnover rate, when you realise that the members in your group are not quite like what you are looking for. Starting a mastermind group takes a lot of time and energy, and this energy must be reverberated throughout the group so as to bring out the best in the members. Therefore, it is recommended you take your time to source for the most suitable candidates possible for your group.

The next aspect is the selection of members for your group. Members constitute the most important element of any mastermind group. As in any venture, when human relations and emotions are involved, conflicts might arise and along with them, irreparable damage and subsequent split follows. Hence it is important to choose people who do not have a huge ego and think they are above everyone else. No matter how good they may be, these are the sort of people who would bring any group down, even if they might be your friends. In a business-like environment as delicate as this, friendship and past business relationships go out of the window.

The overriding criterion for inclusion is the individual's ability to bring significant knowledge to the group and the willingness to share that knowledge with others. A member must be willing to contribute to the group, be it through his experience, contacts, innovative suggestions or the energy that he offers. However, he must be willing to listen to the opinions of others as well.

Though a leader can be appointed, there is no room for people who refuse to accept the views of others and tend to argue ostensibly. The general code of conduct of members is essential as well. Punctuality and commitment must be forthcoming. Members must share an insatiable thirst in the sourcing of solutions to problems and coupled by the positive outlook, which they are encouraged to adopt, the mastermind group has a good chance for success.

Even after you have your group in place and agreed upon a systematic way of working, conflicts can still occur when members disagree with one another. At this moment, I feel obliged to share with you a case study dating all the way back to January 28, 1986. A space shuttle named "The Challenger" exploded within moments of being launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During the investigations that followed, it was found that an engineer warned of the dangers of the mission due to the low launch temperatures. However, the senior personnel involved in the launch of the shuttle, worried that the delay in the launch might cause them to lose out in contracts in the future, pressed ahead with the launch, resulting in the catastrophe.

Through this example, it demonstrates the devastating impact on any group should people who are ill make a decision advised and the rest have to follow suit. This applies to your mastermind group. If you are the leader, what would you have done should you sense a great business opportunity and decided to go for the kill, with members of your group urging caution? Or imagine that you belong to a mastermind group and the leader and the other members are in favor of a particular business decision, which you voice strong disapproval to. Do you follow the group's decision due to a majority vote even though you have a feeling that this project is doomed to failure? Would you want to get implicated by the group's decision? Or do you brush aside that sentiment, and allow your group to convince you beyond all reasonable doubt of the project's benefits, just because you do not want to be portrayed as a member who brings a negative vibe to the group? To this, I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of the focus and the unity within the group. It would be best that members of the group share similar traits, have a shared ethical sense and generally display characteristics reminiscent to that you like it to be. This can in some ways alleviate some potential conflicts arising from a clash of personality to a certain extent but not totally. There can be no definite solution for these sorts of problems, as it deals with the sensitive nature of the emotional side of things.

There is not a soul in this world who does anything with the goal of failing. Likewise no one forms a mastermind group with the intention of it failing. While this article is definitely not exhaustive, it is hoped that it does aid in making the power of the mastermind work for you to a certain extent.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1075847/joining_a_mastermind_group_be_careful_pg2.html?cat=35

7 Mistakes Masterminds Make

2009-09-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Yes! Joining mastermind groups played a major factor in building my business from zero to six figures in less than two years. However, I also learned that you have to be choosy otherwise you'll throw away thousands of dollars.

Here Are the Top 7 Mistakes Most Mastermind Groups Make:

1. No Quick-Start Guide

As an Internet business entrepreneur looking to build your business, you're already bombarded with "things to do", emails, and promises of multiple ways to grow your business.

Now, add everything that you will get once you join a mastermind group and you will automatically get overwhelmed. Two things will then happen:- You'll quit and your business will stay stagnant.- You'll try everything at once. This will result in NOTHING getting done right and again you will NOT see the results you were expecting.

So make sure the mastermind group you choose has a step-by-step guide of how to best benefit from the group.

2. Lack of Focus

Many mastermind group leaders will throw at you dozens of ideas. But the problem is, most people can only implement one idea at a time. So all the other great, business-changing ideas get forgotten about. That's why in our "Write Your Way to Profits Insiders Circle" we:

- Give NEW article marketing information in "spoon-fed" doses each and every single month.
- Review ONE article writing, article marketing or e-commerce topic at a time in a clear, simple way

3. No mixture of top speakers and underground experts

Yes, you want to hear interviews from TOP Internet marketers and entrepreneurs like Yanik Silver, Tom Antion, Alexandria Brown and many others who have proven their expertise. And, yes I have interviewed Bob Bly (America's Greatest Copywriter) and Robert Skrob (President of the Information Marketing Association) on my tele-classes.

But, most well known names teach the same thing over and over again. They're NOT teaching anything new. That's why, in our mastermind group, we also interview "underground" marketers you may not have heard of.

But they're in the trenches making things happen every single day. And, every one of them has built a 6 and 7 figure business -- their way. We look at their business structure. We review their articles, ezines, websites, and sales pages. And, we pick them apart, so you can see what really WORKS

4. Not Enough Support

Even the best entrepreneurs get stuck. Without proper knowledge and support they lose confidence and stop in their tracks. That's why mastermind owners shouldn't stop at just interviewing successful business owners who use proven strategies and resources that work.

That's why we also give members a NEW product each month that will reveal even more insider secrets so they can get a mile ahead of the competition. It could be a new eBook, special report, checklist, video tutorial, or audio program filled with new secrets not covered before. And, we archive every interview and every product on our membership website so you can access it at any time.

5. No Access After the Mastermind Call

You listened to the expert interviews. You've read the transcripts. You've read all of the mastermind materials. But then you have questions and it's not time for your group mastermind session. Or, maybe your session already passed. Now what? You don't want to wait to get answers to your questions. So make sure unlimited email access is offered, and that you receive emergency-as-you-need-it private coaching calls too!

6. Not holding you accountable

Mastermind groups that truly care about your success will have a system to hold you accountable. This way you stay on track and keep focused no matter how many new ideas pop into your head. And, this way you will be motivated to keep taking the right action to build your business.

7. Failure to Motivate You to Take Immediate ActionIf you don't take action on the ideas you discover, what good is joining the mastermind group? That's why each week we give practical mini-homework assignments that are related to that month's featured product or interview. This gives you the chance to put the newly discovered practical skills to use to grow your business.

I know many entrepreneurs who have wasted thousands of dollars on marketing programs and mastermind groups that got them nowhere. Don't make that mistake. Invest in someone to show you the way - the right way - the first time. Don't know where to start? Join our Write Your Way to Profits Insiders Circle and get the first month free!

Mastermind Article - Questions to Ask Yourself Before Beginning

2009-09-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

I’ve been running mastermind groups for 15 years and I’ve seen groups of all sizes. There are some questions you need to ask yourself before deciding how many members should be in your mastermind group:

How much total time is available at each meeting? Meetings need to have a begin and end time, and many meetings that run over 90 minutes can run out of steam without frequent breaks. Yet breaks also cause interruption of the energy levels. So first decide how long each meeting will be, then go on to Question 2.

How much time should each member get to be in the “hot seat” to talk about their problem, challenge or decision? Members need time to first verbalize their situation before masterminding can begin in earnest. Some members are quick and can sum it up in five minutes or less. Others need 10-15 minutes just to set the stage. THEN you need time to mastermind after that. We did an experiment in one of my mastermind group meetings recently: we had a non-timed meeting, just to see what would naturally occur. Thirty minutes per member was our average time for each hot seat.

What other items are on your agenda? Remember that your meeting typically includes some sort of opening and closing, as well as possible guest speakers, training or other events. Allow time for those in your agenda, then plan accordingly.

In my mastermind groups, I tend to look for 4-6 members per group. Less than four and the energy level can drop (though I know several very successful mastermind groups with three members in them!), and more than six members will probably cause you to run out of time. However, if you’re doing half-day or full-day meetings, you may be able to include more members.

For more articles about mastermind groups, visit www.TheSuccessAlliance.com

http://www.passionforbusiness.com/blog/mastermind-group-member-number/

7 Ways to Use Your Mastermind

2009-09-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling lethargic managing your business? Or perhaps you know that you need to do something in order to drive your business up and on, but do not know where and how to start? Is all that you can see ahead of you a dark, gloomy and never-seem-to-be-ending road?
Well your worries are over! We shall discuss the top 7 ways which you can actually utilize to move ahead with your Mastermind group through collaboration with like-minded people and be that one step closer towards realizing your objectives!

Here is a summary of the top 7 ways.1. Clarity of your Mastermind group's objective. 2. Be positive and encouraging.3. Setting up an accountability structure.4. Building trust and privacy.
5. Asking and receiving help.6. Brainstorm to get an influx of great ideas.7. Contribute to receive more.

Clarity of your Mastermind group's objective. Make it a point to go through in your mind the very objective for the existence of this Mastermind group, and note it down. Your objective serves to concentrate the mind and the focus of your group right. With that the results will follow, otherwise your group could be languishing in mediocrity and not progressing.
Be positive and encouraging. This is done by...the words you use which effectively set the tone for the whole Mastermind meeting. Be positive and encouraging and at the same time show your Mastermind members that you care. While we are ruling out outright flattery here, complimentary words as well as gestures to show the appreciation that you have for your group members will not go unnoticed and will go a long way towards ensuring a harmonious and united mastermind group.

Setting up an accountability structure. Having a system in place is vital to ensuring your group does not stagnate. Many a times the full potential of a Mastermind group is not able to be harnessed due to the small matter of accountability. During the mastermind meeting itself, ideas abound and many suggestions are made but who is to ensure who does what? The person offering the idea might not be willing to get down to sorting out the nitty-gritty of the issue at hand, and responsibilities start to be pushed among members. This causes friction and over the long hauls results in tension brewing among members which will certainly not aid your cause. Hence, have a structure in place to ensure no one shirks responsibility and everyone does his/her part.

Building trust and privacy. The basic ingredient needed for any successful Mastermind group is for members to trust one another. And how do we foster trust within the group, whose members may hail from a diversity of backgrounds? Well, we aim to build lasting relationships over the long run. To do this, there must be complete honesty and absolute clarity in communication among members. This sets the foundation for the group to be taken to a whole new level in terms of the intangible factor that is trust. Oh, and always be prepared to listen to what others have to say, no matter how trivial or seemingly irrelevant that opinion may be. Everyone wants to be heard.

Asking and receiving help. As you work on that, do not forget that you are here in a Mastermind group not only to give but to receive as well. Share any problems that you might have come across since the end of the last meeting as well as any help you would like to receive. Do not be afraid to ask. There is no harm in asking. Failure only occurs when people keep their problems inside of them and do not request for help. Once you have established some form of rapport or other with your group members, you will find that they are more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Brainstorm to get an influx of great ideas. Once you have mustered up the courage to ask for help, expect to have lots of ideas and suggestions from your group members to work with. There will be ideas being bandied about and this is where the real brainstorming starts. Do not judge any suggestion offered by your group members by brandishing them as "impractical" or "not workable". Simply jot all the ideas down and you will soon find that you have a stack of ideas to work with. You can then slowly discard those you feel are not feasible. In this way, there is a higher chance of you solving your problem, when you learn to become less judgmental.

Give before you receive. Everyone has his/her own purpose in joining a Mastermind group. Think about it this way, should everyone give right from the start, then everyone would be receiving in one way or other right? It does not matter who gives first. As long as you are willing to give, you will definitely receive. Translated into reality, this theory can be construed as follows: Should you be willing to help your group members by going the extra mile to ensure that their needs are met, you can be assured that when the time comes to doing the honors for you, your group members will put in the same amount, if not even more effort for you.

Above are the top 7 ways for you to use your Mastermind group to move ahead. If you find that the progress of your group is mired in mediocrity and would like to improve its fortunes, would you like to take on this challenge and use the tips above to inspire your group to scale greater heights and achieve even more success than never before? The choice is yours.
About the Author

Joel Chue and Alex Cheong Expert Authors in the topic Mastermind groups

How Can Ordinary People Leverage a Mastermind Group System to Produce Extraordinary Results Over and Over Again?
A Free 24 page Report Shows You How

Copyrights © 2006 Alex Cheong @ http://www.mastermind-your-way-to-success.com

Start a Mastermind Alliance

2009-08-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

The President of the U.S. has a cabinet and every CEO has a board…you need a mastermind alliance. One important thing a mastermind group will do is cover the blind spots of each member, and to gain unbiased, independent and objective advice. Just find up to seven people who share your goals or have goals similar to yours and recruit them. Find members who have the skills, experience, education and/or contacts that you would find helpful. (Of course, you help your members too.) Look up all the people you have ever known who could help. Have your membership think of other good potential members too.
Get unanimous approval from your membership before you actually invite people to your forum.

After you have found members, go to Yahoo, MSN or MySpace and form a CLOSED Yahoo or MSN or MySpace group. Invite your members to the group and begin work. Keeping records should be extremely easy using any of these group sites. Also, you don’t have to meet at the same time at a physical location or run up phone bills.

Now, what do you do? Decide on your group’s definite major purpose and construct a plan to accomplish it. Give everyone in your group a job. Remember, success is usually cooked in a crock pot, not a microwave. Don’t expect success overnight. Just keep striving towards your common purpose and help each other in a spirit of unity and harmony.

Other things you can do are: review each other’s business plans, resumes, web sites, e-books, share information, brainstorm, send traffic to each others web sites and keep each other motivated. You can put class notes or any relevant data in the files section of the Yahoo or MSN group. The possibilities are unlimited. You can read more about mastermind alliances in Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.

How to Create a Secret Society

2009-08-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Instructions

Step 1:

Realize first that a secret society cannot be an actual secret. To have membersand meetings, the secret society itself must be public knowledge. The secret of a secret society lies behind the closed doors of the meetings.

Step 2:
Choose the secret of your society. Whether you have a religious relic to guard,an ancient site to protect or simply the formula for eternal life, a secret isessential to the purpose of your organization. Get a good secret to help createa buzz about your group.

Step 3:

Create a buzz about your newly formed secret society. In this modern era, thereare several ways to get people talking and curious about your organization.Utilize the Internet, social networking sites and good old-fashioned word of mouth to let people think they know a secret.

Step 4:

Determine your core membership. Every society needs founding members who are privy to more than the rest of the members. Choose carefully among the most loyal and secretive people you know.

Step 5:

Decide on the complexity of your society's initiation rituals and write them down. Creating a rulebook or society manual is essential to uniformity in practice and consistency in membership. Take your time and proofread carefullybefore handing out to members.

Step 6:

Make the location of your meetings secret or keep a guard on the closed door as you meet. Keeping the details of your organization very secret will help raise interest in your club. Making people want to join your secret society is half the fun of having a secret society.

Step 7:Use puzzles, code words and dead-letter drops to add mystery to your society.

How to Create a Secret Society Provided by eHow.com
http://www.answerbag.com/article_create-secret-society_84699288-9a4e-8695-b896-687fd7164482/