Monday, November 2, 2009

Why You Need a Mastermind

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.