Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The Ultimate Wealth Creating Secret

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

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Power of a Board of Advisors or Mastermind Group

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

Friday, December 18, 2009

Get the Power of the Mastermind Group

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#

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Three Key Tips for a Successful Mastermind Group

" 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

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

The Keys to Achieving Success With Your Mastermind Group

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!