The Power of a Mastermind
Several years ago, I read Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography. He wrote about his junto, a group of men of his day that gathered regularly to discuss new ideas and speak freely about the problems society faced. I often dreamed of starting such a group.
I’m now part of three. Yes, three.
Each met this past week for the first time. Three mastermind groups seems excessive, but I have already felt their transformative effects. I am supported in a way I have not been in the past, advised by other passionate entrepreneurs, and encouraged to dream bigger and achieve more. And this is only the beginning.
If you’re not already part of a mastermind, here are a few reasons I’d suggest you consider joining one.
1. Support
As a creative or entrepreneur (or both), it’s easy to feel alone and lost and unsure about your ideas. A business can be overwhelming, and you’re faced with so many new situations. With a mastermind, you have others to turn to for advice and wisdom.
2. Collaboration
You can do amazing things on your own, but what happened when like-minded people gather? They dream bigger. They begin to weave their talents together in unexpected ways. New opportunities, new ventures, new amazing collaborations that would never have emerged without your mastermind.
3. Networking
A woman in one of my mastermind groups shared that one of her goals was more specific networking. She has participated in general business networking events, but wanted to meet more people that might help her grow her business. Not only will a mastermind help you dream up new ways to meet people, but your group members will often act as connectors. The woman in my group is a copywriter — and I often recommend copywriters to clients.
4. Accountability
Planning to write an e-book, but just can’t find the time? Your mastermind won’t let you quietly sweep anything on your to-do list under the rug (especially the important stuff). They will check in with you, support you, encourage you — and you will do the same for them. The results are…well, actual results.
Masterminds aren’t only for business owners: artists, students, scientists….anyone can create a mastermind group with a unique focus. Use them for your life; gather that circle of women to support one another in everything they do. When you create a strong community of people that trust one another enough to be vulnerable, amazing things can happen.
If you’re in a mastermind, what’s been your favorite part? If you’re not, what do you dream of creating a mastermind around?
Hia, I headed over here from Eva’s blog (Four Leaf Clover) as I saw your comment about gratitude and was intrigued! Imagine my surprise when I see your post about mastermind groups! I’m an entrepreneur, living in the middle of nowhere unfortunately, and trying to get some projects off the ground. I’ve been thinking I need to join (or forge) some mastermind groups and it’s kind of been on my wishy-washy ‘must do’ list….I think your post may just be the push I needed to push it to the top of my ‘get done’ list….imagine the coincidence! Someone is trying to tell me something! Thank you, you!
Funny I should stumble on this today, I’m in the process of creating a mastermind group here in Blacksburg! We’re calling it the Blacksburg Creative Guild. :) Once it gets going I’d love to have you as a guest speaker sometime!!