I started my first business in my 20s and there was a lot I didn’t know.
But thankfully, one thing I did know was that I needed to surround myself with great people who I could learn from and who would support me on my business journey.
Very early on in my career I discovered the power of Masterminds – a small group of peers who come together to share ideas, keep each other accountable, brainstorm solutions and generally lift each other higher.
And I loved it so much I’ve been part of a Mastermind group, in one form or another, for the past 20 years.
In fact, at the start of each year, the dates for my Mastermind meetings are the first thing to go in my calendar, because it’s THAT important to me.
Business is a Team Sport
I’m a big believer that business is a team sport and I’ve always found that I can go faster and further when I bring people around me who will support my vision.
But it’s not just any people, a Mastermind is a way to connect with the right people.
For example, I am part of a small group Mastermind with other business owners – they all have similar challenges and goals to me, so when they offer advice it’s relevant and based on real-world experience.
And their input and support is invaluable to me on an almost daily basis.
For example, in just the last few months, here are some of the things my Mastermind group has helped me with:
- Re-organising our Online Learning Library – we recently wanted to set up our courses on our site in a different way and so I was able to tap into the experience of one of my Mastermind members who runs a big online course library using a tool called Learndash.
- Branding elements more in alignment – after going through a major re-brand this year there were a few branding elements I felt needed to be more aligned and so I was able to tap into the expertise of a branding expert who is in my Mastermind group who’s worked with some amazing brands over the years and he had some fantastic insights that really made a difference.
- Overcoming my resistance to a new technology – I’d been wanting to get more into Facebook Live so I can do more Q&A with our members but I was holding back and at our last Mastermind meeting we created a private Facebook Live session which was a lot of fun and helped me feel more comfortable with the medium
- SO much else! – And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. They’ve also helped with naming a new member initiative, shifting from LinkedIn to a Facebook Member group (what a GREAT move that was!) and so much more. I really love having their support and knowing they are there if I need them.
Starting the HerBusiness Mastermind Group
After 20 years of seeing how Masterminds made such a difference to me and my businesses, around 18 months ago, we started the HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind.
I knew it would be a great thing for those who joined us, but it has far exceeded even my high expectations.
This group has become something really special – I see how everyone supports each other, shares great ideas, acts a sounding board, and importantly picks each other up when they are down (because running a business can be quite a lonely task and it’s not always sunshine and roses, so having a group you trust and who has our back can make all the difference).
Here are some photos taken from our most recent meeting just a couple of weeks ago:
Walking into the Mastermind room and seeing these people who have become trusted friends and who have given you great ideas and supported you through a tough time is an experience that is hard to describe. Many people tell me it’s like “coming home” or “finding my tribe”.
And talk about results! People in the group are having their best months ever, launching new products, re-packaging their offerings so they’re more profitable, breaking through challenges they’ve been blocked on for years and so much more.
I am so proud of this group!
If you’re not presently part of a Mastermind, I thoroughly recommend you find one.
Why be in a Mastermind group?
After my two decades experience in various Mastermind groups, here’s my view on the top 3 reasons why you want to be part of one:
Accountability
It’s amazing how much you can get done when you regularly make time to work ON your business instead of constantly getting stuck working IN your business.
For example, the HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind meets 4 times a year and at each meeting, we set our plans for the next 90 days.
There’s something very powerful about declaring your intentions to a group (and I know a lot of our members say it’s amazing how much they get done in the few weeks before each meeting because they want to be able to report back to the group that they’ve made progress on their plans!).
Relevant advice & support
There may be a lot of people in your life who want to give you advice, but I find the best advice comes from those who have already successfully done what I’m trying to do. And when you find the right Mastermind for you, you’ll find that relevant advice is generously provided whenever you need it.
Confidence & connection
As a business owner, it can often feel like you’re “in it on your own” – it can be hard to find people you can share your plans, concerns and questions with.
So for me, I’ve really loved having a group around me who I trust and who care enough about me and who know enough about my business that they can be a really valuable sounding board for my ideas, encourage me when I’m starting something new and urge me on when I need a boost. These people have become my friends and my biggest cheer squad and I know there are many things I would not have achieved if it weren’t for the confidence I’ve gained (and sometimes gentle nudging!) from my Mastermind group.
NOTE: The HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind is taking a very limited number of new members.
