How To Find the Right MasterMind Group For You

Some people equate leads groups with mastermind groups and this drives me Bonkers!! They could not be further apart. The purpose of a leads group is to exchange leads, and to create cash flow for the founder (in all honesty). The point of the Master-Mind is to share real-life business experiences with other business owners to impact the bottom line of their business.
When you are ready to join a true MasterMind, here are five things to look for.

1. It is well run. The facilitator's job is to create a structured, yet safe forum for candid, strategic discussion that can have a big impact on their business. When someone in the group is allowed to hide, or go a full meeting without saying a word, the facilitator is not doing their job of including everyone. They should also be skilled in time management to be sure that everything on the agenda is either covered or re-prioritized for a future date.
2. Members are open and honest. If members are not open to feedback and trying new things, they will bring the entire group to an uncomfortable stall. THe whole point of the 'master-mind' is to leverage what is in everyone's heads. If someone is stingy and not willing to be forthright or give hones (aka hard-to-hear) feedback, you're no better off than having coffee with your buddies. You should be comfortable exposing your under belly to your team and be open to seeing others.
3. There is commitment and accountability. It's one thing to WANT to make a difference in you business, it's quite another to take what you've learned and apply it. Yes - it's hard to change things, but it's the ONLY WAY to get different results than what you're getting today. I've had clients implement new systems with their staff. Did the staff resist? Of course. But the owner had to stay the path and be committed to change.
4. It's exclusive. I most enjoy groups that are limited in size, and each person applies for their seat in the group. It is a privilege to be a part of highly functioning MasterMind. (See #2 above). Unless there is an opening, there is no "guest day" or membership drive. The focus is totally on YOU and your business.
5. Education is provided. You can't possibly read all the business books that are available to help you in your business. Part of the group purpose is to provide education that is timely and credible. Personally, I think this is one of the best thing about my groups - I am able to read each person in the group and provide education that each person can apply immediately in their business. From interviewing skills to handling difficult situations to marketing strategies, business education is just as important as the technical skill required for the business to succeed.

As your business grows, so must your management and leadership skills. We provide education, consulting and mastermind groups for small business owners. Learn more at http://www.AlignedPerformance.com.
Leigh-Ann Zaharevich has been training and coaching people on productivity, leadership and communication for over 20 years. She is based in Lafayette, CO.

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