1-What is a Mastermind group?
A Mastermind is a small group of peers who share similar interests and goals They meet on a regular basis to discuss issues or problems that members are facing, brainstorm solutions, and support each other.
With the right group, you are surrounded with like-minded people who understand your mission and encourage you to pursue your goals.
2-Why is it called a Mastermind?
Napoleon Hill, in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, introduced the term “master mind”. Mastermind groups have been used throughout history, however, he explained it as follows:
“The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.” No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind, (the mastermind).
3-How will I benefit?
As a member of a mastermind, you tap into the wisdom of a group of entrepreneurs. You’re exposed to different perspectives, and draw on diverse skills and experiences. You get insights, advice, support, shorten your learning curve, set goals, solve problems, and are held accountable. You benefit by gaining clarity of focus, getting inspired, and making better decisions.
4-How is a Mastermind Group Different from Group Coaching?
A mastermind group is about the members supporting and sharing with each other. They share their advice, problem-solving, and feedback. A true mastermind is really about each member addressing their problem and the rest of the group brainstorming solutions, setting goals and keeping each other accountable. The facilitator is there to keep the meeting on track and the conversation flowing between all members.
Group coaching is centered around a coach. The coach will work with one or two individuals and their issues, while the others listen. However, the issues raised may not be relevant to others in the group, but they don’t get personal help.
5-What’s the purpose of the group?
The purpose of The Business Start-up Mastermind Group is to bring together a small group of like-minded people, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, freelancers, bloggers, and small business owners who are starting an online business or have recently started one. The goal is for the members to help each other overcome problems and obstacles and grow their business faster.
6-Who should join the group?
- You want to get your business up and running
- You want to grow both professionally and personally
- You want to brainstorm creative solutions with your peers
- You want to be held accountable and reach bigger goals
- You want to increase your income and reach your goals
- You want an encouraging team working on your behalf
- You want to be supported and are willing to be supportive to the other members too
- You want to break out of your box and reach new levels of success
- You can commit to attending and participating in the meetings
Who should not join?
- You already have a successful business and don’t need to increase your income or your business
- You don’t want to commit the time and energy to achieve greater goals
- You can’t give support nor want to receive support from others in the group
- You can’t commit to attending the meetings
- You work better by yourself
- You already have a group of people who give you all the support you need
- You are not willings to change, grow or explore new situations
7-What happens during meetings?
The meeting starts with everyone in the group sharing a success they had since the last meeting. Then, if the group wants, there may be a short education segment to discuss a topic or a chapter from a book. We then have the “Hot Seats” portion of the meeting which takes the bulk of the time. We end with everyone setting a goal to accomplish before the next meeting.
8-What is a “Hot Seat”?
A hot seat is where you get the opportunity to address your question or problem to the group. You’re forced to gain clarity about what you are asking, so you can explain it. The rest of the members brainstorm to help provide solutions. You will find that you’ll get more ideas and insights than you can generate on your own.
Depending on the number of members and the length of the meeting, a hot seat can last from 15 to 30 minutes. Masterminds that run for a half day or are during a retreat weekend, can be an hour or longer.
Hot seats should be part of every meeting, and all members should get to be in the hot seat at least once a month.
9-Do I Have to Participate in the “Hot Seat”?
The “hot seat” is the essence of the mastermind group. It’s where you get your problems addressed and everyone contributes to the discussion to help you. You don’t want to miss out on this important benefit. This is one of the main reasons people come to a mastermind.
Some people feel shy or introverted or they worry they may not have an idea to contribute. But the groups are small and the facilitator puts everyone at ease. You’ll be surprised how much everyone can learn from you, too.
Everyone gets a chance to speak in turn, this is not a free for all. The facilitator gives equal weight to everyone. Many times you will have an idea to contribute, but if not, you’re not required to.
10-What do we talk about in the meeting?
Every mastermind group has a theme. The Business Start-up Mastermind Group is for people who are just starting a business or have recently started one. The topics usually deal with getting a business started, marketing, advertising, pricing products and services, managing, legal matters, funding and finding assistants. We talk about whatever issues members are struggling with and want to discuss. The group works to brainstorm a solution.
11-Where do your groups meet?
The Business Start-up Mastermind Group meets online via video conference and by teleconference.
12-How often and for how long do you meet?
We meet for 3 months, twice a month for two hours each meeting and each group is renewable.
13-What commitment do you expect from me?
Commit to participate in all meetings, show up on time, participate in the “hot seat”, offer help to others when you have something to give, listen fully, and ask clarifying questions when needed.
14-What if I miss a meeting?
It is important to attend all meetings. However, when vacations and emergencies occur, please notify the facilitator in advance.
The meetings are recorded, so you can review what was discussed later. But, you will not have a chance to participate.
15-How many people are in the group?
The ideal number is between 6 and 8, but we do start with fewer members and grow as we get interested in people who fit with the other members.
16-Who is in the group? Who is the ideal member?
Until the group is formed, I can’t know for sure. However, the ideal member is someone who is just starting a business or has just started a business and is looking to grow both professionally and personally. The preferred business is an on-line professional, service or tech business.
17-Are there rules for the group?
Yes, there are guidelines which we request each member agree to. However, there are some rules which are sacred.
Respect all other members, their problems and their point of view. No member is put-down or embarrassed. Controversial topics, such as politics, religion or sex are not discussed.
18-What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is taken seriously. For a successful mastermind meeting, members have to know that what they say stays within the group. Therefore, every member is asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
19-Are meetings recorded?
Yes, each meeting is recorded and available for members to watch.
20-Are you the facilitator, or will we be working with a different facilitator in our group?
I am the facilitator at each meeting. My name is Yvonne Gerard.
21-What is your background as a facilitator? Why do you do this?
I am a trained mastermind facilitator. I have run mastermind groups and participate in them.
It is my goal to help as many people as possible get out of the “9-5 work for someone else world’. To find their passion, create an independent income, build a successful business, and live life on their terms.
Most of us need support, help, and community to do it. I run mastermind’s to help the self-employed, freelancer, and entrepreneur get their business up and running, and to grow.
22-How will I measure my progress with the group?
In our first meeting, every member sets their long term and 90 day goals. At each meeting, you tell the group what you’ve accomplished since the last meeting, where you’re stuck, and what’s your next action/goal for the next meeting.
23-What does it cost?
The fee is $599. for three months and the group can be renewed.
24-Do you have a payment plan?
The fee can be split into two payments, the first upon signing up and the second 30 days later.
25-How do I apply or register for the group?
You can apply to be a member of the mastermind group by contacting me at Yvonne@createincomeindependence.com.
I will be in touch with you to set up a time for where we can talk. I want to know what you hope to get out of the group. where you are in your business and whether we’ll be a good fit.
26-What happens after I join?
When you register for the group, you also become a member of the www.createincomeindependence.com website. With membership, you have access to The Business Start-up Mastermind group private forum, the e-mail newsletter, and the website resources.
You will receive an email with the suggested group guidelines, non-disclosure agreement, proposed agenda for our meetings and a goal-setting worksheet. There will be an introductory meeting. In this Kickstart meeting, we get to know each other, discuss the guidelines, agenda and set goals. Before each of the six meetings, you’ll get an email with the meeting video conference access.
Before each meeting, you are asked to complete a meeting prep form where you list the issues you want to mastermind and your accomplishments since the last meeting.
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