How a Mastermind Group Helps the Self-Employed

But as a solopreneur, sometimes you feel isolated and alone.

Working By Yourself Can Be Lonely.

Often, there is no one to talk to, kick ideas around with, or formulate a strategy.
No one to encourage and motivate you, or hold you to your goals.

Maybe, you talk to your spouse, your best friend, or a colleague, but they don’t really understand.
They don’t get you, your passion, or what you’re trying to accomplish.

When you’re pursuing a new venture, you want a confidant.
Someone who understands, to offer critical insights, question your assumptions, poke holes in your plans.
To be your cheerleader, to help you stay inspired and motivated to work toward your goals.

When you spend too much time alone, you can miss the big picture.
You skip over obvious problems.
You start down a path that may be filled with potholes.
And, you can spend all day without meaningful communication.

There Are Ways Around Feeling Alienated

1-Find a mentor.

Someone who knows what you want to do takes you under their wing, shortens your learning curve, and provides answers. A mentor often has the experience and accomplished what you are trying to do. For instance, you want to write a book, so you find a mentor that successfully published one to help you avoid a lot of stumbling blocks,

2-Hire a coach.

A professional who you pay to talk to regularly, give you their advice and wisdom, and hold you accountable. There are many business coaches. They come in all specialties and charge varying amounts. A Google search will yield many organizations that have a list of certified coaches. You can also search for the big-name coaching associations and find someone who meets your needs.

3-Join a mastermind group.

A mastermind group is a small circle of like-minded people who come together to get mutual support, brainstorm problems, hold each other accountable, and help solve problems. Many meet once or twice a month, in person or virtually.
Most have a private online forum, where members can stay in touch between meetings, ask questions, discuss alternatives, and get feedback.

Mastermind Groups are a Powerful Tool

A mastermind is a group of like-minded people who share ideas and help each other get clarity on issues important to their business. The creativity and support of the group result in more powerful results than any member can get doing it alone.

Many times a solo entrepreneur or small business owner believes they need to form a joint venture or take on a partner. They feel that without another individual they are vulnerable and lack the knowledge to create success.

However, what entrepreneurs really need is advice and insights. With a mastermind group of peers you can trust, there is no need to form a joint venture or give away ownership in your business just to have someone to talk to.

In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote about them in Think and Grow Rich, still the most quoted and referenced book on success.  For more information read Napoleon Hill’s Rules for Success.  

Mastermind groups have been around throughout history, and are used by the most successful people. It’s common to hear business people speak about how you can’t do it alone.

This process, called masterminding, is one of the most powerful tools for success presented in this book (The Success Principles). I don’t know anybody who has become super successful who has not employed the principle of masterminding.” ˜ The Success Principles– Jack Canfield

Mastermind groups are even more popular today

The word has clearly gotten out about the value of mastermind groups.

There are groups formed around many subjects and purposes.
For instance, topics include small business owners, new parents, people who want to live overseas, etc.

CEO’s, engineers, middle managers, entrepreneurs, and many others, benefit from meeting with a group of their peers.

Many independent business people, such as freelancers, solopreneurs, and internet marketers work from anywhere, with just a laptop and an internet connection. For these solo endeavors, being part of a group is essential. It helps you associate with other independent business people, form friendships, and have a place to turn when you need help.

And most importantly, it helps overcome the lonely, and isolated feelings that come from working for yourself, in the new, independent economy.