How to find a mastermind group
Ask anyone at the highest levels of success, and they’ll tell you they didn’t do it alone. Many top athletes, entertainers and businesspeople had excellent mentors to show them the way. Tony himself was mentored by consultant and author John Grinder and entrepreneur Jim Rohn. But there are even more opportunities out there to help you better yourself, and one powerful opportunity is joining a mastermind group.
Billionaire steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie credited his entire fortune to his mastermind group – he inspired author Napoleon Hill to create the term in his 1937 book Think and Grow Rich. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone had their own small mastermind group. Tony has had help from peers like Dean Graziosi and Grant Cardone. And mastermind groups aren’t just for business people. One of the most famous mastermind groups of all time was the Inklings, an authors’ group with members like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Owen Barfield.
All of these famous people understood one of Tony’s most powerful concepts: “The quality of a person’s life is most often a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group.” You become like your inner circle and vice versa. That’s why Tony and other successful people leverage the power of proximity and build inner circles that empower and uplift them. Mastermind groups are an excellent way to do just that. But what is a mastermind group? And how can you find one?
What is a mastermind group?
A mastermind group is a group of peers who meet to give each other advice and support. It’s similar to mentoring, but has several important differences. First, it will have five or six members, instead of being a one-on-one meeting. In a mastermind group, you will both give and receive advice, while in a mentorship, you’ll typically be on the receiving end.
Mastermind groups can also involve brainstorming, educational presentations and even discussing personal issues. Many people think of these groups as mastermind classes, but they are not a class. There is no single teacher with a prepared lesson. So what is a mastermind group really? It is a “meeting of the minds” – a place where you can speak the truth and expect it in return.
Benefits of a mastermind group
The benefits of mastermind groups are vast. In the best groups, members hold each other accountable for their goals – driving each other to reach the highest levels of success.
Build your network
A quality mastermind group provides you with a peer community who will elevate your life. You’ll be around other driven businesspeople who will energize you to go after your goals. Mastermind groups also share business contacts and provide recommendations and references – a big help if you’re just starting out.
Share your ideas
Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, want to grow your existing one or are starting to think about your exit strategy, a mastermind group is a place to share your ideas and get feedback. A quality mastermind group will brainstorm with you, provide a different perspective and poke holes in your strategies.
Elevate your skills
An ideal mastermind group brings together businesspeople at different levels of success and with different strengths and weaknesses. This way, each member can lend their strengths to other members of the group and work on their weaknesses. Mastermind groups will help you question your limiting beliefs, face your fears and challenge you to do better, every day.
Get support
The most important answer to the question, “What is a mastermind group?” is that it’s a resource you can tap into for support, advice and celebration. Mastermind groups are a supportive community who celebrate your successes and understand your failures. They always encourage you to get back up again, and when you do achieve a goal, they’ll be there to celebrate your success.
What to consider before joining a mastermind group
Success in business is all about asking the right questions. If you’re already wondering, “Are there any mastermind groups near me?” there are a few other things to consider first.
Am I willing to be honest?
At his Business Mastery events, Tony teaches that before you can get where you are going, you must first know where you are. To get value out of your mastermind group, the same concept applies. If you attend with blind confidence, certain that your business is running smoothly and you are making the right choices, you won’t be open to advice. Be humble, realistic and honest about where you are in the business cycle and what you could be doing better.
What is my purpose?
Your purpose is your north star. It guides every decision you make, every action and every goal. To achieve everything you want – in your career and your personal life – you must connect it back to your purpose. How does joining a mastermind group help you fulfill your ultimate purpose in life? Will you grow your business and achieve financial freedom? Will you make new connections that will allow you to give back? Understand your purpose so you can find a mastermind group that is the right match.
Have I set relevant goals?
Your purpose drives you, but your goals guide you. To benefit from a mastermind group, you must know what you hope to get out of it. This doesn’t mean vague goals like “improve my business” or “learn public speaking.” Set SMART goals like “Grow 30% year over year” or “Give a TEDx Talk in one year.” Like your purpose, these will guide which mastermind group you join. You’ll also want to share them with the group you join so they can help you along your journey.
How to find a mastermind group
The mastermind group definition might be straightforward, but to create or find a group is more difficult. How do you meet – or choose – the right people? How do you find a mastermind group that fits your needs?
1. Talk to your network
Colleagues, business connections, clients and friends may know a mastermind group you can join or can connect you with others to start a new group. Use social media sites like LinkedIn to message your ultra-successful connections. It can also make sense to talk to your offline connections – they may know of a better fit for you.
Don’t forget to talk to your contacts at local schools, religious groups, trade groups and professional associations. They often host mastermind groups that aren’t advertised, or they may know a place that does. Even if you’re not sure someone can help you, let them know you’re looking. You never know what your network might turn up.
2. Get online
In today’s digital world, it’s easier than ever to find a mastermind group. There are plenty of websites that can direct you to a mastermind group and other ways you can improve your business skills, like finding a mentor or attending an educational event. Get on Google or Meetup.com and search “mastermind groups near me.”
Virtual events, like Tony Robbins’ Business Mastery, will connect you with like-minded individuals who are determined to be the best in business, just like a mastermind group. Events can be compelling agents of change in your life. For more support and advice, Business Coaching could be right for you. Tony has helped thousands of people with his proven methods – why not you?
3. Aim high
Tony says, “Model someone who’s already getting the results that you want.” This is a vital principle to keep in mind as you find a mastermind group. You don’t necessarily want a group of peers – you need those who have climbed a step or two higher than you on the mountain or even further if possible. What is a mastermind group if not a place you can go for peer elevation?
You want group members who will go all in with you: total honesty, huge goals and dreams and plenty of drive. Hunger will drive your success, but you must surround yourself with others who live their passion. The best mastermind groups also have a facilitator, a leader that keeps discussions on track, asks the right questions to take your knowledge even deeper and helps members achieve their goals.
Ready to discover the power of the mastermind group?
Join Inner Circle to gain the benefits of mastermind groups and and access exclusive content and mentoring from Tony Robbins.