WHAT IS A MASTERMIND GROUP?

You may have heard me or others raving about masterminds lately, and yet, many people misuse the term creating a whole lot of confusion for the rest of us!

So I am writing this blog to set the record straight. A mastermind is an elite and carefully selected group of individuals who commit to sharing their energy, resources, wisdom, experience and time in a synergistic manner for the collective benefit of the group.

It was first introduced by Napoleon Hill in 1934 and he defined it as:

“the coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a specific 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.”

What is truly amazing about masterminds is that the group participants elevate their results by challenging each others to create, increase and follow through with their goals, brainstorm solutions and ideas, provide support and share resources to enable the success of one another. The group becomes a catalyst, the fire by which the entire group is propelled.

For years, this has been a “well-kept secret” among successful entrepreneurs and CEO’s, as well as high-level athletes and performers. Because the reality is that as human beings we are wired for connection and belonging. And we unconsciously will rise to meet the level of those with whom we associate and invest time with.

In fact, when I first began doing aerial silks, (aerial dance), after 5 private sessions I joined the level 2 class. My teacher, in a tactful way, warned me that I would be the “worst in the class” so that I wouldn’t get frustrated. However, I knew that merely by joining it, even if at first I was indeed way behind, I would naturally rise my skill level to match those of my classmates. And that is exactly what happened! I was performing in less than 5 months!

HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM GROUP COACHING?

A mastermind is vastly different from group coaching!

While group coaching happens in groups, it is about taking turns to get tips, suggestions and feedback from an experienced coach who is the “guru”. Other participants are simply in “listening” mode and awaiting their turn. So basically, you remain in the role of “student/ learner”, and the guru maintains his/her position as “leader/expert/ guru”.

In a mastermind, it is fully acknowledged that each of the members of the group bring a unique value proposition to the group. A combination of experience, wisdom, knowledge, skills sets or resources that they bring to the group. It offers an opportunity to highlight your brilliance and make a unique contribution to group members, as well as to get support from every one of your group members. It is meant to be a shared experience of peers. All group members also get to experience being on a “hot-seat” and get support, as well as being in the role of “coach/facilitator”. So it allows you to develop and sharpen your skills, in the comfort of a small group with your best interest at heart!

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE GROUP WILL BENEFIT ME?

There are several elements to consider before joining the group. One of which is exploring the above question. If all you are looking for is for people to help you and invest in you, without you reciprocating the group will not be good for anyone!

The most important component of the success of ALL the members of the group, is their INVESTMENT IN THE SUCCESS OF ALL GROUP MEMBERS! Their commitment to sharing fully their knowledge, experience, and resources for the benefit of the group, and in essence: WHAT YOU PUT INTO IT, IS WHAT YOU WILL GET OUT OF IT!

Some of the benefits include:

• Ideas, suggestions and brainstorming for problems or new projects you want to launch.
• Access to the collective experience, wisdom and brilliance of an incredible group of people committed to their success and yours!
• Accountability for the implementation of the steps to see real results!
• Support and intimacy and a shared experience of having lots of people who have your back!
• Infusion of positivity, encouragement and energy.
• Stop spinning your wheels and learn from others who have experienced things and can give you the support and mentoring you need.
• Best of all it provides you with a container for consistency, accountability and action for you to skyrocket your goals & results!

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

• Look for a mastermind group with a skilled facilitator. Someone who has experience leading successful groups and is a good connector. Remember this is not about the leader being in the limelight, but rather the leader facilitating the sharing of each other’s brilliance! The facilitator must also be capable of running and structuring the meeting, hold members accountable and be capable of setting clear boundaries about what is acceptable in the context of the group. The facilitator serves the role of gatekeeper for the group, and screens other potential members carefully.

• A curated group. What do I mean by this? A group in which the leader has personally invited members to participate in screening gatherings, and further screened members to ensure they will be a positive contributor to the group. Members must apply for the group. High commitment level. The group members MUST demonstrate a high level of commitment to the group. Usually this is also reflected in the investment that members make to be a part of that group. I have found that volunteer masterminds tend to dissolve and not be as powerful because members do not value them simply because they didn’t invest $ into the group.

• An organizing theme. Masterminds can be run for any topic under the stars. Personal growth, health & wellness, spirituality, business growth. Whatever that is, it must be clear what the purpose of the mastermind is for all members, and that all members have goals related to this topic. (it doesn’t mean that members may not discuss a personal issue, but most of the time it will be in the purpose of receiving support, to clear this issue so they can refocus on their stated goals).

One of the greatest benefits of the group is that you always have someone who has your back when you get discouraged and things are not working well, you have the collective resources, network and wisdom of the group, and most importantly you have the container for you to take steps in a consistent and targeted manner, while having accountability so you see the fruits of your labor and success exponentially quicker than if you were going at it on your own!

MY EXPERIENCE:

In all honesty, I have been a stubborn, “lone wolf” for many years! I have built both of my businesses on my own, and consequently I have spent countless hours spinning my wheels, making mistakes, throwing money and time down the toilet, and feeling frustrated and embarrassed that I didn’t know better!

Fully knowing the power of groups, I thought I was different and somehow I should be able to figure it out on my own. I finally invested a rather LARGE amount of $ to join a mastermind and the results are stunning! I have already clarified, and strategized my entire 2016! Masterminds have the power to fully skyrocket your results. Now you know why many of us are raving about masterminds!

And I am soo excited, motivated and energized, that I can’t help to want to provide the same experience for my tribe!

So if you are an audacious, fun & conscious (spiritual) entrepreneur who wants to up level your game to triple your income and your impact this year, while having fun and making a huge difference in the world, check out some of my “initial” free mastermind gatherings, so we can get to know you, what you do, and begin exploring IF you might be a good fit for our powerful group!

You can check them out here:

http://tinyurl.com/Mastermind-Gathering

If all dates are filled, just shoot me an email and we can put you in the “waiting list” for the next round of gatherings!

Don’t delay! Find your hidden Rockstar and Revolutionize your World!

P.S. You may notice that this blog is in a different string as my other entries…I have decided to post just business blogs separately from the “overall luminous life” blogs that are shared more broadly. Let me know what you think!

In love and light,

Elena Estanol, Ph.D., M.F.A.