Season 4 – epiBLOG 23:

Well, as a woman of my word, I promised you a third post in my three-part series regarding: (1) accountability partners, (2) mentors, and (3) having a mastermind group.

When I ask around, I noticed that many people haven’t even heard of a mastermind group, let alone understanding the true purpose of one, especially artists. Author Napoleon Hill discusses it in detail in his book Think & Grow Rich. The Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield discusses it in his book The Success Principles, where he references the aforementioned author. So, it’s definitely a thing. What I’m sure you want to know is: how does this apply to your life as an entrepreneurial artist in 2017?

Great question.

Today’s topic is on what you should expect out of your mastermind group experience – whether you create one yourself or whether you get invited to an existing one.

Keep in mind that these are the only two ways to get into a legitimate mastermind group. You either create the group yourself and set the standards, or you have to get invited into one that is already up and running.

According to Jack Canfield, “the basic philosophy of a mastermind group is that more can be achieved in less time when people work together. A mastermind group is made up of people who come together on a regular basis – weekly, biweekly, or monthly – to share ideas, thoughts, information, feedback, and resources.”

Wouldn’t it be phenomenal to work with a group of people who not only support you, but who you get to support as well? This can be extremely valuable to an entrepreneurial artist who is “a business of one.” The group can empower you to move forward.

Jack says, “By getting the perspective, knowledge, experience, and resources of the others in the group, not only can you move beyond your own limited view of the world but you can also advance your own goals and projects more quickly.”

How many of you see benefit in that for yourself? I hope you do.

I have been a part of a mastermind group consistently for nearly a year and a half. We meet every two weeks (twice a month) and each one of us takes a turn leading and guiding the group.

Based upon my personal experience as an entrepreneurial artist, I would definitely recommend being a part of an effective mastermind group. Sharing ideas and having people as sounding boards can be extremely helpful.

I was invited to be a part of my mastermind group, but instead of waiting for an invite or googling some existing mastermind groups in your area, create your own.

The following are qualities that you’re looking for in group members as well as within yourself:

  • Those who follow through and are accountable.
  • Those who are ambitious.
  • Those who have a different career than you do; and all group members should each represent a unique career. For example, you shouldn’t have two writers or two musicians in the same group. The purpose of the group is to bring your own unique experience to meetings, not the same experiences from a different mind.
  • Those who’ve already clearly defined their purpose/career choice.
  • Those who already have some sort of track record of success within the career they are representing within the group (this means they also have experience with overcoming failure, which is valuable).
  • Those who have different strengths than what you have.
  • Those who are willing to be open to learning, to being vulnerable, to being loyal, and to being trustworthy.

Once you establish the types of people that you would like to belong to your group, you want to create the guidelines and expectations for yourself and then with each person who you invite to join your group. This is what allows everybody to be accountable equally and fairly. The guidelines should surround points like being on time for the agreed upon meeting time, not missing more than two meetings within one calendar year, etc. You create the guidelines that you feel will help yourself and the group members to be successful.

Today’s LESSON is to consider the possibility that strength comes in numbers.

FUN ASSIGNMENT: Read Principle 46 – “Mastermind Your Way to Success” – in Jack Canfield’s book The Success Principles. Discover for yourself what you can make possible out of being a part of a strong and effective mastermind group.

Resource: The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be By Jack Canfield

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