What is a MasterMind Group? There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a MasterMind group.  The beauty of MasterMind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals. The concept of the MasterMind group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich" he wrote about the Mastermind principle as: "The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony." He continues ... "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind." This is not a workshop--it is a MasterMind Group.  In a MasterMind Group, the agenda belongs to the group, and your participation is key.  Your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track—all over the internet. You will create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move the group to new heights.  You'll gain tremendous insights, which can improve your business and personal life. Your MasterMind Group is like having a objective board of directors.

What Will You Get From It? Experience, skill and confidence Real progress in your business and personal life An instant and valuable support network A sense of shared endeavor - there are others out there! Design things to be the way you want them to be, not as you've been told they "should" be Are you ready to be part of something bigger than just yourself?  Would you be interested in having a virtual Board of Directors?  Are you looking for a business support group that could help be the creative force for your business?  Then you need to join a Mastermind  group NOW!

What is a Mastermind For Millions  coaching group?  A Mastermind For Millions coaching group is a group of 4-6 other high potential entrepreneurs that have one thing in common:  They believe that true greatness cannot be achieved on its own and they are willing to step into something greater than just themselves.  In essence, they believe that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and they believe that in contributing to other people’s success, they will get back more than they give.  And, of course, they want to use the “mastermind” to make millions.   Does it really work? Do the names Henry Ford, Albert Einstein, Harvey Firestone, John Burrows and Luther Burbank sound familiar?  Well they were all in a mastermind group together, although it was not called that back then.  They leveraged each other’s brilliance to achieve things that they might not have been able to accomplish otherwise.

Excerpt from “Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill: “Men take on the nature and the habits and the power of thought of those with whom they associate in the spirit of sympathy and harmony.  Through his association with Edison, Burbank, Burrows and Firestone, Mr. Ford added to his own brain power the sum and substance of the intelligence, experience, knowledge, and spiritual forces of these four men…This principle is available to you!” MASTERMIND "The process of mind-blending, here described as a Master Mind, may be likened to the act of one who connects many electric batteries to a single transmission wire, thereby 'stepping up' the power flowing over that line. Each mind, through the principle of mind chemistry, stimulates all the other minds in the group, until the mind energy thus becomes so great that it penetrates to and connects with the universal energy known as ether, which, in turn, touches every atom of the entire universe.” - Napoleon Hill

Leaders Gain Valuable Insights Through Mastermind Groups by Christine W. Zust, M.A. Two heads are always better than one, but how about 6, 8, or 10 heads? Welcome to the world of mastermind groups, a growing business phenomenon that is being used by leaders around the world for problem-solving, inspiration and motivation. Built on the foundation of trust, confidentiality and harmony, the group forms a collective brain trust to address some of life's greatest challenges. Working together Mastermind groups share the basic philosophy that more can be accomplished in less time by working together. Comprised of individuals who meet in an open, supportive environment on a regular basis, the mastermind group's sole purpose is to share thoughts, ideas, opinions and information. As individuals, we have the ability to see things from our own perspective, our own world view. By adding others to the mix, the group has a greater ability to share a combined intellect to see things from a new and different perspective; what some call the "third mind." It is that collective third mind that processes and distills information down to its essence, and it is there that thoughts crystallize into ideas. It is also where the "Aha!" moment occurs. As individuals, we cannot achieve this on our own because our myopic view can cloud our perspective. As a group, the possibilities for expansive thinking are endless. Some mastermind groups are industry-specific. Other groups are broader based, with representatives from different businesses joining to brainstorm ideas on a variety of topics. Groups can address professional or personal issues, or both. Striving toward success and creating a positive, dynamic learning environment allows members to embrace their new-found "community." Great expectations - laying the ground rules When creating or joining a mastermind group, it is crucial to establish a clear-cut sense of purpose. Everyone in the group must buy into the purpose. These early stages of development are critical to the group's future success. If everyone in the group had a different expectation, disaster would be inevitable. Using the simple 5 Ws and H provides guidelines. Who will be members of the group? What is the group's main purpose? What is our topic for discussion? When, where, and how often will we meet? Why will we meet? How will the meetings be structured? The questions are endless. If the group does not seem like a good fit for you, to another group or create your own. Members of a mastermind group learn quickly that they must leave their ego at the door. Those who are unwilling to relinquish power won't last long. Problems can occur when some members have unrealistic expectations of the group or they don't grasp the concept of collective thinking. Some members may expect the group to solve all of their business or personal problems, or they may want to use the group as a therapy session. Groups who have self-centered, dominant members may self-destruct if the group allows that behavior to continue. Individual members like this can undermine the true purpose of the group's formation. An individual member who tries to overpower the group will either be warned, or will eventually be voted out of the group, because that person throws off the balance of the group. Trust and harmony form the foundation The success of a mastermind group is built on the foundation of trust and harmony. As some members explain, the process of building trust can take as long as a year before group members feel comfortable with each other. That comfort comes from sharing information and ideas, and learning to accept opinions openly and willingly. If only safe, polite comments are shared, nothing is gained, nor is the feedback valuable. Members don't benefit from a group of yes people. They want diversity of opinions and backgrounds from members who will offer constructive criticism and valuable opinions that encourage others to look at an issue with fresh eyes. Gary Ralston, senior business consultant at Ralston Consulting in Columbus, Ohio, says that trust deepens as the group forms. "Confidentiality, like a water-tight bond, is the most important part of mastermind groups," Ralston says. "Everywhere else, you want your business to look good to the rest of the world, but in a mastermind group, you can admit anything without being penalized because everything discussed stays in the group." He adds, "We live in our own blind spots. Mastermind groups allow us to accurately locate reality." Sustainability Mike Benz, executive director and CEO of United Way Services in Cleveland, Ohio, has for the past four years been a member of a group of executives that has met monthly. Few members have come and gone from the program during that time, but Benz explains, it is critical to select the right people. "Not just anyone can come into the program. They must be invited to become part of the group." The first year, he explains, focused on developing trust. Between the second and third year, the group hit a few bumps in the road, which were ironed out. By the fourth year, the group established its momentum. "You have to make a commitment to yourself and your group members that you're in it for the long term," Benz adds. Seeking feedback from group members keeps the group productive. Ralston points out that his group always ends its meetings by asking each person to reflect on what worked and what didn't in the meeting, and how the group can improve the next meeting. It keeps the group focused and on track. Group members determine how often the group meets. Members who are physically located in the same city might meet monthly. Others, who may be located in the same state, may opt for bi-monthly or quarterly meetings. Members of national mastermind groups opt for meeting about twice a year. Some mastermind group members choose to meet by telephone to keep in touch until they can meet in person, using bridge line teleconferencing. The duration of meetings depends on the group, but most meet for two to four hours; others who meet less frequently may opt to meet for a half or full-day. The group decides. Often, if a mastermind group has achieved the goals it set in the beginning, it may disband. For others, the group may meet with the same people for a decade or longer. Some advice Gary Ralston has participated in two mastermind groups - one is industry-specific; another, business-related. He offers the following advice to mastermind newbies: --Establish the group's protocol before the group is formed. --Take charge and be choosy about who you select as members in the starting group. It's better to start off small, and build the group than to go for volume without substance. --Know how to fire a group member if things aren't working out. Decide how you will eliminate group members before you form the group. If you wait until the group is up and running, and a problem exists, it will be too late to backtrack. --Don't fool yourself. If you are not making a difference to other group members, or they are not making a difference to you, it might be time to find another group that is better suited to your needs. If you are looking for a way to take your thinking to the next level, becoming a member of a mastermind group may be a solution worthy of your consideration. The benefits that a well-organized mastermind group can bring to your business and your life can be invaluable. ----------- Christine W. Zust, M.A., is a communication expert and professional speaker who helps executive leaders and management teams develop credibility and clout with their customers and key clients. She is president of Zust & Company, a Cleveland-based training, consulting and coaching firm. She can be reached at (440) 777-8373, or visit Zust & Company's website at http://www.zustco.com. ©2002 Zust & Company.

TAKING IT TO THE MASTERMIND GROUP TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. Leaders take responsibility. Followers accept responsibility. Notice what needs to be done and take action. BE FULLY PREPARED. Come to each call with something to gain and something to give. Example group: “If you show up unprepared, we boot you out. If you can’t show up prepared, it means that you’re not a leader. And if you’re not a leader, you don’t belong in the group.” ACCOUNTABILITY. Be an accountability group. Not a commiserating group. Most of the time people make excuses for coming unprepared. The question: WHAT ARE WE ABOUT? BIG THINGS require BIG ACCOUNTABILITY. ADVICE FROM SUCCESSFUL MASTERMIND GROUPS Be CURIOUS. Ask questions. Challenge people. ASK FOR HELP. SPEAK THE TRUTH about the group. What’s working, what’s not. Practice leadership skills with the mastermind team. If your group needs a boost, BOOST IT. BE the leadership that your group needs.