In his business classic, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill describes Master Mind as a “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Throughout history many successful men, i.e. Dale Carnegie, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, have utilized “collective brain power” to attain success. The concept is just as powerful today as it was a century ago.
Who are the ideal candidates for inclusion in your Mastermind Group? To identify them, you need to decide what the purpose of your group is. For example, do you want to focus mostly on business development issues, encourage each other to set and reach personal goals, act as an educational resource, and/or do community service projects as a way of giving back?
Once you’ve decided what your purpose is, it will be easier for you to identify professionals who have similar goals and objectives to yours and are a good fit for your group.
Here are some questions you might ask Mastermind Group candidates:
- Do you serve your clients in a holistic manner? Explain.
- Are you interested in business growth and development?
- Do you have a desire to improve themselves, both personally and professionally?
- Are you well connected within the community? If so, how?
- Are you receptive to the idea of “working smarter, not harder,” by joining a Mastermind Group?
Make a list of professionals you consider to be viable candidates. Once you are confident they will be dedicated contributors to your group, ask them for names of other professionals they would recommend being included. Selecting the right individuals to participate will help your Mastermind Group flourish.
Often, the first candidates for membership who come to mind are CPAs, estate and tax attorneys, trust officers, and insurance agents. However, there are other professionals who are well connected with your target market. For example, if your target market is professional sports figures, then connecting with coaches, venue owners or even their family members is a great place to start. It’s important to give some serious thought to who would be the best members for your Mastermind Group, and ultimately will help you reach your goals. Remember, it’s not just about connecting, it’s about positioning.
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