Mastermind Groups

IMC is proud to announce that we are sponsoring the development of Mastermind Groups for our members.

What is a Mastermind Group?

Mastermind groups are a growing business phenomenon used for problem-solving, inspiration and motivation. They are built on the foundation of trust, confidentiality and harmony. 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. Due to the group nature, a commitment of time and energy is required. Group members should be motivated people who are willing to ask for as well as offer help and support.

What Goes On?

The agenda belongs to the group, and each person’s participation is key. Group members:

• give each other feedback * help brainstorm new possibilities
• et up accountability structures that keep members focused and on track
• create a community of supportive colleagues who will work together to move the group to new heights.

What Will You Get Out of the Group?

Here are some of the benefits that most group members experience:

• Experience, skill and confidence * Real progress in your business life * An instant and valuable support network * Support in delivering on commitments to your self * Lighting a fire under your career * Building supportive and competent relationships * Go beyond goal setting to goal GETTING * Turn stumbling blocks into stepping-stones for success * Tapping the true source of Group Mind Power * Develop an unflappable belief in yourself and your abilities

How Does It Work?

Mastermind Groups are generally composed of 3-7 individuals who come together to form a relatively stable group of members. Since this program is open to IMC members only, the common thread will be interest in the consulting industry. The goal is for group members to provide ideas, feedback, an open ear, resources and support. While suggested guidelines are provided, each Mastermind group is autonomous and will make their own decisions based on group member needs and desires.

Although meeting agendas may vary, each group member should think about:

• Bringing something to share/GIVE to the group
• a goal to ask for support in
• an honest report of how they are doing/did on last month's goal

Who Should Be Involved?

People who:

• have a similar interest such as Management Consultants
• have a similar skill and/or success level
• have the desire and inspiration to make this year extraordinary
• want a supportive team of Mastermind partners
• want to reach or exceed their goals
• are ready to let their desire to be passionate about their life and work overcome their fear of change
• have a desire to share experiences and expertise with others

How Will Groups Form?

IMC members will receive an email communication to solicit specific interest. IMC will then facilitate the formation of groups through a web based approach. The intention is to ensure that group formation is voluntary and to allow individuals to select the group they choose to join. We are using ‘best practice’ guidelines and will do everything we can to ensure that you are comfortable with your group choice.

More information will be available later.

To ensure you are a good fit with the Mastermind concept, take some time to reflect and answer the following questions for yourself:

What is your desired outcome in participating in the Mastermind? 2. What top 3 business goals would you like to achieve with the support of this group? 3. What top 3 personal goals would you like to achieve? 4. How would you like to contribute to the group? What personal experience, talents, skills or insights could you share with the others? 5. What specific support could you use from the group? How will you be sure to create that?

History of Mastermind Group

The term Mastermind was coined by Napoleon Hill in 1937 when he was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie to interview the successful people of his time.

Hill demonstrated that no successful person does it alone. All are surrounded by people who can help them, advise them, criticize them, encourage them, motivate them, inspire them and spark them to be better than they could ever be on their own. He goes even further to suggest that people with a mastermind group around them can tap into an intelligence that is beyond themselves - that the coming together of two or more minds focused on a single purpose creates an fusion of intellect that can never be achieved by the individuals on their own.

Top 10 Benefits of Participating in a Mastermind Group

1. You will be listened to in safe and nonjudgmental environment.
2. You will have the support and encouragement of a network of successful people to move your business or project forward.
3. You dramatically increase your chances of reaching your goals, as a group of people will assist you brainstorming solutions and action steps.
4. By sharing your goals and results you are motivated by accountability.
5. You will have more fun while others cheer you on to greater results.
6. Get helpful feedback & bounce ideas off of the group before you implement action, saving yourself time energy and money.
7. Find solutions to problems from proactive, objective people who want you to succeed.
8. Gain increased self-mastery and leadership skills as you support and coach other group members.
9. Be a part of something special.
10. Develop meaningful relationships with others.

Suggested Process Steps

There is no one way to conduct a Mastermind group. Here are some suggested process steps but keep in mind that each group will determine the content and specifics for themselves.

1. Determine frequency, place and method of meeting. It may be monthly or bi-monthly, face to face, on the phone or some combination.
2. Establish ground rules regarding group conduct, ie. no putting down other speakers, solutions oriented vs. problem oriented, share time so no one dominates, confidentiality, and mutual respect. This is probably the most important step as it creates the atmosphere for you to operate in. Keep it simple but clear.
3. Review the items under What You Will Get Out of the Group. Strive to reach consensus as to the items most important to the group. The more specific you are, the more successful you will be.
4. Select a leader for the meeting to co-ordinate schedules, send out the emails, confirm logistics and act as facilitator. This responsibility can be passed among the group members as desired or the same person can serve as leader as long as the group agrees.
5. Develop a list of topics the group wants to address. Start with marketing, business plan development, consulting skills, networking and alliance building and go from there.
6. Start out sharing a success, breakthrough or appropriate updates. This can be a personal or business example. This is like a celebration time and sets a wonderful tone. Begin to ask each other if there is an area we need support.
7. Figure out a way so you are all bringing something to contribute. It may be an article, resource, book, video etc that relates to the meeting topic.
8. If it stops working, try something different. Revisit purposes and goals and make adjustments accordingly.
9. Devote some time to each member who needs help with a particular problem or opportunity. The assumption is that not everyone will have a need for every meeting. Brainstorming and creative suggestions can be the most profitable aspect of Masterminds.
10. As the program progresses, we will send out more information on getting going, avoiding pitfalls and techniques to keep the group energized.