Today I’m at a retreat with my Mastermind group. We formed the group early in the year. We have a business coach who moderates the monthly phone calls we have with each other, and we each have a personal call with the coach each month as well. On the group call we each share a success we’ve had, and we also discuss challenges we are facing. We are then able to share ideas of what can be done to solve the problem (or just be there for emotional support if it’s something that can’t be fixed (although this is super rare!))
Why do I find this so valuable? There are a few reasons.
- 1. Most people I know on a personal level don’t own a business and have no idea what it is like to think about it 24/7. It’s great to have a group of entrepreneurs who are going through the same thing as me understand my challenges and can offer solutions. At the last retreat, I mentioned my need to find project management software that would allow me to track work in the office. One of the members recommended the software she was using. After looking into it, I discovered this was just what I needed. I hired her virtual assistance company to do the initial set-up (I had a lot of information needing to be entered) and she did a training with my staff so we each knew how to use it properly. I didn’t have the time to research everything out there, and her expertise in the area has made it so much easier for me!
- 2. Accountability is important. We can say we want to do something, but when things get crazy, we may put it off to the side and get to it “when we have time.” However, when the group members know I said I was going to do something, they can ask me how it’s going. If I haven’t done what I said I would do, they can encourage me, challenge me, etc.
- 3. When something happens, I have someone I can call to have the support I need. I recently had a situation occur and I needed to call someone right away to share my experience. She understood what I was dealing with as she recently had a similar experience. Having a friend be there for me during a difficult time was very important to me. Our group is very close and we support each other’s businesses. Having that support is important, and helps us continue on in our business endeavors.
- 4. I have a conversation with my coach each month to go into these situations in more depth. Her experience over the years allows her to see something I may not see. Even if it is something I’m aware of, she can encourage me to continue on the path of success. It’s scary sometimes being the sole provider for my family, and having someone to share my experiences with is amazing.
If you’re considering joining a group like this, I’d say it’s worth it. I’m glad I did it and you will be too.
Candy
