For the past six years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a dynamic mastermind group exclusively tailored for women of color business owners and executive leaders. When I decided to start a mastermind group, I wasn’t expecting just how transformative the journey would be, witnessing firsthand the remarkable results born out of community, consistency, and accountability.
One of my mastermind clients hit her highest cash month in business during the pandemic.
One of my clients surpassed her year sales goal by $1.2 million dollars.
After working together for six months, a client doubled her income from the previous year just in time to welcome her new baby!
There are even more client testimonials here.
Even if huge financial goals aren’t the results you’re looking for, mastermind groups have the potential to drastically improve your business, career, and personal life through community support and experienced facilitators.
If you’re thinking of joining a mastermind group and aren’t sure where to start, I’ll shed light on the benefits of joining a mastermind group, what to look for in one, and practical tips on finding the perfect fit, drawing from my own experiences in guiding my own mastermind community.
Benefits of Joining a Mastermind Group
Before you join a masterminds group, it’s important to know the benefits of what you’ll get from joining an aligned program.
1. Community and Connection
Joining a mastermind group introduces you to a community of like-minded individuals, providing a sense of belonging and the benefit of shared experiences. In our weekly mastermind office hours, our mastermind group members get a chance to connect with each other and share resources and stories. When a mastermind group incorporates in-person events and meetings like my Color Your Dreams Retreat (which is a free bonus for masterminders), you get to build community in a distraction-free environment, away from screens and phone calls.
2. Consistency
Regular meetings within the mastermind group provide a consistent framework, creating a rhythm that supports your ongoing growth and progress.
3. Accountability
The mastermind environment thrives on goals and mutual accountability, ensuring that each member remains committed to their objectives and supported by the collective effort of the group. As I act as a facilitator for the accountability of participants, my team and I send out weekly accountability emails with personalized action items and include 24/5 Voxer or email support to all my clients.
What to Look For in a Mastermind Group
It’s important to know what you’re looking for before signing up to participate in any mastermind program. After all, there is a mastermind group for everything! Here’s what to look for in a mastermind group.
1. Type
Consider whether you prefer an in-person, virtual, or hybrid mastermind. Do you enjoy how the groups meet? For instance, my mastermind offers accessibility via virtual weekly office hours and virtual 1:1 sessions while incorporating bi-annual in-person retreats to enhance community connections.
2. Focus
Evaluate the focus of the mastermind group, whether it caters to established entrepreneurs, executive leaders, beginner business owners, or personal development goals. My mastermind is specifically for established entrepreneurs and executive leaders, but we still prioritize personal development and personal goals alongside professional growth for a holistic approach to success.
3. Style
Examine the facilitation style of the mastermind—whether it is led by a coach or focuses on discussions in groups of people. In my mastermind program, I host 1:1 sessions with my clients, weekly office hours, and also have two co-coaches to bring their expertise to participants. And if one meeting type doesn’t jive with you, there’s no pressure to participate in the available group meetings.
4. Education or Action-Oriented
Determine the approach of the mastermind—whether it leans heavily on an educational focus, or if the time is spent prioritizing action-oriented strategies and problem solving. Do you want to be taught via presentations each week to broaden your skill set, or do you want personalized advice and support for your specific professional goals? With 4x/month office hours AND dedicated 1:1 meetings with me, you get the best of both worlds learning from co-coaches and working directly with me to lay out your goals and gameplan
5. Group Size
Keep in mind the size of the group, ensuring it allows for personalized attention. You may find you benefit more from a small group, but some people do like the community aspect of a larger group. I personally cap the number of clients I work with at 24 to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere and to ensure I’m not showing up burnt out to our client calls.
How to Find a Mastermind Group
Now that you know what to expect from a quality mastermind program and what would work best for you personally, you may be wondering, “Where do I even find a mastermind group?”. Here’s my best advice for starting your search:
Professional Networking Platforms
Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network, enabling you to discover mastermind groups that may not be readily visible within your immediate professional circles. You can add me on LinkedIn here.
Ask Like-Minded Professionals
Seek recommendations from people in similar industries or roles; tapping into the experiences of those who share common ground can uncover potential mastermind opportunities. Referrals are always a good way to go since someone you know and trust has already vetted an opportunity.
Consult Mentors
Not everyone advertises and promotes their masterminds. Approach your mentors for suggestions, as they may have insights into invite-only mastermind opportunities that align with your goals and values.
Tap Into Local Resources
Inquire with your local chamber of commerce, trade groups, and networking programs for recommendations on mastermind groups operating within your community.
Joining a mastermind group can be a game-changer for your personal and professional growth, but finding the right fit is key. Take the time to explore, connect, and ensure the group aligns with your goals. Remember, it’s not just about joining any group – it’s about joining the right one, especially if you’re investing your money into it. Trust your instincts, meet with facilitators, and seek opportunities that genuinely resonate with your vision. Most importantly, always be sure the facilitator is willing to answer all of your questions without pressuring you and that they are able to provide testimonials and references to past clients and participants. Your journey to success starts with the right community; hold out for the one that feels right.
If you would like further support in your career, business, or leadership, my team and I would love to support you in creating a sustainable life through our coaching services! You can schedule a 30-minute legacy business or career review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together, and you’ll receive 3 action-items from me.
