1. MASTERMINDING
How to go about setting up your own mastermind group
Masterminding as an activity can be as informal or as formal as
you wish or need it to be.
I have had success with both, but a good "halfway house" is best
for most people.
Look "into" people that you think are well connected, good networkers,
honest, of integrity and positive in outlook (and just a bit barking mad
helps too). DON'T JUST GO ON REPUTATION - THAT IS ALL TOO
OFTEN MISSLEADING AS YOU WELL KNOW.
Look at your own goal and seek members that fit the areas of expertise
that you are lacking. For example, if you are a very ideas based person you
might value a detail or financial based member to help you understand
areas that you are lacking in, and vice versa.
When you have a good mix of industry sectors (you can also
mastermind with your own team) ask if they wish to be part of a
mastermind (MM) group.
An MM outcome is to inspire, motivate and hold to account a
group of people working as a team or as individuals (on individual
or group goals) to achieve more and be more effective, to have
fun and to make friends.
Choose how often you wish to meet and where.
For ease I list here how I often use the model:
no more than 6 in a group.
3-6 is ideal, some have more but I find it gets messy with over 6 people.
meet fortnightly or once a Month taking it in turns to host,
administrate, seek venue and chair the meeting.
half a day or a day in duration (4 hrs minimum)

2. take in turns to introduce yourselves (at first meeting).
share (in turn) what has been happening to you recently
personally and in your business.
share (in turn) what it is you want help (or your major
goal/project) with this month to take you forward.
keep quiet as the group offer their thoughts on how you can make
faster or more efficient progress.
Allow the group to add value, comment and suggestions without
you or they being a "mood hoover".
We find it helps if you perhaps meet over dinner, or even go for a
walk - or both. We have even played squash and then met over
lunch.
Then when all have had their turn, each member commits to
action what they WILL do this Month and others hold you to
account.
emails and calls flow between members and a "positive" air of
"badgering" and pushing takes place.
No badgers should be harmed in any way during the "badgering"
process !
On average groups run for about a year before running their
course of added value but life long associates are born out of each
group that I have, or do run.
GO 4 it - …..and …….. mix with the right people
David Hyner - Stretch Development Ltd
www.davidhyner.com www.stretchdevelopment.com