How To Find a RockStar Mastermind Group [Part One]

Last week I was asked “Melanie how do I find a mastermind group?”

I had to stop and think for a minute…”How DO I find my mastermind groups?”

I’ve been masterminding for 20 years (yes I really am that old.) It’s one of the driving forces behind my success and constantly challenges me to rise from mediocrity to exceptional. Before I share my secret to getting into the hottest, most powerful mastermind groups, let me first reveal that not all mastermind groups are alike. Here are three core types of mastermind groups that I’ve discovered over the years:

1. Paid Mastermind Groups

A paid mastermind is typically set up and facilitated by a coach or mentor. They have you apply to become a member and typically you will invest a significant amount of money to gain access to their wisdom, contacts and to network with the other members. Paid masterminds vary greatly – some are very content oriented, others are more organically focused on the needs of the group. Some meet in person where as others are virtually (like the New Era Entrepreneur Mastermind.) I’ve hosted many of paid masterminds over the years and it is a powerful way to bring your clients together so they can learn and grow from each other. If you pick a mentor that is in alignment with your vision for success, it will be an excellence investment in your growth.

2. Sponsored Mastermind Group

A sponsored mastermind is often hosted by a church, spiritual organization or other type of association as part of the membership. The focus will be on like-minded growth and meeting the goals that the organization has set for its members. A sponsored mastermind may or may not have a cost associated with it. For instance, when I set up the mastermind for a former church I attended; the members were able to attend for free but had to make a 6 week commitment. I’ve also participated in masterminds for a coaching association I was a member of that had a very small fee. Sponsored masterminds that have a trained facilitator can be a valuable resource as long as you can keep up with the commitments the group sets.

3. Casual or Self-Run Mastermind Group

The very first mastermind I ever joined was established by 6 women who were ready to have the life of their dreams. We met weekly at each other’s homes and focused on buying homes, manifesting husbands and babies as well as releasing destructive patterns in our lives. We didn’t charge for the group but we did have a common focus – committing to support each other in achieving our goals. This was a wonderful group however the down side was that members didn’t have a financial incentive to stick with the group and when issues arose there was not a leader to resolve them. This is often the down-side to casual mastermind groups based on common values – they don’t have much longevity and can get bogged down from a lack of leadership.

My current Rockstar Mastermind is also self-run – with a twist. Because most of us have led our own masterminds we have an extensive amount of

experience with what it takes. This mastermind enrollment was very intense – we had to apply, interview and be accepted into it. We have structure, guidelines and principles of how we show up. The players are all top-notch success stories so we must play “full out” or lose our spot in the group. Vulnerability, truth-telling and over the top support of each other is required. It’s an amazing catalyst for me to launch my big dream this year.

Now, how do you find the right mastermind for you? I’ll tackle that in the next post with “7 Defining Criteria for a RockStar Mastermind Group.”