Today I have a question to ask you about your Off The Charts Success Team… what the heck is that, you ask? It’s my version of a mastermind, but now you might be asking yourself what is a mastermind…
I’m glad you asked! The definition of a mastermind is: bringing together a group of like-minded individuals and meeting regularly to support one another’s progress toward similar intentions and goals.
I think that’s awesome, but as usual I like to put my own twist on things, and also take a look at where things come from.
The book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill is responsible for popularizing the concept of the mastermind. The book describes the power of a mastermind as:
“The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”
Now before we dive deeper into the different components of masterminds, and why they work so well… let’s see who is on your team right now.
What Is a Mastermind & Why Do You Need The 3 C’s On Your Success Team?
A Skeptic’s Look At Masterminds and Teamwork
When I first heard this quote it sounded cliche: “It takes teamwork to make the dreamwork.”
But now that I’ve seen what can happen when you’re surrounded the right team of supporters, I believe it.
So what kind of team do you need exactly? I like to think of it as an Off The Charts success team, because this team will help you move forward in your life and business like nothing else.
In this team, I’m not referring to employees, though they are absolutely important, too.
I’m talking about the 3 “C”‘s that you need to have as part of your team or mastermind.
Your Success Team Needs Customers & Clients
When most people think of a mastermind, this typically does not include customers or clients… but to me, every mastermind has a mix of different business relationships and it includes client relationships too.
In order to have a successful business, you need customers and clients. That’s plain to see, and it’s usually the first place we look when something isn’t working in a business.
Do you have enough clients and customers raising your business?
If not, these next two “C”‘s on your team might be able to help with that.
Colleagues Are Often The Missing Piece
Your peers are those people in business who are at roughly your level of expertise and influence.
Your peers can be colleagues, they can be competition, they could be different people in different industries who just so happen to hang out in the same circles that you do.
Your colleagues are crucial because they can both inspire you, motivate you, and keep you accountable.
Your peers are like your best buddies swimming alongside you to get to the other side of the river. If either one of you were to get a cramp, the others would stop swimming and help you out immediately.
This is the missing piece for many start-up business owners: they’ve got some customers, and maybe a coach, but no one swimming alongside them.
An often overlooked bonus to having a mastermind group with your peers, is that they can also help promote you, and help you find more of your ideal customers and clients.
Without colleagues, you’re dead in the water.
What Is a Mastermind Without a Leading Coach or Consultant?
At first, I didn’t want to believe it to be true, but I’ve found that having a coach makes a huge difference as to how fast and far you go.
When I was an active student in Tae Kwon Do, my instructor saw things that were possible for me that I had no way of seeing for myself. She pushed me, guided me, and corrected me along the way.
Without her as a coach and mentor, I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today, and I probably wouldn’t have started a business of my own either.
The same has proven to be true in business too. My mentor Marie Forleo helped me to see beyond my immediate issues toward the bigger picture, and the steps needed to build my ideal business.
A coach in business is important even if you happen to be really smart and good at business yourself.
If you’re a hair dresser, you can’t give yourself a good haircut.
Combine All Three “C”‘s and You’ve Got a Mastermind…
The one thing that brings all three of these “Off The Charts Team” elements into one place is a mastermind group led by a coach.
There’s something powerful about being connected to other business owners who are up to big things, and having a leader who can see things that you can’t see for yourself.
Each colleague of yours in a mastermind group will be able to contribute their own resources, distinct perspectives, and original insights to your company and your issues.
You’ll also often find ideal clients and customers within a mastermind group, not to mention tons of potential collaborative partners.
So the next time you feel alone while you’re building your business, take a look at which “C” you are lacking.
