• How to Start a Mastermind Group

    November 29, 2008 // No Comments »

    If you are new to masterminding you might be wondering how to start a mastermind group .

    I call myself a "mastermindress" on Twitter .  I love sharing and exchanging ideas with other strategic Internet marketers and social media consultants.  I’m a big collaborator and team player.  When you collaborate or partner with other online marketers, you really get your creative juices flowing and can achieve more with less effort.

    Starting a mastermind group is easy and quite FUN!  Before I show you how to start your own mastermind group, let’s recap and define the term:

    A mastermind group is a group of like-minded people who are helping each other achieve their goals and dreams. The term “mastermind” comes from Napoleon Hill , who authored the classic self-help book “Think and Grow Rich .”

    How to Start Your Mastermind Group

    It all starts with some social media networking on your favorite social networking sites.  I have found tight communities such as those created on Ning to be great for meeting mastermind-quality folks.  However, it all depends on how you like to network and where you are most comfortable.  I love meeting new people on Twitter and have found several mastermind friends and Joint Venture partners on Twitter and via blogging as well!

    My mastermind is a free mastermind group.  There are paid mastermind groups out there, and there are many that are very much worthwhile.  One example is Yaro Starak’s Blog Mastermind .

    I will focus on creating free online mastermind groups - A small group that will serve like your "intimate board of directors."

    Prequalifying Mastermind Group Members

    Connect with others by engaging them in conversation.  Learn about them before you talk about yourself.  You don’t want to come across as very self-centered.

    I recommend the following online mastermind-attracting recipe:

    • Check out the person’s social networking profile, blog or website
    • Leave an encouraging comment on their blog or via direct message/email on the social networking platform
    • Invite to connect (as long as you have very similar interests)
    • Engage them in conversation - ask questions about THEM - don’t go on talking about yourself until they ask you to (people love to talk about themselves - just LISTEN)
    • If you REALLY find common ground and have connected with them, invite them to connect on a more frequent level via mastermind group

    It really is that simple.

    Setting a Mastermind Groups Meeting Schedule

    My mastermind group meets every other week and we usually have a topic to focus conversation around.  We also take turns talking about a particular subject, while the others members chime in and ask questions.

    You can set the rules.

    However, in order to have an effective mastermind group, all members must

    • understand the purpose of the mastermind group
    • understand the VALUE in meeting (every week, every other week)
    • all contribute equally to the group discussion
    • feel like they are free tol communicate about topics of discussion.

    Topics to Discuss with Your Online Mastermind Group

    • Social Media Marketing
    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    • Google Pay Per Click
    • Web Design
    • Information Product Marketing
    • Email Marketing
    • Traffic Conversion
    • Web Copy Tips
    • Whatever you all agree upon!

    Happy Online Masterminding!

    P.S. If you are at the intermediate/advanced level in the above areas, contact me on Twitter!  I am always open to meeting, connecting and collaborating with other passionate, strategic Internet marketers!

    Your Partner in Online Marketing Success,

    Dali Burgado

    Posted in Internet Marketing Productivity

    Mastermind Groups and Online Business Productivity

    September 16, 2008 // 2 Comments »

    An excellent way to stay focused and productive in your online business(es) is creating or finding a Mastermind Group to participate in.

    The first time I created a mastermind group was right after having attended a Live Event for one of my business ventures.  While I don’t recall which speaker on stage referenced the "mastermind group," what one speaker said caused me to remember reading about the power of the mastermind group in the book "Think and Grow Rich" By Napoleon Hill.  After that I took immediate action and created my first successful mastermind group.

    My definition of a mastermind group is a group of like-minded leaders who meet on a regular basis to share common goals, brainstorm, encourage and leverage each others’ talents and skills to co-create massive success.

    How’s that for a definition! ;-)

    Whether you’re an affiliate, network, or Internet Marketer, being a part of a mastermind group will shorten your learning curve and keep you on track to reaching your online goals.

    We all need the assistance of others to succeed - no matter what goals we might have or where we’d like to be.

    The mastermind group serves as your personal "board of directors." Think of it as a group of supportive individuals there to give you sound advice on business decisions.

    You can design your mastermind group to focus on marketing or Internet Marketing.  While there may be someone savvy in SEO you might be savvy in building online relationships.  You get to exchange ideas such as- what works for you - and learn what’s working for others.

    You leverage each other’s talents, knowledge and skills while working towards a common goal - i.e. online success.

    Leveraging others’ talents is huge because in order to remain productive online you must know what you are best at, stick to that, and seek the help of others who are good at the things you aren’t good at.

    Another perk about Mastermind groups is that they open the doors toward business partnerships / Joint Ventures with other online marketers as well as life-long friendships.

    It’s a win-win situation for all involved.  You all learn faster and keep each other productive.

    Wondering how you find leaders to mastermind with?

    Start thinking about your own niche or industry.   Other opportunities to mastermind exist on online forums and social networking sites.  You’ll know once you’ve met someone special to mastermind with!

    Happy Masterminding!

    If I can be of any further assistance connect with me on Twitter .

    Your Partner In Online Success,

    Dali Burgado

    Posted in Habits of Entrepreneurs, Internet Marketing Productivity