• 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

    Building an Online Presence Imperfectly

    September 4, 2008 // 1 Comment »

    When I first started to teach myself how to build an online presence I wanted to soak up  tons of information before getting started.  I soon realized I was in the “analysis paralysis” stage and wasn’t putting myself out there.

    It wasn’t that I didn’t feel I was a good writer.  I happen to believe I’m an awesome writer.  I am confident that I can express ideas clearly.  However, I was afraid to be imperfect. That fear stopped me from taking action.

    I wanted a perfect online presence.  I wanted to make sure I knew all the “rules” to building an effective Internet presence.  That mindset delayed my success.

    You see, I came to realize taking imperfect action is 100 times better than taking no action at all.

    Usually we are really the only ones stopping ourselves from being successful or from reaching a goal.

    Self-sabotage is real.

    We fear that if we do things inadequately the world is going to point a big fat finger at us and laugh.

    Many of us even fear success.

    I know often times I HAVE.  It’s crazy to think that we would, but we do.  When we delay in making decisions and taking action we delay the success we deserve and desire.

    The truth is successful leaders make quick decisions and take action imperfectly. I had to learn that.

    When you develop your presence online you will learn as you build your Internet content.

    We all make mistakes.  No big deal.

    Take your mistakes in stride and focus on taking IMPERFECT ACTION to build that online presence.

    Your Partner in Online Productivity and Success,

    Dali Burgado

    Posted in Habits of Entrepreneurs, Personal Development & Home Business