Master Minds on Main
Posted by Lisa in Mastermind Group, tags: business goals, financial success, growing your business, Home Staging, Interior Decorating, Interior Redesign, mastermind groupMinds on Main
Are you trying to grow a business, but not sure how to go about it? You may want to follow the lead of six design divas who gather once-a-month at a trendy coffee house on Main Street to brainstorm ideas over a cup of joe.
The Connecticut interior redesigners are putting their businesses on the fast track to success since they began their monthly rendezvous in October 2009. A few rules govern these brainstorming sessions: be open to suggestions and criticism, be willing to contribute to other’s success, regardless if it is your competition, come prepared to problem solve and lastly, no complaints allowed!
What is it that the design divas formed? Their very own “Mastermind Group,” based on the best-selling book, “Meet and Grow Rich,” by Joe Vitale and Bill Hibbler.
The women all have careers in Interior Decorating, Interior Redesign and Home Staging, and have built up a circle of trust, comfort and honesty to critique, suggest and encourage forward movement in their businesses during a time when many are experiencing an economic halt.
“Forming this group has probably been the single most important move I have made in growing my business,” Lisa Leonardi said of her experience in the group. “The benefits are immediate because the group holds me accountable for the business goals I set for myself and may have been fearful to previously pursue,” said Leonardi.
Owner of The Room Doctor in Madison, Conn. Leonardi decided it was time to take her interior redesign and home staging business to the next level when networking groups and industry conferences left her feeling disappointed. She took matters into her own hands and developed a business support group.
According to the book, “A mastermind group is a powerful alliance between people who help support and enlighten each other on the road to success.” The book promises to “Show you how an effective mastermind group works, how to create and operate one yourself, and how to use it as a stepping stone to financial success.”
“We each get 10 minutes to describe a goal we would like to achieve, or to discuss a problem that needs a solution. After each member has their 10 minutes in the spotlight, the group collectively offers suggestions to each member. We really follow the guidelines given to us in the book, that way we stay focused,” Leonardi said. “And by the end of the meeting, each of us leaves with a specific, tangible goal to work toward before the next time we gather.”
Vitale and Hibbler write that you must start on time, end on time, not fill late members in on what they’ve missed, utilize a stopwatch during their “soap box” moment and to choose a leader to make sure everything is going according to plan.
The group has intentionally decided to limit the members to an intimate group of six in order to form an atmosphere of trust and provide a better opportunity for individual attention to each member’s needs.
“I leave there excited; you know you’re going to be accomplishing something you might not have done without the support of the group,” said Leonardi.
If money talks, well then listen to this: Roger C. Parker, author of 38 self-help books in the publishing and marketing fields, is estimated to be worth $32 million, and is a mastermind group member.
Leonardi says at their next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19, the group will officially declare a name for themselves. Should it be …Coffee Clique on Design?…Inspired Designers on Main?…or Master Minds on Design? Send us your vote and don’t forget to tune in next time to find out!
Now that we have our official name: “Design Masterminds” – we can move forward into the focus of our group – expanding our businesses and educating the public on the merits of redesign and home staging. There is alot of positive energy in the group and a cup of coffee doesn’t hurt!
As a privileged member of this fine group of professionals, I can attest to its value. Having the ability to learn first hand what others are doing to help their business grow is not only motivating but also takes the “fear factor” out of the uncertainty of running your own business. I now feel like my goals are obtainable where as before I wasn’t even sure as to what my goals really were. Being surrounded by such talented woman gets my creativity flowing and I can’t wait to tackle my next task after every meeting. I feel so lucky to have been invited into such a wonderful group and I know that we will all be more successful for having joined. Thank you Lisa!
Jennifer, we are privileged to have you in our Mastermind group. I couldn’t agree more about how this group takes the fear out of running your own business. No longer do I feel isolated now that I have a group of supportive women who are a sounding board for my ideas and concerns. The positive feedback and constructive criticism is always helpful and gives each one of us direction. I’ve accomplished more in my business since our Mastermind group began meeting, than I have in the past 5 years. I can’t wait to see what unfolds with the help of my fellow Design Mastermind members.
I agree, Pam. Our group truly has positive energy because it is comprised of intelligent, motivated, supportive women who not only want to thrive in their own businesses, but want to inspire others to find success as well. Coffee helps, but even without it this group would still be dynamic.
Being a part of Design Masterminds allows me to connect with 4 other creative designers. Our goal is to listen, inspire, respect, and share with one another. Coming out of our comfort zones, I believe, is a crucial part of taking our businesses to the next level.
As any entrepreneur can attest, without the comradery of being in an office with others everyday, not only can one feel isolated, there is no one but yourself to be accountable to. With Design Masterminds, we are committed to meeting our goals, and helping one another reach theirs. I am so grateful to be in this group…with this dynamic group of women!
Janice, it’s so true that the Mastermind group takes us out of our comfort zones so we can push aside the fear with the support of each other. Previously I always used the excuse of not having enough time to address the neglected aspects of my business. However, it was fear and uncertainty that held me back. It’s amazing what you can accomplish no matter how busy you are when you have to be accountable to the group. Being held accountable never feels like a chore because I know I’m meeting my goals. Plus I can’t wait to share my achievements with the group. Their positive feedback provides me with affirmation and reassurance that I’m on the right track.