Comments on: The Circle of 8 for Solos: A Mastermind Group on Steroids

By: Debra L. Bruce

Debra L. Bruce — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:55:20 +0000

Alexis, I think readers would benefit from seeing some examples. Please do share! Thanks for offering.

By: Debra L. Bruce

Debra L. Bruce — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 14:54:02 +0000

Stephen, thanks for your comment. Perhaps that’s what a bar association should be more like. The Circle of 8 that I contemplate also has non-lawyers though.

By: Alexis Neely

Alexis Neely — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 06:47:52 +0000

I love the Circle of 8! I call it a local marketing mastermind collaborative myself. But Circle of 8 sounds way better.

What we suggest is that the collaborative partners create a marketing campaign together that they can all share and benefit from. Preferably something that can be leveraged again and again over time. Happy to share some examples if desired. Let me know.

Great article, thanks!

By: Stephen P. Gallagher

Stephen P. Gallagher — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:47:51 +0000

Debra:
What you are describing as a Mastermind group sounds to me like a local bar association that meets once a month in a small restaurant across the street from the courthouse. I agree with Susan Cartier Liebel and yourself when you say that, “a small group of colleagues who meet regularly can be very valuable for a solo.” I might add that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to survive as a “solo,” unless you have access to your Mastermind group on an as needed basis.

By: Debra L. Bruce

Debra L. Bruce — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:05:55 +0000

Rachel, I think the group can design the structure that works for the people involved. I do believe it will work better if the meetings are at least monthly and in person, if possible. That fosters stronger relationship building, and hopefully you can have some fun, too. Most likely, you will invite a couple of people you trust and respect, and ask for their input on others to invite to fill out the circle. It is more important to have people you trust than to have 8 members. If you can only come up with 3 or 4 you trust and respect, start with that.

Hope that answers your questions.

Since you have been in a mastermind group before, you could introduce the idea by telling your candidates about the value you got from that. Then explain how you would like to take that to the next level by making it a business group focused on serving your target market.

By: Rachel Rodgers

Rachel Rodgers — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:40:02 +0000

Debra,

I’m fascinated! I’m a member of more than one mastermind group and agree that they are truly invaluable. But I love this circle of 8 idea even more. Particularly when it comes to building a referral group that all serves the exact same market.

Do you have recommendations on how to approach people you want to invite? Also, for this to work does it require regular meetings or conference calls? Or does it work when more informal? I am interested to know more about the method for starting up something like this.

By: Debra L. Bruce

Debra L. Bruce — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:59:36 +0000

Thanks, Debra!

By: Debra Vey Voda - Hamilton

Debra Vey Voda - Hamilton — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 15:30:10 +0000

Debra has provided a short and information packed article on masterminds and why you should be in one. Don’t miss reading it.