In the classic book, “Think and Grow Rich,” Napoleon Hill introduced the importance of having a mastermind alliance. He describes it as an alliance of two or more minds, blended in a spirit of perfect harmony and cooperating for the attainment of a definite purpose. Sounds easy, right? So why aren’t more sales professionals engaged in this powerful strategy of growing their sales?
Salespeople often confuse a mastermind with a networking or leads group. The definite purpose is different for these types of groups. The purpose of a leads group is to create opportunities by providing warm introductions from each person’s network.
A mastermind group’s definite purpose is to help fellow participants create new opportunities by bringing their unique talents and perspective to help you think about your business in a different way.
For example, in my speaking mastermind group, there is a variety of brilliance in the group. One person is really great at publishing and public relations. Another person is excellent with leveraging technology and social media. Still another has developed a great strategy to engage large companies. Each person’s expertise helps every member continue to grow their business.
So how do you get a mastermind started? Look for other individuals with similar values and goals. Be careful that you don’t attract people that are looking for just another social outlet. You have enough friends. Look for partners that elevate and stretch you and your business.
Look for truth tellers. Think of the title of Marshall Goldsmith’s popular book. “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.” A strong mastermind group can help you get there by challenging assumptions and business models. They are good at asking, “Now, what’s the reason you are doing that….want to do that….need to do that?”
Mastermind groups are not just for CEO’s and executives. If you want to grow as a sales professional, surround yourself by the best and the brightest. Create a sales master mind group. It worked for Ben Franklin, Andrew Carnegie and Napoleon Hill—why not you?
Good Selling!