by Jim Palmer

Behind Closed Doors … What Really Happens in a Mastermind Meeting

Experience and numerous surveys have shown that the number one reason for not joining a Mastermind Group is a lack of understanding of how a Mastermind Group operates. Two specific questions are “What does a Mastermind Group really look like?” and “What will I contribute and get out of it?” So I decided to write a follow-up article to address these questions.

The first thing you will notice is that the group meets face-to-face. While virtual Mastermind Groups exist, I don’t believe they can compare to a group that meets locally and in person. Cell phones are turned off and all distractions are removed in order to focus on the process.

The second thing you see is that despite the term “Mastermind,” all the members are normal folks, just like you, and there is an incredible feeling of support and camaraderie in the room. Members are glad to see each other and anxious to catch up on each other’s lives. This cannot be stressed enough … a Mastermind Group that has been properly formed has a feeling of family to it. Titles, egos, and income statements are all checked at the door. The group exists for only one reason - to advance and further the success and wealth of its members as a whole. It’s the job of the facilitator to properly screen potential members and match them with the group. It’s important to note that not only has each member invested in being a part of the group, he or she has also invested time away from business and family. This is a critical factor for joining a Mastermind Group and is usually what separates those who “get it” from those who don’t. Long-term members understand the value of their investment and don’t look at it as a short-term expense.

As the meeting progresses, all members get to share what is going on in their businesses and lives. Each member has the opportunity to present an issue of concern or to bounce a new business idea off the group. You often hear about successes, failures, business challenges, personal issues, and whatever else is going on in the members’ lives. Prior to becoming a member, you must agree to a strict level of confidentiality, which ensures that meetings are safe havens to openly share experiences and ask questions. Members also report on what they have accomplished and implemented since the previous meeting. This accountability is an important part of the Mastermind process and is a useful way to measure progress between meetings. This accountability can be a powerful motivator in taking action in your business.

The meeting has a feeling of equality to it. The facilitator makes sure that member interaction is balanced and focused, with no one member taking up too much time. Often, during the members’ presentations, they will share examples of materials they are working on. Seeing and getting these materials is an important benefit of the group, and often members go home with more in their briefcases then they came with. It is not unusual during each meeting to have every member experience at least one, if not many more, “Aha!” moments. You will see members feverishly writing down these breakthrough ideas and strategies to take back with them to implement in their businesses. The most successful members ask for specific and direct feedback from the collective wisdom and experience of the group, which is what Dan Kennedy refers to as the “power of fresh eyes.”

There is no doubt that being part of a Mastermind Group can help your business. The question remains, Are you prepared to take the necessary steps to join one? As I mentioned, I am considering starting a Mastermind group here in the Philadelphia area in the next couple months. In addition to leading the group, I will be including a coaching component where I will be teaching some of the business-building strategies that I have used to build my business. If you have interest in learning more about this group, send an e-mail to ">

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