Should You Invest in a Mastermind? My Experience & 3 Things I Learned From My Most Recent Networking Mastermind
May 18, 2024
To be honest, I almost deleted this blog post because sometimes I question whether I share too much behind the scenes. Apparently, it's the time of the month when you question your business model, but honestly showing behind the scenes is what has helped me the most with mentors that I have hired so we are going with it.
I like to practice what I preach.
Before joining any program I always do and recommend you do two things.
1) Check the vibe.
Do you like how the coach or mentor teaches? What do they do in their free time? What do they prioritize, etc?
For example, I would probably NOT hire someone that runs their business solely on Instagram or TikTok. I would hire someone who loves to travel, most likely has kids (just from a schedule standpoint), and has a corporate background.
Most people you hire or relate to have the lifestyle you want. Would you want to hang out with this person? Because let's be honest, if you admire and connect with them, they're more likely to inspire you in the long run. The strategy or toolkit they used to get there is a bonus.
So #1 check the vibe.
2) Ask for results, case studies, and testimonials.
Don't be afraid to ask for proof! Look for case studies that show how the program has helped others. Testimonials from happy clients can be super convincing. If they recently pivoted their business, what real-life experience do they have? Who have they worked with in the past? And what have they invested in?
I tell my husband this all the time, but I like to practice what I preach. Networking, community, and coaching/masterminds are hands down the way I have been able to scale so fast. But I can't run one unless I am constantly learning and growing as well. Business practices change at the drop of a hat, so it's super helpful for me as a business strategist to be in a community where I can learn too.
So when it came to investing in myself this year, I answered both those questions (the vibe and the case study) and joined a mastermind hosted by Linda Sidhu. Now here is where the vibe part comes in.
I knew Linda through one of my corporate friends, they are actually sisters-in-law. I also had multiple friends reach out to me saying, you guys should really meet. I always wrote it down but never followed up. Sometime in December, I had three people talk about Linda and how I should reach out to her and that our audiences would be so aligned (that networking and anti-social strategy at play), so I finally did. We grew up 10 minutes apart, had the same high school friends, and the list could go on. We chatted for an hour and at the end she was like, look, I am not pitching you but I think you should join my mastermind.
- I loved the vibe
- She didn't hard sell me
- I was sold before she even invited me. Because she had the case studies.
And obviously, the universe was on my side for this one because we met one week before the doors closed. I am a big believer that things happen for a reason. I am sharing this because I think sometimes we know what we need to do and we don't because fear holds us back. I finally introduced myself and the rest is history.
Take the first step! There is no ONE way to run a business, to partner with someone who matches the lifestyle goals that you have.
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What I've Learned
This is a 12 month mastermind and I would say most of the women in the mastermind make way more and have been in business way longer than me.
So if I am being honest, the first two months were overwhelming in the best way. You don't want it to feel comfortable.
1. Embrace Discomfort: Growth thrives in discomfort. Initially overwhelming, the journey challenged me to embrace the unfamiliar and stay open to learning. It should feel awkward, overwhelming and like, wow, how am I going to consume all this.
Takeaway #1 - Don't be the smartest in the room. It's ok to feel awkwardly uncomfortable. I am five months in and now I am just used to being uncomfortable and honestly, now it has become this little game where I am like, yep, I don't know that but I am going to learn.
2. Ownership is Key: Programs provide frameworks, but success hinges on individual commitment. I revamped my schedule to prioritize engagement, learning, and implementation, maximizing the mastermind's resources.
With any program, mastermind, group program etc. there re calendars, homework, engagement etc. But the work is on you. So I sat down and mapped out the following on my schedule.
1) When was I going to engage with the group
2) When was I going to learn (watch masterclasses, ask questions etc.)
3) When was I going to impelment?
I needed to update my schedule to have space for this to take advantage of all the amazing women I am learning from. Joining the program is the first step. Setting time aside to engage, learn and implement is the 2nd and no one else can do this for you.
Takeaway #2 - The program doesn't do the work for you.
3. Ask, and You Shall Receive: Curiosity fuels growth. Asking questions fosters collaboration, unlocks opportunities, and nurtures a culture of support within the community. One of the coolest things about a mastermind is the chance to connect and collaborate with a like-minded group. I'm a huge believer in the power of asking questions. A supportive mastermind environment thrives on open communication and collaboration. The more questions you ask, the more you'll learn from your peers and the more value you'll get out of the program.
Takeaway #3: Ask the most questions
I remember one of my college professors saying, there can never be too many questions. So I ask questions ALL THE TIME.
If I am stuck, I ask a question.
If I don't know what they are talking about, I ask a question.
If I want to collaborate, I ask a question.
And then follow up and ask more questions.
And I have learned that people LOVE to help. If you are in the right community and you ask questions, the possibilities are endless.
The Final Verdict: Is a Mastermind for You?
If you are still with me and this feels ridiculously simple, it's because it is.
Sometimes we overcomplicate what a program or coach should do and it honestly comes down to 1) Do they paint the picture of where you want to be? 2) What results can they help you get, and 3) What are you going to do to make the vision come to life?
Six months into this mastermind and I have made some amazing friends, have some epic collabs coming, booked some podcast guests I couldn't have imagined before, and learned SO much.
So, whether you're contemplating mentorship or seeking growth opportunities, remember: it's about finding alignment, driving results, and taking proactive steps towards your goals. Join me in embracing discomfort, taking ownership of your journey, and asking the questions that propel you forward. The room is waiting—dive in!
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About the author
Holly Haynes is a business strategist who loves a good plan and flow chart. She is crazy passionate about teaching women like you how to build your dream job and scale to 6-figures without sacrificing your weekends or priorities.
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