My name is Joe Burnich and I’ve been running Masterminds since 2015. That same year, I got a divorce and I felt isolated owning my own business. I didn’t have a lot of people I could turn to who understood what I was going through. I wanted to make some friends, NEW FRIENDS here in Missoula, Montana, but I wanted to make sure these friends were like-minded. I wanted to make sure they were entrepreneurs and that they understood what only business owners and leaders were going through so we could bounce ideas off each other.
I ended up going to a networking group and asking people if they wanted to be part of my new Mastermind group. To be honest, it was kind of nerve wracking, I didn’t think anybody would really be interested and I was nervous that they wouldn’t even care. TWELVE people show up for that first meeting though and I knew we had something pretty exciting! That was five years ago and now I have three different Masterminds, two of which are online. We have people from all over the country and even some from Canada!
What exactly is this Mastermind I created that is really taking my business and my life to the next level? . Our Mastermind is a group of like-minded people, and want to push each other, support each other, and help each other in business and life. As a business owner—especially a new business owner—there’s so much overlap with life and business. It’s almost as if it’s the same thing and that is something a lot of people can’t handle. This in turn, prevents them from STAYING IN BUSINESS. Some people want everything to be 9 to 5 and to be able to check-out in the evening. This just isn’t how it works. If you’re a seasoned business owner or a new business owner and that’s your expectations, you think it’s just a bunch of free time and just work when you want to, stuff like that, it’s definitely not like that.
To me, the most powerful thing a Mastermind offers is summed up in this quote:
“Who you spend time with is who you become. Change your life by consciously choosing to surround yourself with people with higher standards.” – Tony Robbins
If you don’t have people in your life fully supporting you and who hold you to higher standards, then a Mastermind would be absolutely perfect for you. However, you’re going to have to understand you will have to take a little criticism. People are going to hold you accountable. They’re going to give you advice that you may not like. On the flip-side, you’ll probably give them advice they might not like. There is definitely some discomfort within a Mastermind.
This discomfort brings people closer together though and over time, it builds trust. Currently, our Mastermind groups meet weekly over Zoom. Some people show up once every two weeks, some people only show up once a month. The people that show up consistently every week for an hour are the ones who have the biggest breakthroughs in their businesses and their lives. They’re the ones that have the tight bonds with everyone in the group and the ones who really benefit the most.
I know a lot of people have been using the word Mastermind in different ways. For example, a lot of marketing and business gurus use the word Mastermind but they really mean a high-paid conference. You go to this conference once, maybe twice a year, and meet with a bunch of people who paid anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000. If that’s what you’re after, that’s great. I don’t consider those as real Masterminds though.. A real Mastermind is when you meet with peers, facing some of the situations you’re facing. You get to know them, and they get to know you. Masterminds is not just all about making connections and making any more money—although that does happen. Mastermind’s is also about consistent accountability. This is what keeps you focused.
If you have a problem focusing, and you’re jumping from one thing to another, then a Mastermind is for you. Imagine If you had a group of peers you’re publicly accountable to. At the beginning of the month you set a 30-Day Challenge, then each week you let the group know if you’re on or off track. The Mastermind helps you keep on track and also is there to encourage you to get back on track. This isn’t to shame you, but to encourage you to stay focused. but they’re going to ask, why did that happen? Why didn’t you stay on track with this?
“Staying focused is one of the biggest struggles people have when it comes to starting a business. If you’re a new entrepreneur or business owner, focus is a big struggle.”
– Joe Burnich
Another big issue when starting a new business is client-getting. It is so difficult to get clients. Believe me, I have been there more than once. I’ve started three different businesses and every single time, getting that first set of clients who can give you testimonials and case studies is the toughest part. This is a main focus within our Mastermind group. We focus on getting those new clients, the RIGHT clients for new business owners, it’s our theme!
Now, I want to invite you to check it out. Click here to download our Mastermind Toolkit. In it, you will get a series of tools to use in your business; how to get more clients, how to get your finances together, how to use social media, and how to stay motivated. It’s all that’s all free for you. What these tools are actual recordings of workshops from our Zoom Mastermind. This way, you’ll see what it’s really like in a Mastermind. If this appeals to you, we’d love to invite you in for a trial session. Come in and join our group for one week and see if you like it. And if you do—and you’re a good fit—then you can jump in.
This Mastermind group is for new business owners or struggling solopreneurs. If that sounds like you and like something that peaks your interest, click on the link below. Check it out and get access to these free tools.