One very important way to ensure interest and keep a mastermind group moving toward new challenges is to set rules in the beginning. The first couple of meetings should focus on these rules and begin to build trust. Trust is essential to a group's success. Without it, people will become disenchanted and leave the group. A mastermind group's goal is to be able to engage its members in thought provoking discussions that lead to solving issues that are important to the group.



This is the first rule. Decide what topics are going to be discussed. If the group is going to focus its energy on business matters, then that's what the focus should always be on, not other issues. There are many different types of mastermind groups that discuss everything from real estate investment to how to raise a better child. Joining a mastermind group should be a chance to voice concerns, opinions, and find answers through feedback and debate.

The second rule is to only allow those who are serious about joining a mastermind group and will contribute to it in a healthy way. People who have to be the leader or who feel their opinion is the best should not join these groups. Mastermind groups should be joined by invitation only. It will be up to the group members as to who will be allowed to join the group and how big they want the group to be. Finding people to join a mastermind group may prove difficult at first, but when people use their networking skills, they will be able to find people who want to join and who are willing to not only give advice, but also take advice.

The third rule should include ways to talk to others, time limits for individual comments, and how to offer feedback. Getting feedback from the group every few months is a way to gauge how the group is doing and how the group is helping each other. Mastermind groups are formed to empower others, not make them feel uncomfortable at meetings. A successful group takes all the members suggestions seriously