Masterminding:
/Def/ 1. The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definitive purpose, in the spirit of harmony. Introduced and coined by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900’s.
Pour yourself a glass of wine.
You’ve heard the adage, “tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.” It’s a bold statement, one that inspires introspection and evaluation—of yourself and the company you keep. It’s statements like this that are at the heart of masterminding. We are only as good, as positive and as productive, as the company we keep. And this is why we want to talk about masterminding—it’s not just about building a successful life, it’s about facilitating and sustaining a positive outlook and mindset. And trust us, this is not an overrated practice.
We believe in the concept of masterminding; however, our take is a little less formal—but just as effective. You can read hundreds of how-to books with countless rules about what to do and what time limits to set, but that’s not very sexy—is it?
Our version is more fluid—and we’re not just talking about the conversation (yes, that was a shameless wine reference). But before we can dig into how to mastermind the Dell Anno way, you have to look at the people in your life.
You can’t mastermind with just anyone.
Remember, this isn’t about gossip or catching up with friends. It’s about surrounding yourself with intention and people who will support your goals and inspire you. When you mastermind, the topic at hand is as simple as it is complex: you’re here to talk about ideas, so choose carefully. Think of people you admire, whose work ethic and ambition is inspiring, and invite them over!
Our ideal masterminders:
- Want other people to succeed
- Set goals and create detailed plans
- Continuously learn
- Have a positive mindset
- Compliment others
- Give honest feedback
- Share information
- Embrace change
What you’ll need: How do we create the perfect environment for masterminding? In addition to an open mind, we always include a bottle (or two) of wine, some light appetizers, and a space people will feel comfortable in. Whether that’s around your kitchen counter, sitting in your backyard, or around a table, find what works for you. We like to keep our groups intimate, three to four people max, so everyone’s ideas are heard and a good mix of viewpoints and opinions are exchanged.
Our why: Masterminding has its roots in entrepreneurial culture, but you don’t have to be an entrepreneur to benefit from this type of activity. We’ve found this practice to be beneficial in all aspects of life, from fitness and health to cooking, business, travel plans, and parenting. What we’re interested in is the heart of the practice—of creating an open and honest environment where people support each other and share their passions, goals, and aspirations.
Are you ready?