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(Brain Trust Pt 2) “Brain Trust Gone Wild…”
By JP Maroney | October 12, 2007
The “Join My Brain Trust?” post yesterday has caused quite a stir… if you haven’t looked at the comments on that post, check them out after you read this blog post.
Let me restate that this started as a simple idea:
Organizing an “Internet Marketing Brain Trust” by bringing together some of the best and brightest marketers online (as well as some up-and-comers).
The thought came to me after a financial advisor friend of mine told me about an international group of advisors, stock analysts, and various industry “gurus” who come together and contribute ideas, insights, thoughts and perspectives on the financial / money markets / stock-trading industry. Much like the idea I outlined yesterday, each member of the group is required to contribute X ideas per month/quarter, etc.
I thought it was an intriguing concept when he told me about it several weeks ago — but really didn’t give it a lot of thought at the time.
Then, earlier this week it struck me that this might be a FANTASTIC way to mastermind with other ultra-brilliant movers, shakers and profit makers within the Internet & Business Marketing space.
Obviously, I wasn’t the only one who thought is was a pretty cool idea…
After yesterday’s post — I began receiving a flash of emails from friends, clients and colleagues who have my private email address. Plus, many of you posted your own comments here on the blog.
That gives me quite an indication of just how powerful this is… and it’s also encouraged me to take the next step to start organizing something like this.
We do have a few important considerations… several of them were posted on the comments yesterday. Some were raised to me privately via email.
Here are a few things we want to pay close attention to:
- It can’t just be a mind dump of more information about how to market online. Heaven knows we don’t need more “how to” information gushing into our inboxes, etc. So… the focus should be on ACTION — finding newer, better and more advantageous ways to profit using online marketing … and the specific actionable steps to implement those new discoveries.
- It should be limited in size — both overall — and through some way to subgroup off into even smaller groups. I’m envisioning industry niches as well as B2B and B2C type categorizations. I’m also thinking we might break it out by levels of experience — or even allowing “gurus” or topic experts to lead their own “sub groups” or “Mini Brain Trusts.” These are all certainly possible with the use of technology (and probably a lot of patience initially).
- It should REQUIRE participation to remain a member. This is vital. No hangers on … lurkers … or (my favorite word) umbilical cords sucking off the group but not contributing.
- It should extend well beyond a “cold web page” … in other words … we’re not just talking about a membership site, or a forum, or a blog … we’re talking about highly interactive conference calls and even live Brain Trust retreats where players get to come together to share, learn, grow, and (yes, even) be accountable to their peers. I’m even thinking we start now planning an EARLY JANUARY “Brain Trust Retreat” where some of us who are serious about building empires can come together and discuss our goals, plans, mastermind, exchange ideas, network, put together JV’s with each other, and more.
- It should be a supportive environment where members give encouragement and inspiration to other members.
- It should be a “LEVEL PLAYING FIELD” — meaning… even if you’re not yet making 6-figures, 7-figures or 8-figures in your business you still have the opportunity to mix, mingle, network and mastermind with people who have already taken their business to those levels.
- There should be (at least) a couple of levels of membership to the Brain Trust. A basic … where you contribute, learn, interact, network, mastermind, etc. and a more (in the words of Andrew C. who commented) “ELITE” group that are interested in taking the relationships to another level … private offsite mastermind retreats, high-level summits, cooperative product creation, etc.
- It should be fun!!! That means contests for best ideas … etc, etc. My mind is running wild now.
I’ll post more on this later… please, take a few minutes to comment on the blog — BUT how about we do it on yesterday’s FIRST post… that way we can keep all our comments in one thread.
CLICK HERE … to post your comments! NOTE: Even if you’ve already posted… feel free to add additional feedback now that this is developing so quickly.
Continue with Part 3 of this story here: http://www.jpmaroney.net/?p=87Â
Topics: Business Growth, Internet Marketing, Uncategorized |
October 12th, 2007 at 2:42 am
I’m beginning to see that this could meet my needs as an Up and coming member of the net. Thanks again for clarifying and I look foward to learning more and contributing. Besides, it’s amazing the insights we gain when someone is willing to play the devil’s advocate
Vickie
http://www.arkessentials.com
October 12th, 2007 at 3:29 am
Still in it, JP, I’m not going to “cut and run” lol!
October 12th, 2007 at 4:15 am
JP,
As stated yesterday I think the right Mastermind group will provide the following opportunities and much more:
1.Professional and financial growth
2.Allow us to advance at a much rapid pace with respect to goals and aspirations but at the same time be able to help each other so that no one is left behind.
In my studing of highly successful people over the last six months I have found one common thread: they all had at access to at least one Mentor or Mastermind Group.Also these individuals played a major role in their personal and business lives.
We should be looking to be inspired and encouraged by
persons who share their wealth of wisdom.(We should also be prepared to share our experiences and ideas)
It is time that we look beyond ourselves and also look at ways in which we can help all move forward and achieve success.
In closing I have also seen that the most successful people in life are Servant Leaders.
I leave you with a quote from Alan Loy McGinnis:
“There is no noble occupation in the world than
to assist another human being and to help someone
succeed.”
Arthur(Bermuda)
October 12th, 2007 at 4:43 am
J.P.
I’m in. I’ve always got something to say, and Lord knows there’s plenty I still need to hear.
Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we should dance….
Let’s Dance,
Richard Dean Delker
http://www.deandelker.com
http://www.deandelker.com/blogger.html
October 12th, 2007 at 5:44 am
J. P.
Would you allow somone in the group that is just starting out marketing on the WEB?
I do have a strong business background from experience and education.
Obviously, I think this is a great idea.
October 12th, 2007 at 5:57 am
Art,
That’s a FANTASTIC questions… one I’ll bet other people will have.
Interesting story about that:
About 3 years ago, I started hanging out at Michel Fortin’s copywitersboard forum. Lots of great people there.
And, I told people UP FRONT. I knew almost nothing about copywriting — salesmanship in print — and wouldn’t have a whole lot to offer in that area… BUT… I told them I would be more than happy to contribute ideas and offer support where I was knowledgeable.
You see… I know a TON about strategy — building businesses — marketing — joint ventures — sales.
And so that’s where I made my greatest contributions… admitting what I didn’t know — but contributing where I DID know.
And, Art — I think you’ll be the same way.
Obviously, we’re going to have to put some type of screening in place for this deal. I don’t yet have all the answers.
Emails and even phone calls are flying in from my colleagues and even clients about how they would suggest doing this.
So… we’ll find a way.
But — I would NEVER turn away a serious business builder and someone with great experience and knowledge to contribute simply because they haven’t cracked the code on internet marketing yet.
Hope that helps…
Looking forward to meeting you, Art!!!
Warmly,
JP
December 28th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
JP, I’m not sure that I’m in the right place here because my business is not a web based business. I just bought a language school in Italy. However, I think that this school can also be successful here in the US at least as far as bringing students here for immersion study of the English language. As such, the web may be a great way to reach prospective students. Unfortunately, I know little about web advertising and absolutely nothing about how to do it. Let me know if there is a place for me in yor group. This idea looks fantastic.
Sincerely,
John