I have for a long time believed that one of the best ways to be successful at anything is to surround yourself with ultra positive people who share common goals, interests and mindset.
I also believe that there should be a constant flow of great ideas between these people — a “mastermind” of sorts.
Nothing new there — Napolean Hill wrote about it, didn’t he?
However, a recent conversation with a financial advisor friend of mine sparked an idea that I think you’ll find interesting.
Here’s the essence of it…
I’m pulling together a Brain Trust including some of the best and brightest minds in Internet & Business Marketing.
I’m involving ONLY serious players who are either A-list and B-list power-movers … and up-and-coming superstars who have a lot to contribute.
Here’s how this is going to work:
We’re going to assemble a limited group … initially around 200-250 “charter members” of the Brain Trust.
Each member will be required to contribute at least one red-hot idea for profitable internet marketing each month — or new, outside-the-box ways to levarge and monetize the web.
I’m making it easy by having a “question of the week” that each member has the opportunity to answer — contributing their own special blend of brilliance.
Members can also contribute ideas outside of the “weekly question.” (that’s just to help get the juices flowing)
If a member does not contribute at least one idea per month to the Brain Trust … they are subject to be “kicked out” of the group.
In other words, contributors ONLY!
No umbilical cords sucking off the group without adding value.
I suspect some of us will meet once or twice a year for higher level Brain Trust Best Practices sharing and planning.
I’m even thinking of an “Elite Member” status where you can pose your burning questions to a select A-list panel of experienced internet marketers … and get your questions answered.
So … here’s what I’d like from you. A favor really!
I would love to have you post your thoughts and feedback about this here on the blog…
What would you add to the idea?
Would you participate?
What would you most want out of it?
CLICK HERE to post your comments on the blog…
Continue with Part 2 of this story here: http://www.jpmaroney.net/?p=86
Warmly,
JP Maroney
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Yes, I am ready to go
Hugh Lendrum
Great idea!
I for one work from home – and once the family have left the house … I’m very much ‘in my own thoughts’.
Yes – I contribute to and learn from forums … but a specific mastermind group, with an obligation to contribute to, learn from, feels like an excellent resource.
Participate? Definitely. Contribute? Definitely. What I would want? … Security (that we are discussing in private). Potential for JVs. Project explorations … Answers! (but what are the questions …)
Best of every success,
Vic
Excellent idea, JP!… I’m ready, willing, and able to contribute with ‘the good, the bad and the downright ugly’ if need be!
Don’t believe me?
Take a look if you like:
http://www.ads-on-steroids.com
We love the idea, JP… Let’s do this!
Lee & Robin
I’m afraid I have too many “ideas” already (and my main problem tends to be idea overload), but I do like the concept of a mastermind group. Good luck with it.
Anyway, I’ll try to contribute the best I can.
David Miller
JP,
When do we get started?
God bless, Allen Bisconti / CEO Invision Holdings Inc
Wow, this is some fantastic information and is exactly what I need to get my mental juices flowing!
I think the most important thing if I’m going to divulge genuine insider breakthroughs that are working online now is that the other members are genuinely high quality online marketers so I’ll get something in return.
It’s highly unlikely you’ll get that quality with just 200-250 members but an elite group of just 20-50 members may be more appealing.
Kindest regards, Andrew Cavanagh
I’m interested.
My situation mirrors Vic’s above so rather than copying his I’ll jst say that I’m interested, ready to learn and ready to contribute.
Doug
Great Idea, I am for it. However there should be no minimum restrictions of – at least once per month. It should be 12 Per year, if you like, some months could be lean…and in some one too many…:-))
Also how will the contributor benefit to receive his/her royalty and acknowledgement for the idea?
I have been told by the COO of the company that I work for “Brandi you sure have a lot to say” I said, “Yea and just think I don’t say half of what I think.”
That of course could be taken one of two ways. I would love to contribute and do have a lot to say. I am an internet consumer and know what I like and catches my eye, then my time.
I would love to be part of this.
Cool!
As a mother and as a “newbie” I resent the umbilical cord slam. I attended a entrepreneurs seminar not too long along and before it was over they were asking if I’d contribute/teach the next time they held it. I’ve got a lot “cooking in my kitchen” but I could easily contribute one out of the box idea at least monthly. Sounds like you might be the kind of guy that’s uncomfortable with infants or “newbies” and doesn’t really appreciate us until we’re at least toddling? The call yesterday was great and more up my alley and what do you know I actually bought stuff- cause I needed it and it was affordable. I’m reading Napoleon Hill’s Master-Key to Riches and I’m glad I’m seeing that my success is close. I will be in a mastermind group but perhaps you could steer me into one that appreciates all stages of development, not just when we can “run around and have fun”. At what stage would you consider me “acceptable “? joan of ark http://www.arkessentials.com
I actually have experience moderating and contributing to a group along this same concept.
Great idea….it’s about time someone actually put it out there.
I am in. To answer your questions: What would you add to the idea? You may want the group size to be a touch smaller, so that ideas can go both ways much easier.
Would you participate? Heck ya.
A brain trust depends on contribution as well as learning, but one more thing I might add…accountability. JP, you can email me if you want to discuss this, as that is way too many words for a blog comment.
Joseph Ratliff
P.S. email is joe at josephratliff.name
Hey JP,
There you go again. Taking a good idea and making it bigger!
I love it. Count me in.
Only a couple hundred? Yikes!
John
WOW!
This is fast and furious feedback. I’m totally excited.
I’ve shared this via email with a couple of colleagues — they responded very positively — but it’s nice to see it coming in from so many people.
I’ll take all the comments we receive today and reflect back in another email tomorrow.
For now, I want to say something to Vickie:
Vickie, being a learner … and a newbie isn’t a bad thing in my book. The “umbilical cords” I was speaking of are those who hang around the internet, attend teleseminars, attend conferences, rub shoulders, and absorb-absorb-absorb … but NEVER give back. They’re self-centered and would rather take than give. No matter how much they know, they rarely ACT! Rarely DO! Instead, they suck off everyone else.
I know who you are — you’ve been in my business growth intensive, right? And, I know the VERY REAL business you’re building. So, you clearly DO NOT fit the umbilical cord comment.
Sorry if that was at all offensive… I hope you can now see the type of person I’m speaking of.
To everyone else — let’s keep the juices flowing. The ideas coming. This is something that can and will happened.
I’m working out the model for it now… more details coming.
This looks like a great idea. To be successful it does need to be restricted to people who are willing to participate. It might be even better if it’s also possible to develop mini-mastermind groups with fewer members to help people develop more personal contact. I look forward to hearing more.
Robert,
GREAT idea… sub-groups, niche groups, mini-brain-trust!!!
JP
Great idea.
I’m filled with ideas. I’m still looking for the right one for me. I know it’s out there.
If your readers find themselves desiring to implement sports marketing and promotions into their branding campaigns, then I look forward to being a positive contribution to your Mastermind Group, okay?
Thanks again!
Hey Thanks Chuck!!!
Long time no hear … fantastic.
Ya, see this is what I mean. Imagine when you bring together powerful, positive people with diverse backgrounds, but a common interest.
This is going to be GREAT!!!!
I would be interested in participating if the ideas were tried, tested, and current. I’m tired of people marketing ideas that are out of date and no longer appropriate for today’s market. If you can keep the comments fresh and current, I believe there would be great value in such a brain trust.
Randy http://www.mylifekey.com
What a great idea – although I have some reservations about the size of group. I tend to be a better contributor in a small group, where I know the others (rather than an anonymous grtoup of 100’s)
Steve
Hey JP – brilliant, and so huge I can’t even get my mind around it yet….but for sure I’d want to participate (ideas are my forte). I can just imagine the synergy if this is done right.
As for the suggestion of forming smaller mini-masterminds, you could use the software that dating services use to match up likeminded people. I’m sure different people have different ideas of what they want out of this.
I love the term brain trust…there’s definitely going to have to be a lot of trust going on, so the brains feel safe to contribute. How do you suggest creating this?
To the Brainiac in all of us.
Angelina Huard Master Your Mind – Master Your Life
Having received an email to join the just launched Information Marketing Association for a mere $147 a month if I am one of the first 500 to join, I especially like your idea, JP.
I’d rather share ideas with others on a peer-to-peer basis (and not pay $147 a month). I also like Robert Greenshield’s suggestion for niche groups.
Most of us have expert knowledge in specific areas that we can share with one another. For example, I founded and managed an international public relations firm and will be delighted to exchange expertise with those in other areas that impact our businesses.
Count me in.
Hi JP,
The best group I ever attended, had the sole intention of submitting each business to a critique by every other business owner present.
We went through leaflets, promotions, web sites, offers, the look of the person, their dress code, uniforms, vehicle types and messages. Everything was inspected, with positive feed back or suggestions for positive change being the object – from unknown outsiders perspectives.
This concept is so powerful, you’d wonder why your business isn’t subjected to it every month or year.
The outsiders have nothing but desire to see your business perform better, because they know that when they submit their business for scrutiny, you will be open and frank with them.
The changes made to those businesses over the period of a few weeks was astounding. Mostly because we as business owners are often too close to it. We sometimes ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’, or we simply don’t know how to do it better.
Hope this helps.
Count me in if you think I can help.
Ron Mileham. http://www.thebackaid.com
JP:
I love the idea of mini-groups. 250 people all submitting ideas that work for different fields would, I think, be confusing. It would also leave us searching through a mass of verbiage to find the nuggets that are applicable to our own sphere.
I have been learning about several things in the past year or two: how to build a website, how to market a book (publishers don’t do that any more), and now how to launch myself as a professional speaker. I have made progress with all of them.
I still have much more to learn, but I may also have learned enough that I could contribute useful ideas to those with less experience.
Yes, I would contribute to a like-minded group, and I would learn from them. I typically think out of the box, always trying to do better than what I see others doing.
I will basically live out of two suitcases for the next three years. I think the minimum requirement for contributions should be once a month with more as circumstances and inspiration allow.
Sydney Tremayne Wealth Secrets Revealed: Lunch with Gaffer Morgan James Publishing, New York
I am working on a major project and sick and tired of being a trainee millionaire, its high time I graduated to millionaire status, and do what millionaires do.
On that note I am ready to rumble.
Yes Please, The idea is already working with some great feedback. I can see it being very valuable to everyone and not just from the ideas. It is always great to have your own cheer squad especially when your office is in the home. The accountability aspect is important and a minimum of one idea a month will not only benefit the group. Sandra
This is such a great concept. I’d love to be part of this. Although, I’m sure I’d be “getting” more than I’d be giving…but that’s okay learning can be fun AND lucrative!!
Thanks for the forum and opportunity.
Ross Yingling Project Manager http://TDHCentral.com http://ProjectManagementGuy.com
this sounds great!
got some ideas that i love to put forth into the open that i would to be picked on. I haven’t tried this kind of interaction, but this would really be a catalyst for our pool of ideas to be acted upon.
count me in.
vic
Information overload is a burden as much as a blessing. I don’t have time to read, filter, absorb and test 300 new marketing theories and contribute a solid tip to the group every single month. The mind boggles at setting up 10 tests a day on top of our current load.. and you gotta test everything, right? Mastermind groups work well with 10-15 committed members who meet 2-3 times a year and keep each other accountable. And more than that is just fodder for a book (and there goes the confidentiality.) That’s my 2¢. Warm regards, Julie
hey, your clock is off. It’s 5:30 A.M. here in sunny Miami.
Thanks for the clarification JP. You are such a gentleman and I know these comments on the net come off harsher than they would in real life. I wonder when I’ll really feel like I’m not a newbie and actually have the training wheels off Looking forward to our consultation eventually. Vickie http://www.arkessentials.com
Sounds like potentially a great idea. I hope you’ll send us e-mail reminders to visit the forum. I’d hate to discover that a whole month went by and I forgot to contribute anything and I’ve been kicked out.
Keep us posted!
One of the best ideas in a long while. Will benefit just about everybody!
This is an excellent idea. I’ve been part of a mastermind group before. I found mastermind members enthusiastically contributed to the group. You wanted to give back as much as you received.
You can count me in.
Thanks,
Keith Goodrum
Thanks JP for posing this idea. I think it has some merit, but wonder about the longevity of the group given the commitment.
Spoken or not, most people will want to know “what’s in it for me?”. So, I think it’s important to not only set definite goals or projected outcomes but also definite benefits for each member.
If it only turns out to be another forum where each member is trying to sell the others the latest “dog & pony show”, it’s doomed to failure. However, I think it would be of little value if there were no way to somehow promote your expertise. Some groups on such places as Ryze have such stringent rules for participants that I refuse to even bother.
I certainly don’t mind sharing my knowledge and experience with others – I currently write a local business column. But, I have to see some return either financially or otherwise to make it worth my time.
Perhaps a model such as that used by BNI would be appropriate – where referrals are given and expected. Their motto of “Giver’s Gain” certainly works. My local chapter generates thousands of dollars in new business monthly. And, we have members who are very successful and respected members of the local business community.
Contrast that with social groups such as Kiwanis who have very strict rules about solicitation of business. They also have many successful and respected members of the business community, but business captured is virtually untrackable.
Thanks for asking, Rod
Hi JP, Yes, I am ready to get on with this great idea. I am a beliver that if the positive collaboration could only result in the uplifting and betterment of the entire community! Let’s start! Attilio
Rod,
I hear you… there MUST be a balance of GIVE and TAKE.
I’ve found over the years that when I give, give, give … I get, get, get! But, you gotta give before you get.
That’s how I envision this community.
I intend to edify those who give of their time, energy, knowledge, resources, etc.
This WILL be a WIN-WIN-WIN for everyone involved.
I’m also thinking through how we’re going to “break out” into sub groups…
If anyone wants to post thoughts — that’d be cool.
One possibility is to have “small groups” led by Brain Trust Mentors. That’s would give us a chance to divide out by interests, topics, geography and many other possibilities.
I’m a firm believe in this concept.
And, with the right mindset, people, and technology I’m confident we can make a HUGE go of it.
I think it’s a great idea. Just look at what some of the groups on Facebook and Linked In have accomplished together! =)
I think smaller groups would be nice for something like this. What we have done before when there was a lot of interest is to split up into 6 groups of 8 or 12 and in each group there was a few team leaders – then every 3 months everyone would rotate and once every two weeks all the team leaders would meet. Each team would post a summary on a blog or forum post for the other teams to read that way everyone was connected and could still share ideas.
I look forward to hearing more about your plans!
Alisha
GREAT Idea Alisha!!!
I think small, mini-brain-trusts is the key.
As we develop and formulate, that’ll definitely be in the considerations.
Your blog has been introduced to me Mr. Ben Mack during own brief conversation.
I am really excited to be part of this and will contribute my best to support your vision.
-Gaj
Hi Gaj…
I know you brutha!!!
Met briefly at JV Alert in Long Beach last month (outside the meeting room) — but only for a couple of minutes.
And, I purchased your list building product (per Million Dollar Mike’s recommendation)
NOTE TO MY READERS: Gaj has a really nice list-building product. You should check it out.
Gaj, looking forward to speaking with you — please feel free to call my office tomorrow (Tuesday) and let’s chat for a few.
My direct phone is… Toll Free: 1-800-304-5758 ext 704 Intl. 1-903-257-5394 ext 704
Warmly, JP Maroney “Mr. Monetizer”
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