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6 Powerful Reasons to Join a Mastermind Group
Pathways to Growth
You are probably living under a proverbial rock if you have not heard of mastermind groups by now. These powerful and effective groups are popping up everywhere in the business and nonprofit world. While the style and focus of a mastermind group varies greatly depending upon the person leading the group, the overall goal is to use the power of a small group of minds to help individuals achieve greater personal growth and impact.
There is a reason these groups are growing in popularity – they work! Often the group will study a certain book or curriculum and then participate in “group think” to help individual group members find new inroads in business, overcome obstacles or find solutions to problems in their professional lives.
If you have not yet participated in one, here are 6 reasons to join one ASAP:
- It is just plain common sense and evidenced by studies that we humans are more likely to achieve our goals when we are accountable to others. Mastermind groups will help you to set goals and supercharge your results.
- Networking with like-minded individuals who are in the group to grow and achieve just like you, is powerful. This is an after-hours or service-based networking group on steroids. You have the opportunity to really get to know other people and share your work and goals at a much deeper level than at a typical networking group.
- In an effective mastermind group, you will spend a great deal of time sharing insights and success principles that you simply cannot get on your own. Regardless of how smart and successful you are, learning new ideas and perspectives from others will greatly expand your knowledge. If you are like most people who attend a mastermind group, your cup will overflow with new ideas through this process.
- Leaders of mastermind groups are experts in personal growth and business success. At each meeting, they will bring the freshest ideas in personal growth, business and life success to the group.
- The time you spend at a mastermind group meeting allows you to get away from the craziness of your work day to truly think, reflect, learn and plan. If you do not purposefully set aside time for this type of growth, your daily tasks will almost always take precedence. The result – slower progress on your long-term or big-picture goals.
- Mastermind groups cause you to get outside of yourself to help others. Your input, knowledge and ideas are very valuable to others in the group. You can bring new insights to them that will help them move to their next level. It is synergistic and very rewarding!
To find out how you can join a mastermind group in the greater Tampa Bay area, email Julé Colvin at jule@grantpathways.com.
Every child has a hero, someone who inspired vision in them, someone they aspired to be like. For me, as a little girl, I had two heroes- Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Seuss. Although from different times and disciplines, they both taught me invaluable lessons I still use today. Despite their different fields of expertise - Franklin in politics, science, and invention, and Dr. Seuss in children's literature - they both left a lasting legacy that continues to shape and inspire generations. Both were unique influential philosophers who found purpose and fulfillment through connections to others. From the wisdom of “Poor Richards Almanac” to the lyrical ingenuity of “Oh The Places You Will Go,” both Franklin and Seuss were storytellers with a voice for change. Their words made me think and encouraged me to dream. At eight years old, I knew I also wanted to write and tell stories that would encourage people and change the world. It's fascinating how childhood aspirations can pave the way for unexpected yet fulfilling careers. Little did I know that this passion would one day lead me to a successful career in grant writing. Inspired by the works of two literary giants, I found myself drawn to a path of advocacy and change. So, after a successful 25-year career in non-profit Executive leadership, I was given the opportunity to join the Pathways to Growth Team as a grant writer. Pathways has been a leader in the non-profit consulting arena for many years so to be able to work with the best of the best has been a privilege! To me, grant writing is a harmonious blend of science and art, where data-driven methodology meets creative expression to produce persuasive and impactful proposals. Sounds impressive, right? So, what did I learn about grant writing from these two? For that, I will start with good ole Ben.
Securing a grant represents a monumental achievement for any entity or individual striving to confront societal challenges or propel constructive transformations forward. It signifies a crucial step toward making a tangible impact and fostering positive change within communities. While obtaining a grant marks a substantial milestone, the true impact transcends mere acquisition; it hinges on the adept execution of the proposed program or project. Effectively implementing the envisioned initiatives is where the transformative potential of the grant truly manifests. Maximizing the impact of a grant necessitates a meticulous approach, characterized by thorough planning, strategic execution, and continuous evaluation. This comprehensive process ensures that resources are allocated judiciously and utilized optimally, ultimately leading to the attainment of desired outcomes. Below are eight fundamental strategies essential for the effective implementation of programs, designed to unlock the full potential and maximize the impact of grants. These strategies serve as guiding principles, shaping the trajectory of grant-funded initiatives toward meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
It is a very competitive grant world out there, so be sure you understand the vital link between board giving and grant success.
As the leader of your nonprofit, your leadership abilities are crucial for the welfare of your staff, volunteers, and the community you serve.
To quote my Aunt Babe (age 93), “It’s a poor dog that won’t wag its own tail.” This gives you permission to share positive observations about yourself.
his article is a continuation of a blog we posted two weeks ago on efficient productivity in grant seeking. Here is a recap of the first five steps: 1) Manage your Energy, Not Your Time, 2) Be Your Own Coach or Find A Trusted Coach, 3) Read About Productivity, 4) Set Goals. Let’s continue with #5…
Some of us are wired to organize and seek out efficient productivity. Some of us are not, but no judgment here! The good news is that regardless of how easy it is for you to stay organized and have efficient productivity on a daily basis, there are some tried and true steps that will help you stay on track and meet your grant goals.
I did not expect to receive lessons in grant seeking while on holiday break this year with my husband.
Writing the narrative takes the bulk of the time you spend preparing a grant proposal, just like mixing the cookie ingredients. However, grant budgets are just as important; they are like recipes when you are baking.
Why keep #grant-seeking as a priority during COVID-19 when there are so many urgent needs? Take a breath, take a minute, and remember – your mission depends on it.
#PathwaysToGrowth
