I’ve noticed that Professional Horsemen are interested in professional development and always eager to learn more about subjects like: feeding and nutrition, veterinary care and better teaching and riding techniques. But, often professional horsemen spend little time learning about ways to improve the business half of their horse-businesses. Just as important as a good horse care program is a good horse business care program.

There is no doubt about the fact that our industry doesn’t offer much in the way of progressive business thinking; the horse business has its own set of blinders on when it comes to business development. Well, that’s a good excuse for not owning a profitable horse business, but should you allow it to be a road block for your business development?

It’s not until you decide to dedicate energy and effort to improve your horse business that you will begin to see results in solving the problems that hamper most small business owners: not enough time to get it all done, not enough money left over at the end of the month and not enough of the right people working for you.

One way to improve your business profitability more quickly is to join or create a MasterMind Group. The concept of the MasterMind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his business classic, "Think and Grow Rich", he wrote about the Mastermind principle as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

He continues. . . "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind."

What’s a MasterMind Group do?

• Enhance experience, skill and confidence.
• Progress in your business.
• Provides a support network.
• Creates a sense of community! There are others out there working on advancing their business.
• Design things to be the way you want them to be, not as you've been told they 'should' be.

Who Should Attend?


People who:

• have a similar interest (people in the horse business or similar industries)
• have a similar skill and/or success level
• have the desire and inspiration to make this year extraordinary 
• want a supportive team of MasterMind partners
• want to reach their goals
• are ready to let their desire for success overcome their fear of change

How Does It Work? MasterMind Groups can meet in person, on the telephone, or via online message boards.  For those groups that meet in person or on the phone, typically a once-a-month meeting is scheduled. Because of the group nature, a commitment is required.  Look for highly-motivated people who are willing to ask for help and support, and are willing to offer help and support to other people.

How Do You Screen Applicants?

• Do you have a personal or business mission or vision statement?
• What are your five-year goals?
• Where will you find time to participate in the MasterMind Group?
• What is your commitment to moving forward in your business and personal life?
• Why should you be chosen to participate in this group?

Even with a careful selection process, your group is likely to run across people who say that they’re committed but then don’t participate, or who say that they’re honest but then fail to keep the trust of the group.  Be prepared to ask people to leave the group who are not participating up to the group standard and do it quickly once the poor behavior becomes evident.  A slacking member will bring down the energy and fun level for the whole group.

MasterMind Groups create a win-win situation for all participants.  New friendships develop and everyone grows because of the support and encouragement of the MasterMind Group.

Who will you ask to be in your Mastermind Group?

"Every person takes the limits of their own field of vision for the limits of the world." -- Arthur Schopenhauer

"Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them." -- Edward R. Murrow

"Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such." -- Henry Miller

I’m sold on the idea of mastermind groups and practice what I preach. I spent 3 days in Toronto last week with my mastermind group and our facilitator, Chris Barrow. We dissected our own businesses with group members and shared honest opinions about each of the members’ business. Isolated from the daily grind of business, we enjoyed full meeting days, first class accommodations, good food and the joy of hanging out with people we know, like and trust.

Yes, there is a direct financial cost for traveling and being away for three days, along with the opportunity cost of being away and not producing income. But, the benefit of the meeting is always better clarity and focus on the next steps for our business development and enthusiasm to raise the level of play in our businesses.

I’m such a believer in MasterMind groups, I meet with three others on the telephone each week in a “mini” mastermind group.

You, as a small business owner, are stifled in your business advancement when you have no board of directors, creativity department, or unbiased sounding board. Start your own MasterMind group and see the difference it makes for your business.

If you don’t own “Think and Grow Rich” you can order it right now

I’m looking for an assistant to help me with creating an e-book about building a profitable horse business. Your location is not important as much of the work will be done on your computer. Knowledge of the horse business, good writing and computer skills are necessary along with self discipline, creativity and a winning attitude. If you or someone you know would like to know more about the position, send me an e-mail with “Assistant” in the subject line. Click here

I work with Professional Horsemen who are struggling with the business half of the horse business.


Call or e-mail and we can talk about your business and how I may be able to help you.

If you know other horsemen who would enjoy this newsletter, please forward it to them! I am on a quest to tell 1000 people what I do and I need your help.

Life is short,

Ride hard.

Doug

I write another weekly newsletter about the business of life. Curious? Click here