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?