A mastermind group is a like-minded group of women in business who meet regularly and are committed to growing their businesses. Exponential Success does this by bringing women together to share their expertise, knowledge, and skills. That shared experience helps you accelerate in your business and increase your bottom line.

The members of Exponential Success Women’s Mastermind are entrepreneurial, inspiring, and are committed to sharing their creative ideas and help with common struggles and frustrations you might experience. They provide invaluable support and encourage you to keep going during the tough times.

You could attend in-person masterminds, although modern technology makes it more efficient to mastermind online. Exponential Success brings the best of both worlds by holding a group using Zoom with the option of gathering in person with other local women from east central Illinois. 

There are other niche mastermind groups that are like group coaching with one expert leader. There, the expert will share their expertise and knowledge with a specific objective and outcome in mind. We believe everyone’s expertise, knowledge, and experience is extremely valuable. The beauty of Exponential Success is that we are all teachers and we are all learners.

Each meeting has a set agenda shared in advance and facilitated by Kelly Skinner, who will ensure that the agenda is followed and that everyone participates effectively in the conversation. She will use a timer to make sure that the group stays on track and take notes of the conversations, ideas shared, and the action items that members commit to. 

There will be a shared Google Drive that has notes from all the meetings, pre-meeting preparation and worksheets, materials and resources shared, and other items. We will also have a private Facebook group, an email distribution list, and a group text to facilitate communication, conversation, and sharing between meetings. 

Members will receive an agenda and preparation worksheets three days before each meeting. 

Each meeting puts two members on the Hot Seat for more in-depth listening, brainstorming, and sharing around specific issues or challenges members are facing. During the 10-week period, each person will be in the Hot Seat two times. Members can choose the weeks they want to be in the Hot Seat and we will have a shared scheduling and tracking form. 

Each meeting will also have a Wisdom Sharing Presentation done by one member of the group. Members will have 15 minutes to present a topic of their choice that can contribute to the overall learning. There will be a sign-up sheet for members to choose the week and explain the topic. This is a great time to share an area of expertise in your personal or professional life, specific tools you are using, or a place of strength in your business operations. Wisdom Sharing Presentations for past groups included: Developing Your Mission Statements, Goal Setting, Developing a 90-Day Plan, Branding Your Business, Social Media, Pursuing Local Speaking Opportunities, Collaborations 101, and Leading Through the Storm. 

There is also an opportunity to invite guest speakers on topics of interest. 

We meet weekly for two hours.

You will have the opportunity to pick a meeting day and time that works for your schedule. Groups will be formed according to people's preferences with no more than 10 women in each group.

For the cohort that will run from January through March 2022, these are the days and times to choose from:

• Tuesdays (7:30-9:30am)
• Wednesdays (6-8pm)
• Thursdays (1-3pm)
• Saturdays (10am-noon)

If you know that you will be missing a meeting, be sure to tell the group and Kelly as far in advance as you can. Meetings will be recorded and shared with members of the group. There are no refunds for not being able to attend all the meetings.

Each meeting puts two members on the Hot Seat for more in-depth listening, brainstorming, and sharing around specific issues or challenges members are facing. During the 10-week period, each person will be in the Hot Seat two times. Members can choose the weeks they want to be in the Hot Seat and we will have a shared scheduling and tracking form.

Each meeting will also have a Wisdom Sharing Presentation done by one member of the group. Members will have 15 minutes to present a topic of their choice that can contribute to the overall learning. There will be a sign-up sheet for members to choose the week and explain the topic. This is a great time to share an area of expertise in your personal or professional life, specific tools you are using, or a place of strength in your business operations. Wisdom Sharing Presentations for past groups included: Developing Your Mission Statements, Goal Setting, Developing a 90-Day Plan, Branding Your Business, Social Media, Pursuing Local Speaking Opportunities, Collaborations 101, and Leading Through the Storm. 

There is also an opportunity to invite guest speakers on topics of interest.

The success of the group hinges on the ability of each of the members to complete promised tasks, be present, and support the goals of their team. Without the kind of cooperation, dedication, and camaraderie that will create synergy, this will be a waste of everyone’s valuable time. 

• This is a safe community built on a foundation of trust and respect. Everything discussed during a mastermind session is private. Criticism should be constructive and positive. 
• Members hold each other accountable for following through on their commitments to goals and action plans. 
• This is not a place to collect leads. There is no direct solicitation or promotion of your business, its products or services. However, each person is encouraged to share information about their business in the context of assisting other members and may provide special offers as they see fit. 
• This is not a place to give direct advice, especially related to legal, financial, or certain operations. Share from your personal experience only. 
• Be a good listener. Don’t interrupt members while they’re talking, even if it’s to help. Write your questions and suggestions down and bring them up after they've finished speaking. We are all peers. Don’t lecture others and be open to different perspectives. 
• Be vulnerable. Real breakthroughs happen when we don’t hold back. Honesty, vulnerability, and trust are essential for your personal and professional growth within the group. 
• Communicate, communicate, communicate 

...often Communicate with each other as often as possible, even if it’s just with one other member.

...outside of meetings Don’t be afraid to communicate between meetings. Email us if you have a big win, or ask for an emergency call if you’re in a bind. 

...authentically Take the time to get to know the other members and build trust 

...honestly Talk to the group when you feel like you’re not getting what you want out of meetings. Let us know what you need to feel supported. 

I hear you! I understand that life is already busy.

That said, the sessions are guaranteed to become a powerful element of your weekly structure and routine so aim to incorporate the sessions that work best for you in your calendar.

You’re also connecting and building relationships with real humans and that provides lots of business opportunities and collaborations.

You still work on your business and get stuff done. Probably more so, because we all hold each other accountable and you’re focused and productive. We help you avoid procrastination and distractions!

The added bonus is that you get some company with chat and fun in your day with women who understand what this business journey is like.