🎯 12/8/24 The Secret Ingredient to Running a Successful Mastermind


Reading time: 3 millionaire mastermind minutes

Hi Reader,

The Empire Builders Mastermind Class of 2025 Kickoff Meeting is in the books, and it's time for some real talk.

If running a mastermind isn't interesting to you, it's all good. These are my final words on the subject for awhile.

Note: I am tired and ebullient! It went great *and* when I'm tired, I'm more likely to spill the tea. Consider some spilled in this email...

Truth: You can't effectively lead what you haven't experienced. It's all fine and good to want a(nother) six- or seven-figure income stream, but if you haven't experienced a mastermind (or several), you surely cannot run one effectively. #justsayin'

This kickoff meeting was nothing short of magic--and two of the veterans said it was the best EBM meeting they've attended yet.

I'm getting real, real fast about what it takes to create that magic—because it's not just about following a formula or checking boxes.

Before launching EBM, I invested years as a mastermind member. Those experiences—some amazing, some awkward, some awful—taught me what truly makes these groups thrive or dive. I also talked to other mastermind hosts and participants to find out their insights and perspectives.

Here's just a fraction of what I've learned about keeping members engaged and excited:

The winners:

  • Deep, strategy sessions where members feel truly heard and supported
  • Clear accountability systems that respect everyone's time
  • Curated member selections that creates powerful synergies
  • Flexibility to address urgent challenges while maintaining structure
  • Regular innovation in formats while keeping core elements consistent

The deal-breakers:

  • Dominant personalities hijacking discussions, focusing on the negative, or being passive-aggressive
  • Inconsistent participation or preparation
  • Generic, surface-level advice
  • Rigid structures that ignore emerging needs
  • Loss of momentum between meetings

Want to know the real secret to member retention? It's anticipating needs before they arise. When I was a member, I noticed how quickly masterminds could become stale. Or how sometimes the "cool kids" were favored, leaving others feeling left-out and ignored.

Now, I introduce fresh elements on the regular while maintaining the foundational practices that create safety and trust.

If you're considering leading a mastermind, start by checking out several and definitely joining one. Notice what makes you lean in or check out. Pay attention to how the host handles difficult moments (no venue hosts have been harmed, regardless of the level of the foible!).

Most importantly, experience firsthand how transformative a well-run mastermind can be. You cannot effectively run what you have not experienced first-hand. #realtalk

Remember: Your future members aren't just investing in your program—they're investing in your experience and wisdom as a leader, access to you as that leader, combined with your empathy and compassion when they stumble.

It's both much easier and much harder than you might think to run an effective, profitable, and absolutely fabulously fun mastermind.*

After five years, I created my Build a 6-Figure Mastermind Course. Check out what you get below. You can buy it here: https://honoreecorder.com/6figuremastermind/ and use code subscriber to save 30%! (This is my 7th year and I'll update the course one of these days. Every year I learn so much...)

To your impact! And, I'll see you tomorrow!

Honorée Corder
Author. Executive Book Producer.

P.S. I almost forgot to talk about the fun! There are parts of running a mastermind that aren't quantifiable ad never guaranteed--but when they happen, they are the best. The amount of laughing that occurred was amazing (and laughter is the best medicine). The focus on strategy and authentic sharing allowed for aha moments and breakthroughs. 💡 The side conversations between participants were deep and meaningful.

Everyone left with true connections, pages and pages of notes, ideas, and so much more, brimming with excitement (including me)!

And...we always eat really well. One participant called it "an unexpected foodie vacation." I have a food baby I've nicknamed "Porkchop." IYKYK 😂 I guess it's time to hit the gym...

Build a 6-Figure Mastermind Course Overview

Introduction & Fundamentals

  • Learn the core definition and principles of masterminds
  • Understand why masterminds provide an “ELF” (Easy, Leveraged, Fun) income stream
  • Differentiate masterminds from other group programs and coaching formats

Business Structure & Planning

  • Explore various revenue opportunities within mastermind programs
  • Design your mastermind’s core structure and format
  • Choose between virtual, in-person, or hybrid delivery models
  • Develop pricing strategies and membership tiers
  • Create essential operational foundations

Member Acquisition & Launch Strategy

  • Build effective marketing and recruitment strategies
  • Develop compelling application and onboarding processes
  • Create professional collateral materials and sales assets
  • Structure your launch timeline and communication plan

Operational Excellence

  • Master meeting facilitation and group dynamics
  • Design engaging hot seat formats and protocols
  • Implement community-building best practices
  • Select and utilize effective venues, hosting tools, and platforms
  • Maintain member engagement and motivation long-term

Advanced Management

  • Handle challenging member situations professionally
  • Navigate group dynamics and personality conflicts
  • Implement retention strategies and membership renewals
  • Size matters! Grow, scale, or right-size your mastermind program sustainably

The Course includes 18 comprehensive lessons, including videos, across 5 modules, providing complete guidance from concept to execution of a profitable mastermind program.

If you've been thinking about running a mastermind, it'll tell you everything you need to know, from concept to getting signed applications to hosting your first meeting. Get it here: https://honoreecorder.com/6figuremastermind/ and use code subscriber to save 30%!

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Honorée Corder: Author. Empire Builder. Publishing Strategist.

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