This past week, I’ve been in New York City with my mastermind group. Now, if you’ve never heard of a mastermind, let me break it down for you. A mastermind is where you meet up with a group of like-minded individuals. For me, that means entrepreneurs and business owners, people who are all focused on one thing: the success of their business and making a real difference in their markets. We come together, share knowledge, brainstorm ideas, and hear from experts across various industries. It’s three full days of immersing ourselves completely in our businesses.
And here’s the thing, this isn’t just about trading business cards and listening to a few motivational speeches. No, it’s way more than that. It’s a space where we dissect our businesses, look at best practices, and dive deep into the challenges we all face. It’s an environment where everyone’s committed to growth, and you know what? That’s what makes the magic happen.
Every week, our group also meets online for an hour to share updates. We talk about what’s working, what’s not, our wins, and even our toughest losses. It’s a space where we share our hopes and dreams, and then, as a group, we help each other push forward. The value of this consistency and support is hard to put into words. It keeps me grounded and focused on my goals, and every week I come away inspired.
Twice a year, we all meet up in person at different venues across the U.S. to really dig in and, let me tell you, those three days are intense. It’s a solid block of time dedicated to nothing but our businesses—no distractions, no excuses. Because let's face it, in the day-to-day hustle, it’s easy to let things slip. Maybe there’s not enough time, not enough resources, or maybe it’s just not the right moment. But when you set aside three full days to focus, things shift. Priorities become clear, and you’re forced to confront what needs to be done.
The way we structure these events is simple: the first two days are all about learning and sharing ideas. We brainstorm, challenge each other’s thinking, and soak up insights from industry leaders. Then, on the third day, it’s implementation time. It’s not enough to just talk about great ideas; you have to put them into action. That’s why having a dedicated day to take what we’ve learned and start applying it right away is so powerful.
Being part of a mastermind has been one of the most inspiring, motivating, and productive experiences of my entrepreneurial journey. When you’re in a room with people who are pushing themselves to be better, it pushes you to do the same. There’s a phrase I love (if you read my emails you’ll know this, lol), “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” And at these masterminds, my average gets elevated every single time.
And let’s be honest, the locations don’t hurt either! Right now, I’m writing from a rooftop in Soho, Manhattan, surrounded by the energy of the city, and it’s incredible, in February I was in Venice beach, California, a different vibe but a great vibe none-the-less. When you’re in a place that’s dynamic and inspiring, it shifts your mindset. It’s like the setting amplifies the experience. We get to mix business with pleasure because when you love what you do, they blend together. Business becomes your passion, and helping people with your products and services isn’t just work, it’s what drives you.
So, I’m diving back in, with another day and a half to go. I’m fired up and can’t wait to put into practice what I’ve learned so far. And you know what? We’ve only just started! If you’re not part of a mastermind group yet, and you’re someone who’s serious about growth, I highly recommend finding the right people to connect with.
Even if a formal mastermind isn’t an option for you right now, start by surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Build a network that lifts you up, not one that sows seeds of doubt. Keep the naysayers at bay because when you’re in the right room with the right people, anything is possible. The sky really is the limit.
**Your environment matters. Your network matters. And your success? That’s just a reflection of the people you choose to spend time with.**
To your success,
Grant
