Having a mastermind group creates an atmosphere of support and success that is hard to duplicate. These people become a great support system. It's like having your own personal board of directors dedicated to your success.

An ideal number of people to start a mastermind group is 10-12. Invariably, a few flake out and don't commit the time and usually its because they don't want to get out of their comfort zone. Also, over time, people move or leave town.

People seem to attend the mastermind group meetings more often and with better regularity if they are held at the same place and at the same time each week. People are very habitual, use this to your advantage.

The ideal place to hold a mastermind group is free of distractions. Attempt to avoid crying babies, phones ringing and other background noise so the group can focus on the meeting. Library conference rooms are really good.

The initial mastermind group meeting should give an overview of what is to be expected for the meetings. It should also establish the ground rules of how the process works. People should be encouraged to show up every time unless of an emergency or something unavoidable.

A great way to teach basic success principals is to study Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Hill's classic book teaches many valuable lessons such as desire, faith, auto suggestion and many more. This timeless classic will get the group fired up and ready to rock.

The optimal length of time for a mastermind group is 60 to 90 minutes. Diverse opinions add the overall value of the group, do not let a single individual do most of the talking.

Each person should come to the meeting with the idea of contributing to others. Being about others in the mastermind group is powerful because it creates a situation where each person has a group contributing to them and their life.