Someone once told me, if you want to be a millionaire then hang around with millionaires.

Not because they might pass you a spare million (that would be nice!) but because their beliefs, actions and opportunities will rub off on you. Their appetite and drive will infect you with a mindset fit for thousands!

There’s lots of this kind of advice floating around the business-sphere. From “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go with others” to “Surround yourself with successful, positive people” it’s clear that business success 101 starts with your associations.

I’ve heard many a tale from people who’ve had to shed friends and acquaintances because business ownership and entrepreneurism needs a diet of get-up-and-go; it demands a type of tenacity not found among those with a steady 9-5.

Coupled with the loneliness that’s sadly synonymous with running your own business, it’s no surprise directors and CEO’s swarm together at any given opportunity.

And yet, those opportunities have to be the right opportunities. A competitive environment can sabotage burgeoning plans, seedling ideas and sensitive souls, while a cliquey club can be suffocating.

Forbes has an excellent article on the benefits of mastermind groups. Mastermind groups are are not a new concept and you’ll be familiar with what they promise. Their intention is to bring together the best brains in a region or sector to offer advice, share connections, solve problems and even do business together, if appropriate.

They solve the isolation problem and bring together like-minded, intelligent, driven individuals intent on success.

The other side of course, is imparting your own knowledge. If I’ve learned one thing since starting Mi PA, it’s to never underestimate the value of your own expertise! One person’s molehill is another’s mountain. Sharing your experiences helps others grow – and you know how passionate I am about that!

I think these groups are a great idea and I’ve just joined one – Nigel Botterill’s Entrepreneur’s Circle. There’s a video on his website that really captures the essence of the meetings. I’m looking forward to going along to learn and share expertise.

Are you a member of a mastermind group? How do you find the right support to help your business grow? I’d love to hear how you tackle this. Let me know in the comments!