Episode 98: Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind

Applications are now open to join the September 2020 Hungry for a Cookbook Mastermind. I started running Hungry for a Cookbook in 2017 and since then have had over 50 cookbook writers go through the mastermind. As a result of the mastermind,  have been defined, businesses built, proposals written, agents retained, publishers signed, manuscripts written, and cookbooks published.

Here’s what Jack Canfield of The Success Principles has to say about masterminds. “We all know that two heads are better than one when it comes to solving a problem or creating a result. So imagine having a permanent group of five to six people who meet for the purpose of problem-solving, brainstorming, networking, and encouraging and motivating each other. This process, called masterminding, is one of the most powerful tools for success presented in this book. I don’t know anybody who has become super successful who has not employed the principle of masterminding.”

Jack is right. Masterminding is a powerful tool.

Over the next few days, you have a chance to join a small group of dietitians, cooks, and bakers in the Hungry for A Cookbook Mastermind. In this mastermind, we focus on cookbook concept development, platform building, and writing cookbook proposals. 

What is a mastermind group?

A Mastermind Group is a group of individuals who meet on a regular basis to challenge each other to set goals, brainstorm ideas and support each other in a spirit of compassion, respect, and honesty. Mastermind Groups help participants grow because the other participants are supportive, but can also help to clarify goals through being a devil’s advocate to one another.

Each Mastermind Group meeting has an agenda, but participation by each group member is key, for the group cannot function without participants who are committed to attend the meetings, set goals, and help others set their goals as they grow alongside each other. Brainstorming and a spirit of community and cooperation are key to the success of a Mastermind Group.

Anyone can join a Mastermind Group. Typically there are 5 to 8 people in a Mastermind Group. The members have a shared interest, similar skill or success level, and have a desire to make the next months of their life extraordinary. The want to be in a supportive group that helps them reach or exceed their goals. They are ready to let their desire to reach their goals overcome any fear of change or goal setting that they may have.

Mastermind Groups are organized by an individual who is responsible to gather the group, set up the meeting space, set the agenda for the meetings, and ensure that the meetings run smoothly. Because of the group nature of a Mastermind Group, commitment from each member is crucial. Highly motivated participants who are willing to ask, and give, help and support, and who commit to showing up for meetings make the group successful.

Mastermind Groups meet at least once a month, but sometimes more frequently such as weekly or every other week. The agenda is the same at each meeting, and every group member has a chance to share their goals and their progress on their goals and gain access to the brainstorming power of the group. Groups meet either in person, on the phone, or in a virtual conference room either through Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facebook groups, or Skype.

There are many benefits of a Mastermind Group such as:

*Emotional support through brainstorming to lead you to answers to your questions, solutions to your problems, or ideas for moving forward with a project or goal

*Social contact and shared experiences add to your knowledge base and enhances your experience

*Confidence that your decisions are vetted and decisions are in alignment with your goals

*Accountability to get your goals accomplished and that you can make progress on your goals

*Connection as you network and gain valuable support from colleagues

*Sense of belonging through shared work and knowing there are others who support your goals

*Positive mental energy through meeting with others and working towards your goals

Who should join?

Dietitians, cooks, bakers, health coaches who have recipes, solutions, or stories to share about health, relationships, saving money or budget cooking, healing, history, or how-to.

Writers in this group are serious about not just their cookbook project, but moving their cookbook project forward. 

If you are ready to define your concept, build your platform, and write a cookbook proposal or a cookbook manuscript, I invite you to apply for the September 2020 Hungry For a Cookbook Mastermind Group. 

Things We Mention In This Episode:

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