A mastermind is a small group — often between four and ten people — that meets regularly to help each member solve real problems. Here’s what a session usually looks like, and how to get the most from it.
A typical session
Formats vary, but many good masterminds follow a similar shape. This example assumes a 75-minute online session:
- Check-in (10 minutes). Each person shares one win and one challenge from the past week, in a sentence or two.
- Hot seat (40 minutes). One or two members present a specific problem. The group asks clarifying questions first, then offers ideas and experience.
- Quick help (15 minutes). Short questions from anyone else.
- Commitments (10 minutes). Everyone states one action they’ll complete before the next session.
Next time, the check-in starts with those commitments. That’s where the accountability comes from.
Describe how your own mastermind sessions run: length, how often, how many people, and what platform you use. Replace or adjust the example above so it matches reality.
How to prepare
- Note one win and one challenge from your week.
- If it’s your hot seat, write your problem in two or three sentences, plus what you’ve already tried.
- Bring anything the group needs to see: a post, a video, a page.
- Check your camera and microphone five minutes before.
Getting the most from a hot seat
The more specific your question, the more useful the answers.
| Vague | Specific |
|---|---|
| “How do I get more followers?” | “My last six videos got under 100 views each. Here are two — what would you change first?” |
| “I’m struggling with emails.” | “Only a few people open my emails. Here are my last three subject lines — which works best and why?” |
When others give feedback, listen and take notes before responding. You don’t have to agree with every suggestion — choose the one or two you’ll actually try.
Mastermind, course or community?
| Course | Community | Mastermind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Learning a new skill | Support and shared learning | Solving your own specific problems |
| Size | Any | Usually large | Small (often 4–10) |
| Structure | Lessons | Informal | Set format, regular sessions |
| Accountability | Low to medium | Medium | High |
Many people benefit from a course first, then a mastermind once they’ve started putting skills into practice. See also how to choose an online business community.
From my experience
Share one hot-seat moment (without identifying anyone) where the group’s questions changed someone’s approach — or a time a mastermind changed yours. 80–150 words.
Common beginner mistake
Waiting until you have a “big enough” problem to bring to the group. Small, specific problems get the most useful answers.