How To Harness The Power Of Support Groups
Author: Sarah Cooper

Change is really hard. Unfortunately, we often struggle on
alone, not thinking to enlist the support of others in our
journey.

I'd like to introduce you to a concept that has made a
radical difference to both my business and the amount of
fun I've had with it along the way - the support group.

What Exactly IS A Support Group?

A support group is made up of a small number of people who
have committed to helping their fellow members achieve
their professional or personal goals.

In the States these groups are often called Mastermind
groups. They are not a new idea. In the early 1900s,
motivational author Napoleon Hill explained the mastermind
concept as

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more
people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit
of harmony. No two minds ever come together without thereby
creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be
likened to a third mind."

Or in other words, not only are two minds better than one,
but in working together we create a collective wisdom that
is greater than the sum of our individual contributions.

Group members meet regularly to share experiences and give
each other advice and support. Memberships can vary widely:
writers, entrepreneurs, parents, work at home mums, career
changers - really any group of people with shared issues or
interests can benefit from getting together in this way.

Top 10 Benefits Of Being In A Support Group

Membership of a support group gives you

1. A safe, confidential forum for sharing concerns and
challenges

2. A means of keeping motivated, as members cheer your
progress and encourage you through the harder periods

3. The opportunity to brainstorm ideas and receive useful
feedback

4. Access to others' experiences and learning, so you don't
need to reinvent the wheel

5. An accountability structure which will help you set and
keep on track with your goals

6. Potential new professional alliances and personal
friendships

7. A regular source of inspiration as you witness your
fellow members' achievements

8. Increased skills in listening and supporting others

9. A team of peers committed to your success, so you don't
feel you are "going it alone"

10. A means of having more fun as you work towards your
goals

Casestudy - Mumtrepreneurs

Last year, myself and Jasmine Keel
(www.inspiredbeijing.com) set up Mumtrepreneurs, a group of
8 mothers who are running their own businesses in Beijing.
Here is what one of our members has said:

"There are numerous benefits - the creative ideas that come
out of our brainstorming sessions, the constructive
feedback I receive on my business ideas. And the greatest
benefit is the sense of being part of a team and feeling
less isolated." Marcelle Dubruel, nutritional therapist,
www.rootstovitality.com

How to Find - Or Create - Your Group

Ask around your friends or conduct some internet research
to see if there is an existing group you can join. For
example, entrepreneurs under 50 with a minimum annual sales
figure of USD 1 million may apply to join EO, the global
Entrepreneurs' Organization. Through the EO monthly Forum
meetings, groups of eight to 12 entrepreneurs meet for
peer-to-peer learning and support.

If you can't locate any existing group, create one of your
own. Who do you know who could be part of your support
group? Contact a couple of potential members - they'll
probably know others and you'll soon have enough people to
form a group. Don't let distance be a problem - these
groups can also work over the phone. Use one of the many
free conference calling services available (just search
google).

7 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Group

1. Keep the membership small to give everyone enough time
to be fully heard. Six to eight is ideal.

2. To accelerate your learning, invite people who are
slightly ahead of where you would like to be.

3. Limit meetings to no more than 2 and a half hours to
maintain energy levels

4. Ensure everyone receives the same amount of "air time"
- 15 to 20 minutes each. Appoint a facilitator and use a
timer to keep everyone honest.

5. Train every member in basic skills and group etiquette
such as - Keeping what is shared confidential - Listening
without interrupting or judging - Respecting others'
viewpoints - Keeping experiences and advice brief and to
the point - Providing constructive feedback.

6. Capitalise on the accountability a group can provide.
Ask everyone to commit to a goal that they will report
back on the next time.

7. Make meetings a positive, inspiring experience. Include
time for people to feed back on what is going well, and
congratulate your fellow members.

Good luck with your group!


About the Author:

Sarah Cooper is a career coach who specialises in working
with people who want to follow their passions, express
their creativity or help people or society in some way.
Sarah worked as a solicitor, then as a marketing manager in
the voluntary sector before defining her own ideal work.
Kick start your new life by signing up to Sarah's FREE mini
e-course 5 Keys to Finding Freedom By Doing What You Love
at http://www.cowsfrommywindow.com