The auto business is stressful. Heck, all business is stressful. The frantic, day to day challenges that pop up are just part of the gig (and one of the things that keep it interesting, but that’s a topic for another post). How you deal with these challenges is up to you.
One of the things that I have found helpful is the concept of a mastermind group. A quick Google search netted me over 33 million results, so keep in mind that there are lots of ways to define it. You can pay to be in one that is already established, find someone to help you start one or just go ahead and do it yourself. It can be highly structured or not. The options are almost limitless, depending on what you’re looking to do. I sort of stumbled upon it and unconsciously have been doing my version of it for some time now.
I was introduced to the concept by Napoleon Hill in his classic Think and Grow Rich. He essentially defined it as two or more people coming together in harmony to solve problems. He studied some of the top businessmen of the early 20th century (Carnegie, Edison, Ford, Rockefeller, etc.) and found that this was one of the ways they were able to rise to the top of their industries. Andrew Carnegie, for example, did not know all of the particulars of the manufacturing of steel but yet surrounded himself with the brightest minds of the time that helped him build the largest steel company in the United States and become one of the richest people in the country at the time.
Now, I’m not comparing what I do to those titans of industry, but I did see value in the process of association. If I could be a resource for others, they also could help me solve dilemmas I was facing. So, what did I do?
- Look at your existing list of close friends and contacts (hint: it’s probably easiest to look at your phone). Whom do you trust and look up to? This is a great place to start.
- Don’t constrain yourself to your industry. I have found that there are many commonalities that stretch between businesses that are not closely related. In essence, business is business in all its different forms. When you get to know people and their industries, you’ll find you can help people no matter where they work.
- Stay in regular contact with them, whether it’s in person (lunches, social events, etc.) or long distance (phone calls, emails, etc.).
- Be a listener first. This is good advice in all relationships, but it’s of critical importance if you are going to build a level of trust with another person from a business standpoint.
- Always leave them with the feeling of increase. Ask them what challenges they’re facing in their job/career and see if they’re looking for solutions. Note that sometimes people just want to be heard and get something off their chest. They don’t always want you to fix their problems. Remember that people will forget what you say or do, but they will never forget how you made them feel, so do your best to make them feel better for having talked to you.
- Never lead with your problems or issues. Let them ask you. Maybe the time isn’t right in this interaction but it will be in the future.
- Rinse and repeat. Do this with as many people as you feel close enough to that it adds value. Over time, you will find the value in the relationship or you will move on to others.
I realize that this isn’t a formal mastermind group, but it’s the version that works best for me. In my career I’ve been able to cultivate some amazing relationships and help people who also in turn are able to help me when I need it. I find tremendous value in being able to help others, no matter how small the deed.
Do you have a version of the mastermind that’s working for you? How does yours work and what makes it different? How has it impacted your personal life and/or professional career? I’d love to hear your feedback.
Make it a great day!
Dan
