REVEALED: The Hidden Secret Of Entrepreneurial Success… Why do some entrepreneurs achieve a higher level of success than others? When you see businesses grow at a much faster rate than yours, are you puzzled by how this happens and why? Do you hear about business opportunities just right for you, but too late, or not at all? Well, let me tell you about the incredibly powerful, yet all too often ʻhiddenʼ secret to their success – the mastermind group. FROM: Tom Vance Dear Friend, Napoleon Hill, author of the classic book Think and Grow Rich, first defined the mastermind as a “coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” Since the publication of Think and Grow Rich in the 1937, the idea of mastermind groups has grown and evolved to become ‘the hidden secret’ of successful individuals. In fact, if you ask top business leaders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs what they attribute their success to; most would credit their being a part of a Mastermind group like a Connector Group. You may have heard of similar groups but aren’t quite sure what they are, or if joining one would be right for you. Many people often wonder if they have what it takes to be in a group like this. Well, I have been a member of as many as three mastermind groups at one time, and I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that joining a Connector Group will prove to be one of the smartest decisions you’ve ever made for yourself and the growth of your business What Are Connector Groups? These groups can best be described as one part board of directors, one part peer- advisory committee and one part extended sales team. A Connector Group is made up of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals who come together to contribute to each other's success. These are small groups of business people (12-15) from non-competitive companies who meet regularly to help each other create business opportunities. The purpose is to: 1. Develop strong business relationships with other people in your market. 2. Share contact information and market intelligence in order to find new business opportunities 3. Share business experience. Connector Groups are designed to help people grow their business by developing profitable. Connector Groups Are Not Informal, Peer-led, Leads Groups First, Tom Vance professionally facilitates Connector Groups. Tom’s framework of how to effectively expand your business network transcends typical programs of "giving and getting leads". Through Connector Groups, he not only shows people how to effectively use norms of reciprocity with integrity and honesty, but also to capitalize on our natural inclination to help those around us. Tom has seen hundreds of people expand their professional referral network, while reducing the incidence of opportunism and exploitation among sales and business development professionals. He's witnesses unforeseen and extraordinary outcomes with people who discover how to contribute to another person's life, both professionally and personally. By finding ways to bring value to somebody, smart people position themselves as an invaluable resource, someone who knows a lot of other like-minded people who naturally look out for the best interested of their clients and each other. Tom has a keen instinct for bringing together the right professionals and business owners into high-performing groups. He understands how we help and hinder ourselves and how we can maximize our potential. As a group leader, he is both non- judgemental and challenging. Like a good mathematician, he knows that there is more than one way to solve a problem and the move forward on our unpredictable paths." Pam Wolfson, Principal Wolfson Strategic & Marketing Consulting Tom's work began five years ago while at the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce where he created and managed the only chamber-sponsored Business Development Program in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There he focused on helping the right people connect with each other. In its simplicity, an obvious truth took form - By surrounding yourself with good and trustworthy people, business interests of everyone involved are served, and served well. How many people do you know who spend most of their time figuring out how to help OTHER people? Tom Vance is one of those people. He puts together and runs very well designed small networking groups of about 10 B2B folks, in my case, all sharing similar client profiles. This group has already given me new business and I’ve been able to refer new business to 3 group members, after only a few meetings. William Barnes, Principal New England Business Development Connector Groups under Tom's professional guidance, accelerate your ability to increase the number of 'eyes and ears' in the market looking out for your interests. This truly makes a difference in your long-term prosperity. Tom’s willingness to adapt to the needs of the members of the group has created an environment that is beneficial to each member of the group. Tom places an emphasis on developing relationships with other members of the group and with organizations in the Cambridge Community. The personal and business relationships I have developed through his Business Development groups have been instrumental in my professional growth. Will Monks, Account Executive Garrity Insurance Connector Groups are not like BNI groups BNI is a great, proven, popular model and we don't dismiss the value of participating in a BNI group. Here are some key differences: Connector Groups are made up of people who are selling to the same types of buyers. Instead of focusing on creating large groups, we are focusing on putting together a group of 12-15 people who have similar client profiles. Quality vs. Quantity. We believe that people in the marketing space are more likely to get referrals from other people in the same marketing space. Instead of relying on a peer-managed leadership structure, Connector Groups are managed by an experienced facilitator. You don't have to worry about keeping minutes, scheduling meeting times, planning the agenda, etc. The facilitator takes care of all of this for your group. Connector Group meetings are different each time. There are some topics that will be discussed in every meeting, but we have plenty of time in the agenda for conversation and interaction. You should expect a discussion about opportunities, market intelligence, referral opportunities, strategic partnership opportunities, joint venture opportunities and more... Think of a Connector Group as your own business advisory dream team! Imagine what it would mean to your business to be in a group with other successful people who are selling to the same types of clients as you, though not competing with you, with different background and experiences and having them freely, openly, and confidentially share information to help you grow your business. Very Powerful! Let’s be honest, it’s easy to feel isolated and it can also difficult to find peers who understand the unique challenges and issues of growing and running a business or finding new clients. I have personally been enriched with ideas and connections that might otherwise have taken me years to develop on my own, if they would have occurred to me at all! Experience and numerous surveys have shown that the number one reason for not joining a Referral Group is a lack of understanding of how and effective Leads Group operates. With so much history and proven success, you may be wondering why so many entrepreneurs resist joining a group like this. Let me talk about two reasons why some entrepreneurs hesitate to join a group – time and money. I understand it might be hard to envision dedicating the necessary time to meet with your group, and the annual fee may be the last thing you think you need to take on. I understand, initially, many years ago, these were my thoughts also. However, I am very grateful that at the time I had some friends ‘push’ and ‘nudge’ me into joining my first mastermind group because I’ve not only benefited enormously from the experience, both in terms of doing more business (reimbursing me many times more than the cost of the fees), but I also started working smarter on my business and, therefore, the time I dedicated to each meeting was also dramatically reimbursed. What does a Connector Group really look like? Perhaps you may be wondering what goes on ‘Behind the Closed Doors’ of a Connector Group meeting. Let me explain… All the members are just normal folks, just like you. There is an incredible feeling of support and camaraderie in the group. All titles, egos, years of experience, and income statements are checked ‘at the door’. The group exists for one reason only - to advance and further the development, success and wealth of all its members. There is literally nothing like it. During the meetings, all members get to share what is going on in their businesses and members have the opportunity to present an issue of concern or to bounce a new business idea off the group for feedback. You will hear about successes, failures (otherwise known as tests!), and business challenges. All members agree to a strict level of confidentiality, which ensures that meetings are safe havens to openly share experiences and ask questions. What will I contribute and get out of it? Members report on what they’ve accomplished and implemented since the previous meeting. This accountability is an important part of the process and is a useful way to measure progress between meetings. This accountability can be a powerful motivator in taking action in your business. Meetings also have a feeling of equality to them. The facilitator makes sure that member interaction is balanced and focused, with no one member taking up too much time. It’s not unusual during each meeting to have every member experience at least one, if not many more, “Aha!” moments. Members typically write down these breakthrough ideas and strategies to take back with them to implement in their businesses. The most successful members ask for specific and direct feedback from the collective wisdom and experience of the group. There is no doubt that being part of a Connector Group can help your business grow in ways that you can’t even imagine, and at speeds that might seem impossible. So, you may be wondering who should be part of a Connector Group? The answer is you! If you are a forward-thinking professional who has tried other "leads" groups only to find...
If you’re committed to resolving any of these issues for yourself, then you want to belong to a Connector Group - a professionally facilitated business development conversation. These groups are perfect if you are a results-oriented professional who...
However, Connector Groups are not for everyone. Based on my experience, here is Who SHOULD NOT Participate? Individuals who...
Let me tell you about Connector Group Preparation, Expectations, Commitments & Logistics Connector Groups require preparation All attendees are expected to come to meetings with a game plan. 'Winging it' won't work and demonstrates a diminished level of commitment to the success of everyone at the table including yourself. 1. Have your profile completed and bring copies with you to distribute to people. 2. Bring names, phone numbers, and email addresses of people you want to refer to other members. 3. Bring your client and prospect lists (identify prospects you are interested in meeting and see if members have contacts). 4. Know exactly what you're going to say when it's your turn to introduce yourself to the group and provide members a profile of the types of clients you seek. 5. Choose a member you want to schedule a One-on-One meeting with. 6. Bring useful business information others would benefit from; a great website, market intelligence, personnel changes at companies, unique taglines you've heard from others. Meeting Agenda Topics An agenda for each meeting will be posted online in your private Connector Group portal at least one week prior, and you will be notified of it's posting via email. Agenda topics will include: Introductions - who you are, your value proposition, a professional success Market intelligence about opportunities & people Specific companies targeted for prospecting Introductions received on behalf of someone including outcomes, updates & missteps in the process Hot Seat - one person per meeting presents situation in business they face that would benefit from others perspective and experience Your specific action steps between meetings. Saying aloud that you are going to do something can help make it real. It also makes it easier to support you in getting what you want. Meeting Attendance & Participation: This is a four month to one-year commitment. Meetings are two hours long & held every 3 weeks, scheduled either 7-9am on Tuesday-Friday, or 12Noon to 2pm on Tuesday-Thursday. They’re held on a consistent day of week (different for each group) & at a consistent location (also different for each group). We ask you to block out these meetings in your calendar for the entire year and honor that time. Your clients and colleagues will respect you have another meeting scheduled. From time to time exceptions come up, life happens; 1) a death in family, 2) a sudden illness in family, 3) a threat of violence perpetrated on you and/or others near you by someone, 4) a transportation breakdown, 5) your traffic accident (not traffic caused by an accident (show up late), 6) you provide aid to an accident victim(s), 7) a declared emergency or 8) the observation of a religious holiday. Others might be applicable depending on the group and its members. You give up your seat and forfeit your fee upon the 4th absence - no exceptions. You're expected to attend the entire two hour meeting; no late arrivals or early departures. People are counting on you showing up. Take on this truth: your presence and what you contribute makes a difference – period! (No substitutions for any of the meetings.) You are expected to have one-on-one meetings with all of the members of your group - in fact, you are encouraged to meet with or talk to the other members of your group as often as possible. What does it cost to be in a Connector Group? Connector Group membership is only $597 per year, $297.00 for four months. For one low annual fee you get all the benefits of Connector Group membership. Let's recap what you receive:
Absolutely ridiculous guarantee. Tom personally guarantees that you will be completely satisfied with this program and that you will be a part of and benefit from surrounding yourself with exceptional business people or your money back. If after attending the first meeting you don't feel 100% satisfied with the program for ANY reason, then look Tom in the eye with integrity and tell him why...and we'll refund you 100% If you're not satisfied, we'll give you a 100% refund. That's how confident we are you'll be blown away by this program. We will NOT waste your time. That's what other leads groups do. We've built this program so you can walk out the door, DO this stuff and benefit from new relationships. Okay, itʼs time to decide and take action! If you’re happy with your personal progress, productivity and the growth of your business, this is probably not for you. But if you’re looking to move your business forward at a more rapid pace and to higher levels of success, if you’re looking to be challenged and inspired by peers who are facing and overcoming the same challenges as you, then I urge you to join a Connector Group. You will look back on this decision as one of your best ever. I look forward to working with you and helping to make 2011 your best year ever! Join Now Connector Groups are non-competitive. This means we only accept a limited number of people from each profession. To secure your spot: Send for the application today! Please know that this is not for everyone and simply applying does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You will be notified if we need any further information in which to make our decision. If you have any questions, please contact us. To your success, Tom Vance PS. This is not a program for ‘tire-kickers’ who just want to hang out for a few months and soak up some ideas and knowledge. Please do not apply to join unless you’re serious about making the commitment of being part of the group for one year!
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