How I Created a Mastermind Group with Instagram

One of the best things I’ve done for my business (and life) was creating a mastermind group. I’m going to tell you my secrets on how I used Instagram to find people who helped me unlock my highest potential and how they can help you too. Imagine being surrounded by a group of people who wanted you to succeed. People who weren’t only inspiring and motivating, but who also sparked new curiosities and challenged you to be your most authentic self. People who wanted to take your business and personal life to the next level. I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but this is exactly what a quality mastermind group can do for you. 

The Most Important Question to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Mastermind 

Before starting a mastermind group, answer one simple yet essential question: Why? Why do you want to start a mastermind group? Why is it important to have this group of people in your life and business? Why.. why.. why… I encourage you to write down at least 20 reasons. Don’t overthink it, just write it down, blurt it out. There is no right or wrong here, and nobody is going to read your answers, unless you want to share them.

Done? Okay, now take a look at your answers. The first couple of them are nice, but they are just scratching the surface. Turn to the bottom of your list and see what it really is that you want to get out of your mastermind group. Write it down and hang it on the wall. If at any moment in time you start having doubts or there’s a conflict or anything else going on that puts you off track, look at your why statement and move forward in the right direction. You can do this. 

Create Clarity About Your Mastermind From The Start 

After having discovered your why, it’s important to get clear on your ‘what’. Find a quiet place and take your time to journal, make a mindmap or anything that sparks your creative side. Jot down as many things you can think of and when you feel complete, see if you can find connections. To achieve clarity on what you want in your mastermind group you need to find the direction you want to go. What’s your purpose, the process, the outcome, etc.

The Best (and Worse) Members to Have In a Mastermind 

Before we dive into the fun part, let’s talk about your mastermind group members. Remember when you were seven or eight years old, and you just walked over to a group and within five minutes you were playing together? Unfortunately, that doesn’t work in the adult world.  

Getting to know someone takes time, so before you invest all of your energy in the wrong places, let’s see what it actually is that you want. Write down what you’re looking for in your members: their values, their character traits, their purposes. I’m not talking about common interests, or the same entrepreneurial field, but rather who they are as a person.  

To be honest, one of the first members of my mastermind group seemed to have it all: serial entrepreneur, public speaker, huge following, ambitious and full of energy. She had everything I was working towards, except that she was arrogant. During our sessions she was always interrupting others, as if she had something more important to say than the others. She was looking for power, not a relationship. 

You see, an open, honest relationship matters more than finding friends who have a similar background or agree with you on everything. I encourage you to stay open-minded and look for members who want to see you grow and become the best version of yourself. Once you ditch the judgment you’ll be surprised how many amazing people will cross your path. 

How to Create a Mastermind Group with Instagram 

Ready! Let’s get started and connect. Yes, it’s that simple. Pick one of your values, character traits or keywords and type it in the Instagram search button. Look for accounts that you’re resonating with and then send them a personal message. Do what? Cold messaging? No, this is called connecting. 

Just like a seed won’t grow without soil and water, your network will not expand just by scrolling through other people’s feed. Get involved, send them a personal message about something they’ve posted, ask genuine questions and DO NOT sell anything or talk (too much) about yourself. Instead, figure out what’s important to them, provide value and only then decide if you want to move it forward by inviting them for a call. Like I said before, building real connections takes time, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! 

Be Part of The Mastermind Success 

Being part of a mastermind group was exactly what I needed to take my business to the next level. If you feel that setting up your own mastermind is too much work, don’t stop there, but instead reach out to other mastermind groups (mine included!). In many mastermind groups, the members come and go and you might be just the member we’re looking for. 

About the Author

Name: Rianna Hijlkema

Professional Title: Serial Entrepreneur 

Bio: Rianna is a multi-passionate serial entrepreneur living a nomadic life for the last 11 years. Traveling to 40+ countries and working on four continents has taught her to be resourceful and resilient. She combines her experiences to inspire women worldwide to step up, take back control, and live life on their own terms.

Website: https://www.riannahijlkema.com 

Social Media Handle: https://www.instagram.com/riannahijlkema/