How to Choose the Right Mastermind for You
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a big believer in mastermind programs. They’ve been instrumental in my business growth, helping me scale quickly and sustainably. In fact, I’ve been part of several masterminds over the years, each contributing profoundly to my success.
So much so that I’ve run my own masterminds multiple times over my 14-year business journey, covering topics like building eCourses, creating soulful businesses, and now, the AstroBiz Mastermind. And I’m still in touch with many of my past mastermind students, in fact, I recently had a beautiful dinner in Sydney with one of my Mastermind participants from 2016!
Masterminds are powerful containers for transformation, connection, and accountability—but how do you pick the right one for you?
Today, I’m sharing my ultimate guide to help you confidently choose a mastermind that aligns with your goals, values, and vision.
(Aren’t they a gorgeous bunch?! This was my 2016 mastermind gang on creative retreat in beautiful Palm Cove.)
So today, I thought I’d share with you my ultimate guide for choosing a mastermind – so that you know what to look for, and can make a decision with confidence.
How to pick a mastermind
When choosing a mastermind program, there are 8 different elements to consider…
# 1 The Leader Matters Most
The mastermind leader (a.k.a the coach, mentor, guide, etc.) sets the tone for your experience, making it essential that you resonate with them on a soul level. So it’s no exaggeration to say that the most important factor of all is that you connect and ‘gel’ with them, on a heart and soul level.
Schedule a call or attend an info session to ensure you can communicate freely, share openly, and maybe even laugh together.
Beyond connection, evaluate their:
- Business Model: Do you admire their approach? Does their model align with your aspirations?
- Experience: Have they walked the path you’re on, or are they simply sharing secondhand advice?
- Values: If you value balance, creativity, or sustainability, working with a results-at-all-costs coach won’t feel aligned.
#2. The focus of the mastermind
Masterminds range from broad, goal-oriented programs to niche-focused ones.
Choose one based on what you’re looking for:
- General focus: e.g., achieving work-life balance.
- Specific focus: My past mastermind centered on creating a flagship eCourse.
- Ideal client match: My AstroBiz Mastermind is tailored for astrologers and spiritual entrepreneurs, offering proven strategies and industry-specific guidance.
They all have their place, and both can be wonderfully supportive and powerful. Just make sure that your own personal goals are in alignment with the objective of the program.
#3. The format of the program
Think about the structure that excites you:
- Do you want one-on-one strategy calls?
- Do you love group hot seats or workshops?
- Maybe you’re aching to get away on a luxurious retreat ?
- An online experience from the comfort of home?
Whatever it is that you’ve been imagining, make sure that the program you choose has a format that ticks your boxes and lights your fire.
My AstroBiz Mastermind is currently online only due to my life circumstances however in a few years time I’d love to include in-person retreats again.
#4. The level of support
Consider how much interaction you need to stay motivated. Some masterminds offer weekly coaching and group calls whereas others are the opposite – you might only have a coaching call once a quarter, (or less) or they might all be group sessions, with no individual support.
Neither of these choices is inherently better than the other, but it IS important to make sure that the program you choose is structured in a way that reflects how you best work and achieve goals.
For me, that means enough 1:1 coaching calls that I maintain direction and momentum, but not so many that I feel stifled and hemmed in. There’s a Goldilocks-in-the-middle point that’s my sweet spot, and that’s always helped determine which masterminds I sign up for and how I structure my own.
My AstroBiz Mastermind balances group and individual support with:
- Seven one-on-one sessions over six months.
- Weekly curriculum calls.
- Monthly group workshops for accountability and progress.
#5. Investment: Stretch, Don’t Stress
Investing in a mastermind often requires a leap of faith, but it can yield exponential rewards.
When deciding, use my “stretch vs. stress” test:
- Stretch: It feels like a bit out of your comfort zone, challenges you to up your business game but feels exciting and expansive rather than stressful.
- Stress: It causes anxiety, doubt, or financial strain.
For example, I’ve invested into Mastermind Programs from $10k-25K.
The first time I signed up for a mastermind it was one of the most significant investments I’d ever made in my business, and I was all kinds of nervous about saying yes. But ultimately, there was a part of me that knew that if I wanted to fulfill my potential and get my business to the level I knew it could be, then I needed quality support to make it happen.
So I sucked in my breath, grounded myself, forked over the cash… and never looked back.
It stretched me, but I’ve never regretted it because the ROI—in growth, strategy, and confidence—was worth every cent.
You might have heard people say before that every time they make the decision to invest in their business, it’s closely followed by a giant leap forwards in results. Even though it’s crazy-scary when they do it, they reap the rewards straight after.
I don’t know why this happens, though I do have a few theories…
- that it’s the Universe rushing in to meet you halfway;
- that investing solidifies your intentions and supercharges your manifesting;
- that ‘putting your money where your mouth is’ opens you up to abundance like nothing else…
Whatever the reason is, all I know is that it’s true. Which is precisely why I make strategic investments in my business at regular intervals – it’s a powerful way to keep propelling myself to the next level.
BUT! (Yes, there’s a but!)
But even though investing in your business is necessary for it to grow, you have to invest the right amount of the right resources at the right time for YOU.
What do I mean by that mouthful-of-a-sentence?!
Well, sometimes, your money is better spent elsewhere. Like, if you’re struggling to meet your mortgage repayments each month, or if you’re worried sick each night that your bills aren’t going to be paid, then it might NOT be the right time for you to spend precious resources on a mastermind.
My personal litmus test for determining whether an investment is right for me (i.e. the way that I figure out whether the stomach-squirming nerves I’m feeling are the good kind of scary or the bad kind of scary) is this: stretch, not stress.
I want my investments to stretch me to the next level – even though I might not be prepared, even though I might think I’m not ready, even though I might be second-guessing myself and my abilities. Those are the kinds of fears that I want to bust right through and karate-chop in the shins.
But stress? That’s different. If the thought of an investment makes me feel stressed, overwhelmed, worried, constricted, or like I’d be betraying my higher self, that’s my sign that it’s not right for me at this moment. Which isn’t to say that it won’t be right next month or next year, just that right now, my soul wants me to sit tight and not spend.
So all of this is to say: consider the price of the mastermind you’re interested in, in this context: Does it stretch you? Or stress you? The former is something you should run towards… The latter, though, might be a sign to ease off.
#6. The group you’ll be part of…
“You are a product of the five people you spend the most time with.”
You’ve probably heard this saying before. And it’s totally true.
In a mastermind, the group can either elevate or detract from your experience. Look for people who share your values and are at a similar business stage.
The people who make up your mastermind group matter. A LOT. You’re going to be spending a significant amount of time and energy with them, so you want to make sure that the nature of the group aligns with your underlying goals and values.
Meaning: if you’re a go-getting person who prides themselves on productivity, then it’s super important that the people around you have a similar approach to business and life.
But I know what you’re thinking as you read this: That’s all well and good, Kath, but I can’t bloody well control who else signs up for the mastermind!!
And you’re right, you can’t.
But what you CAN do is get sneaky…
- Read the sales page carefully: What type of people does the coach invite to join? How many will be in the group?
- Is the Mastermind Application Only – if so, this means that the leader is selective about bringing together a cohesive group of partipants and care about the group being aligned as much as they do about the revenue they generate.
- Do some reverse engineering by looking at the testimonials (again!). What type of people seem to join? How far along are they in their business?
- Does the coach attract repeat clients in their mastermind (not to brag but 50% of my mastermind clients have renewed for another 6-month of mastermind or private coaching support).
- And if all else fails, you can always take the blunt approach too: Straight-up ask the coach about the group who have signed up so far?
#8. And finally, the sales pitch
When you read the sales page for the mastermind (or when you chat with the coach in the discovery call), what are they selling you?
- Are they promising you “six-figure results” in lightning fast time?
- Are they promising to solve all your problems and zoom you to fame and fortune?
- Are they promising you a business that’s bursting with rainbows and puppy-dogs and pink sparkly unicorns?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, I have a recommendation for you: steer clear.
Be wary of promises like “six-figure success overnight” or “instant transformations.” Realistic leaders acknowledge that results require work, commitment, and time.
A mastermind is a “force multiplier” meaning, whatever you bring to the table, the mastermind will amplify and expand. If you bring a bucket-load of energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the party? Well, you might just blow yourself (and everyone else) away.
An experienced coach knows that setting realistic goals is incredibly important for your success. They’ll openly state that you’ll need to work to see results. And they won’t try to sell you on the idea that it’s going to be an easy-peasy pony ride to six (or seven) figure success.
The truth is, a mastermind – just like any coaching service or learning program – is not a magical silver bullet that’s going to fix everything. Instead, it’s like a support system – one that can keep you motivated and accountable, that can provide strategy and insight, and that can propel you further down the path you long to walk on.
… But you’ll still have to work at it.
So, look through the sales pitch to see the truth of what’s being offered. Take big promises with a grain of salt. And know that if anything seems too good to be true, it probably is.
But if what’s being promised is realistic yet exciting, expansive without being over the top, and will stretch you without stressing you out?
Well, my friend, you’ve found yourself a winning mastermind.
Now that you know how to pick a mastermind – consider mine!
If this guide has sparked your curiosity, I’d love for you to explore my AstroBiz Mastermind. It’s designed specifically for astrologers and spiritual entrepreneurs seeking aligned strategies and soulful growth.
Let’s see if it’s the right fit for you—click here to learn more and apply.
Your next level of growth might just be one decision away!