The 3 Mistakes I Made My First Year Running Masterminds
Today, I’m peeling back the curtain on some of the blunders I made during my first year of running Masterminds. It’s taken me a few years to gather the courage to share these stories, but here we are, embracing vulnerability for the sake of growth. So, if you’re thinking of starting or scaling your Mastermind, settle in—this could be just the insight you need!
Mistake #1: The Over-Delivery Trap
When I first launched my Mastermind, I fell into the classic trap of over-delivering, all in an attempt to prove my worth. Here’s a mindset you might relate to: “If someone needs something, I can and will provide it.” This resulted in an overflow of calls, resources and features. But instead of adding value, it left my clients feeling overwhelmed and, truth be told, a bit lost.
The lesson? More isn’t always better. What truly matters is focusing on the deliverables that will genuinely move the needle for your clients. Lean into what best serves them, and let go of the rest. Quality over quantity, always.
Mistake #2: Letting the Wrong People Join
Over the years, I allowed a couple of participants into my Mastermind who simply weren’t the right fit. These were the folks with major red flags—blame throwers, perpetual victims, drenched in negative energy. And yes, it did affect the collective vibe.
Here’s the key takeaway: not every eager individual is your ideal client. Trust in your selection process. Saying “no” when your gut tells you so opens up space for the dream clients who truly align with your mission and values.
Mistake #3: Trying to be Jack of All Trades
Oh, the early days when I promised to solve every business challenge under the sun! The reality is, by attempting to be all things to all clients, I ended up disempowering both them and myself. Running around trying to master what I wasn’t meant I was stretched thin, and it wasn’t fair to my clients.
These days, I stick to my expertise and comfortably refer clients to other sources when it’s outside my wheelhouse. It’s liberating to focus on your strengths and let others shine in theirs.
Reflecting on these stumbles leads me to a truth we often forget: our growth stems not just from successes, but also from our failures. If you’re curious to learn more about how I’ve refined my Mastermind model, don’t miss out on my new private podcast series. It’s packed with behind-the-scenes stories, strategies, and, yes, even more personal blunders—all waiting for you at ellieswift.com/private. Join me as we dive deeper into what truly makes a Mastermind thrive!
Connect with Ellie:
Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind
Website: https://www.ellieswift.com/
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