Monday Morning Mastermind Group Believes in Sharing Advice for Success

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There's only one thing that could energize you more than a cup of coffee on Monday morning — a Monday Morning Mastermind (MMM) group.

John Allensworth, community relations manager for Montrose Auto Group, saw a need for something where entrepreneurs and local businesspeople could meet to bounce ideas off one another and discuss local issues.

He started the MMM group in February 2009 with no set agenda but to have a group where people could learn from one another.

The meetings are meant for people to talk about business in an informal, non-threatening environment, Allensworth said.

"Many ideas taken away are used by individual members," he said. "Although this is not a business referral group, business between and amongst the members happens often."

The group takes turns having facilitators who sort of guide the topics discussed, but the conversation is often free-flowing.

Tim Fahrney of Time Slicer, Inc., is the present facilitator.

"My responsibility is to see that we have a worthwhile topic each week, and that we stay on track," Fahrney said. "We are flexible in that we will discuss a topic of interest to the group that was not predetermined. Our goal is to spend time wisely and learn from each other."

"We discuss pertinent topics as well as issues that any attendee has within their own business on a confidential basis, kind of like a board of advisers," Fahrney said.

The MMM group is also beneficial in the contacts you meet.

Vicki Stanley, owner of American Medical Personnel, has met a variety of people who have helped her in business.

One person was able to save her $1,000 a year in credit card processing fees, another had self-published his own book and was a big help to Stanley when she decided to self-publish, and she also met a business owner who later provided communications repair to her business, she said.

But, there's also the personal connections.

"On a personal level, I have forged not just business relationships, but have strengthened my friendships with fellow business owners," Stanley said. "After all, who can relate to the joys and sorrows of running a business better than somebody who is experiencing the very same thing?"

For Peter Eggmann, a partner with iZigg, the MMM group was a great way for him to meet new people in the area.

"Being relatively new to the area, I have met some of the finest businesspeople around," Eggmann said. "I feel very privileged to have found this group. I know at anytime I should find myself in a quandary, I could count on the team to help find me a solution."

Eggmann believes that sometimes sharing your experiences is the best thing you can do for someone.

"The reason somebody should look at joining us is because they want to share and give of their knowledge and wisdom without expecting anything back in return," he said. "The reward is that you were able to help someone through sharing."

What?: Monday Morning Mastermind 

When?: Every Monday at 7:45 a.m.

Where?: in North Canton. (So you can have your coffee, too).

Who can come?: Anyone, although most are local business folks.

How do I join?: Just show up or if you prefer, email someone from the group, and let them know you're coming.

Are there any fees/dues to be in the MMM group?: There are no fees or dues of any kind.

What is a typical meeting like?: The group arrives at about 7:45 a.m. on Mondays, and there is casual conversation, then the group orders breakfast and the topic of the day is launched. The meetings typically end between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m.