Masterminds Worth It? Femmeprenista's Guide for Mums
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Mar 17
- 8 min read
Masterminds Worth It? Femmeprenista's Guide for Mums
Are Masterminds Worth It? A Femmeprenista's Guide to Strategic Investment
Alright, let’s have a real talk about masterminds. Are they all they’re cracked up to be, or just another shiny object distracting us from the realreal work? I get it. You’re juggling a million things—the kids, the business (which, honestly, sometimes feels like another child!), maybe a partner who thinks celebrating a successful launch means ordering takeout instead of cooking (anyone else relate?!)—and now you’re supposed to decide if shelling out a chunk of your hard-earned cash for a mastermind is actually a smart move. Trust me, I've been there. Remember those early days building Nisbett & George while wrangling a newborn and trying to meet uni deadlines? Sleep? What's sleep?! And now, trying to balance PhD research with four kids (toddler & baby included!), two dogs with very different energy levels (Cappuccino's zen, Espresso's… well, let's just say she makes the Energizer Bunny look laid back), andand recovering from my fourth C-section? Let's just say, some days, I feel like I'm living in a permanent state of beautifully chaotic overwhelm. I even remember feeling totally lost, scrolling through endless mastermind options, wondering if any of them reallyreally got what it’s like in my world. It's really funny, because sometimes I think, "Is this my life, or a sitcom waiting to happen?!"
Beyond the Hype: A Practical Framework for Decision-Making
Masterminds are everywhereeverywhere. It can feel like every successful entrepreneur you admire is either in one or leading one. & of course, they all sound amazing – exclusive communities, high-level connections, game-changing strategies. But let’s be honest, shiny promises don't pay the bills, do they? & they certainly don’t help when you’re trying to explain basic business principles to your partner while simultaneously stopping the toddler from using Espresso (our hyperactive Miniature Pinscher puppy) as a climbing frame. As someone who’s navigated the early stages of entrepreneurship while deep in the trenches of motherhood, I’ve learned that wise investments are about more than just hype; they're about strategic alignment with your unique journey.
So, how do you cut through the hype & figure out if a mastermind is truly worth the investment for youfor you? We'll use Femmeprenista's Business Flourish Framework to evaluate masterminds strategically. This isn't about blindly following the crowd; it’s about making a decision that aligns with youryour unique business, youryour stage of growth, & youryour personal values. Because remember, my love, you are the CEO of your life & your business. It's your responsibility to make empowered choices, just like you're responsible for guiding your little ones, even when they're convinced that painting the walls with yogurt is a great idea (true story!). A strong sense of ownership is essential – as Jim Rohn wisely said, "If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. & guess what they have planned for you? Not much."
Evaluating a Mastermind Through the Femmeprenista Lens
Before we dive in, a quick refresher on the Business Flourish Framework (for those new to the Femmeprenista party): It’s all about building a business that not only thrives but also supports a life you actuallyactually enjoy. We do this by focusing on honing your Mindset (Focus), crafting compelling Marketing (Flair), creating efficient Systems (Flow), prioritizing your Wellbeing, & strategically integrating AI (Fusion) throughout your business. Learn more about our Business Flourish Framework.
Now, let's apply these principles to masterminds:
1. Clarity of Purpose (Focus)
This is fundamental. Before even glancing at the sales page, you need laser-sharp clarity on what youyou want to achieve.
What are your biggest challenges right now?
Are you, a Foundation Builder, struggling to attract consistent clients?
Feeling overwhelmed by the tech side of things?
Drowning in the daily juggle & can't seem to find time for strategic work?
Where do you feel stuck?
What specific skills or connections do you need to reach the next level?
Is it mentorship from someone who's "been there, done that"?
Access to a supportive community of like-minded women?
Expert guidance on scaling your business without sacrificing your sanity?
Honestly, it’s a bit like trying to find the right school for your kids – you wouldn't just pick the most expensive or prestigious one without considering their individual needs, would you? My teenager thrives in a bustling, creative environment; my quieter, school-aged daughter needs a more nurturing space. My youngest, bless her heart, is just happy exploring the world through the lens of a two-year-old, which mostly involves trying to eat everything in sight! It's all about finding the right fit. Same goes for your business. So grab a notebook & get really honest with yourself. Because a mastermind that’s perfect for someone else might be a complete misfire for you.
2. Attracting the Right Tribe (Flair)
A mastermind's marketing should resonate deeply – not just with your aspirations, but also with your values.
Does its messaging speak directly to youryour soul?
Does it feel authentic, like a genuine conversation, or does it feel generic & salesy, like they're just trying to push a product?
Does the leader genuinely understand your world—the beautiful chaos of motherhood, the late-night work sessions after the kids are finally asleep, the constant struggle to balance it all—or are they just throwing around buzzwords?
It’s like the time my daughter proudly brought home a “pottery cup” from school – it was essentially a lump of clay, but to her, it was a masterpiece! & you know what? I celebrated it like a masterpiece, because to her,to her, it was. That’s the kind of deep, heartfelt connection you want to feel with a mastermind’s messaging. It should see & celebrate youryour unique version of success, not just a generic "one size fits all" ideal. Enter the conversation already taking place in youryour mind, addressing youryour specific hopes, fears, & dreams. Ask yourself, “Does this mastermind truly getget me?”
3. Streamlined Structure & Systems (Flow)
A well-structured mastermind should provide more than just inspirational talks; it should offer actionable steps, clear processes, & accountability mechanisms. It's about implementation, not just inspiration, you know? Because let’s be real, even the most brilliant strategy won’t magically implement itself.
What's the actual structure?
Is it a series of workshops, group coaching calls, or 1:1 mentoring?
How will you, as a Foundation Builder, be supported?
Will you have access to templates, checklists, or a dedicated community forum?
What resources or tools will be provided?
Are there clear milestones & accountability check-ins to track your progress, or is it just a lot of "woo-woo" & no real substance?
It's like planting a garden – you can buy the best seeds & soil, but if you don't water it, weed it, & nurture it consistently, nothing will grow. Trust me, I learned that the hard way when I launched my first business years ago (Nisbett & George - anyone remember?). Great idea, promising start, even won a competition! But the partnership eventually dissolved partly because we didn’t have aligned systems in place. My co-founder, without kids at the time, needed the stability of a traditional job, while I, as a new mum, craved the flexibility & autonomy of entrepreneurship. We weren’t on the same page, & that lack of alignment impacted our ability to build sustainable systems together. You need a mastermind that helps you build momentum & achieve tangible results, not just fill your head with more theory.
4. Prioritizing Wellbeing
This is non-negotiable, especially for us busy mums. Entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster. You’re constantly putting out fires, juggling a million to-dos, trying to decipher toddler-speak, navigating teenage drama, & generally trying to do it all without collapsing in a heap (or resorting to hiding in the bathroom with a glass of wine – don’t judge!). I totally understand, trust me. Even though my partner is incredibly supportive (we're even taking the same classes at uni, which, by the way, is such a cool experience we wouldn’t have if I’d stayed in corporate!), carving out time for a PhD with four little ones, two dogs with distinct personalities (Cappuccino’s the chilled mum, Espresso’s the bouncing-off-the-walls puppy!), a business, recovering from major surgery andand trying to maintain some semblance of sanity isn’t easy! Some days it feels more like an obstacle course designed by a sleep-deprived gremlin!
Does the mastermind you're considering prioritize your well-being or simply glorify the hustle?
Does it understand the intense juggle of motherhood & entrepreneurship, or does it assume you have unlimited time & energy?
Does it acknowledge the reality of school holidays, childcare costs, & the mental load we carry?
Does it provide support for creating healthy boundaries, managing your energy, & avoiding burnout, or does it make you feel like you have to work even harder to "keep up"?
Remember, my love, sustainable success isn't about burning yourself out; it’s about integration, balance, & finding your sustainable pace. This is not to say that we won't work hard - hard work beats intelligence when it's smart work & we take ownership of our progress! Like I always say, even if I’m moving at a tortoise’s pace (PhD, four kids, remember?!), as long as I’m moving forward, I’m winningI’m winning. & remember, as Lisa Nichols says, "Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer.”
5. AI Integration (Fusion)
In today's rapidly changing world, leveraging AI isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. A truly forward-thinking mastermind should help you embrace the power of AI to amplify your results.
How does this specific mastermind integrate AI into its curriculum or resources?
Does it offer practical training on using AI tools relevant to your business?
Does it provide templates or frameworks for implementing AI strategies?
Does it help you work smarter,smarter, not just harder, or does it feel stuck in the past?
I've seen firsthand how AI can be a game-changer – particularly when you're juggling multiple roles & every minute counts! One of my Momentum clients, for example, used AI to automate her email marketing & saw a 20% increase in open rates within the first month! Talk about working smarter, not harder! AI isn't just a tech buzzword; it's a powerful tool for creating more time, energy, & freedom in your business & your life.
Making the Smart Investment (or Not!)
Using this framework will help you evaluate masterminds strategically. If a specific mastermind ticks all your boxes & genuinely aligns with your unique goals, stage, & values – then, my love, go for it! Invest confidently, knowing you've made a smart, strategic decision. It could be a game-changer for your business & your life.
But what if, after careful consideration, you realize a mastermind isn't the right fit right now? Don't be discouraged. It's a bit like when I realized, after a difficult experience at Electrolux, that even a more convenient geographical location wasn’t enough if the company culture wasn't aligned with my values. It simply meant I needed to seek a different path, one that led me to where I am today, building Femmeprenista. There are so many other ways to achieve your goals.
Join our thriving Femme Connect community for support & connection Femme:Connect.
Remember, my darling, the journey is yours. Own it. Make choices that empower you, not drain you. & whatever you decide, know that you are capable, resourceful, & worthy of achieving all your dreams. As Michelle Obama says, "We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list."
What’s youryour biggest hesitation or question about masterminds? Share it below! Let’s create a supportive space where we can learn & grow together.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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