If you are a member of Fast Track, check the Q & A Forum at Fast Track Headquarters to see if others are looking to share a room or other travel. If not, email info@changingcourse.com and we’ll try to match you up.

The term Mastermind was coined by Napolean Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich. In it Hill described the findings of his lifelong study of highly successful people. Not surprisingly, he found that one common characteristic among people like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie (to name a few) was that they belonged to some kind of “Mastermind” group.

A Mastermind group, says Hill, is “a coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose. This form of cooperative alliance has been the basis of nearly every great success.”

The reason Barbara and I are calling it a “Mini-Mastermind” is because, at this point, neither of us is sure if we have the time to dedicate to an ongoing in-person group. But if you know Barbara or me at all, then you know we are the kind of people who never say “never.”

So this is a kind of a “testing the waters” exercise in the event that our 2007-2008 speaking schedules are not as hectic as we both think they’re going to be. Given that I was just invited to speak at an International Living conference in Panama, things do not appear to be slowing down – but you never know! In the process Barbara and I are hoping to launch a few more dreams!

Who Should Attend?

A Mastermind works best when it is composed of people who have gone beyond the exploring stage of “what do I want to be when I grow up” to actively starting or growing a business. The room only holds 25 people so that’s our limit.

First preference will be given to people attending the Work at What You Love workshop that is meeting Friday and Saturday, August 24-25. If there’s room we’ll open it up to other folks.

How Will It Work?

Of the 25 people, Barbara and I will be selecting 5 people who are at a stage in their business where we believe they could most benefit from a large group “Mastermind” session. The other twenty people will be offering ideas, and no doubt picking up some great tips, from the 5 people we’ll be “master minding” around. Plus, we’ll leave some time at the end to give everyone a chance to pose a business question in smaller teams.

Another benefit of attending is that Lisa Tarrant, my Vision Implementation Manager and technical genius will also be on hand to answer questions that may come up, like, how do I set up a blog, how do I edit a CD for my new information product, how do I get an ISNB number so I can sell my book on Amazon, etc.

When:
Sunday, August 26^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. following the Work at What You Love workshop.

Where:
The Hotel Northampton, Northampton, Massachusetts

How to Register for this Free Session:
Register at ChangingCourse.com/mastermind.htm

The Hotel Northampton is the upscale hotel where the workshop is being held. The special Changing Course rate is $155 (single/double) per room per night (normally $210). Call (800) 547-3529 or (413) 584-3100. Ask for the “Changing Course” discount.

The Clarion Hotel (just over 1 mile away)
Phone: 800-582-2929 

Best Western 117 Conz Street, Northampton (1 mile away)
Phone: (800) 941-3066 or (413) 586-1500

Econo Lodge  329 Russell Street, Hadley, MA, 01035
Phone: (413) 582-7077

Holiday Inn Express  400 Russell Street, Hadley, MA
Phone: (413)582-0002 or (800)315-2621

Hampton Inn  24 Bay Road just off Route 9, Hadley, MA (less than 2 miles away)
Phone: (800) 426-7866

Norwottuck Hadley Inn, 208 Russell St, Rt 9, Hadley, MA
Phone: (877) 667-9688.

Quality Inn 237 Russell St. Rt 9, Hadley, MA
Phone: (413) 584-9816

Red Roof Inn, South Deerfield, Massachusetts (approximately 10 miles north off of I-91)
Phone: (413) 665-7161

BED & BREAKFASTS

There are a number of moderately priced bed and breakfasts in the area. Most average around $95 a night and include breakfast. For a list of area B&Bs click here.

Enjoy the carefully preserved architectural beauty, the historic richness, and the charm of this grand hotel. Built in 1927 the hotel reflects founder Lewis Wiggin’s love for Colonial Revival style and antique furnishings. Relax in the gracious elegance of this grand hotel’s glass-enclosed conservatory, unwind in front of the lobby fireplace, take a stroll around town, then enjoy a drink with your fellow dreamers at the Café, or take a true walk back in time and dine at Wiggins Tavern established in 1786 in New Hampshire and moved and reassembled at the hotel. (For you trivia buffs, this is the hotel Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton stayed at while filming Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf.)

You’re on your own for meals during the program, so you’ll have time to head into town and explore a bit and savor over 30 dining choices – all within a few blocks. You’ll visit eclectic shops and restaurants so sophisticated they’ve been featured in the New York Times and Bon Appetit magazine. Don’t worry. You won’t break the bank eating out. You’ll find truly great food for a wide range of tastes – and budgets.

Northampton offers more than great food. You’ll find museums, theaters with performers of New York City caliber, and art offerings so diverse and so prevalent that Northampton was dubbed the “Number One Best Small Arts Town in America” by author John Villani. If you’re a shopper, there’s no better place to be than Northampton, with wares that cover the bases from classical to whimsical, from teapots to toys. And you’ll have the opportunity to view nature – on a bicycle seat rolling along a city rail trail, on a boat on the Connecticut, or in the woods, on foot. The area’s natural world offers vistas, valleys, rivers, and streams. It’s an ideal place to escape and relax.

Venture outside Northampton’s city lines and enjoy the country comforts. Browse in antique shops, country markets or artists’ studios. Roar down the Connecticut on a raft. Pick apples or berries at one of the many farms or simply stop at a roadside stand and select from the harvest. Climb the many hills and mountains. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself relaxing and reflecting. On slowing the pace of life. On beauty. On life. And that’s exactly what you’re meant to do…