Ep 32: Get Your A__ in a Mastermind: Why You Need to Step OUT of Your Business to Level Up 

Ever wonder why so many successful entrepreneurs talk about masterminds? I’m Bryan, and in this post I’m breaking down exactly why masterminds have been a total game changer for me and so many business owners I work with. Pulling from my latest mastermind in Naples (plus years of experience), I’ll share real stories about what makes these groups tick, why they’re way more than just networking, and how jumping into a mastermind could be the smartest move you make for your business. Ready to see what happens when you get real, get vulnerable, and start thinking outside your usual circle? Keep reading.

Stop Hiding in the Weeds and Start Building Something Bigger

Alright, let’s get real—when’s the last time you took a couple days away from your business to actually work on it, not in it? If you hesitated or laughed, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. But I’m here to tell you, taking a step back is not just refreshing, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to grow.

Masterminds: Your Shortcut to Fresh Ideas

So, I just wrapped up another mastermind down here in Naples, Florida—yes, it’s as nice as it sounds—and every single time, I’m blown away by the power of these groups. I don’t care if you’re running a design firm like my wife Pam, or you’re a marketing nerd like me, when you get around other smart, driven business owners, something just clicks.

We brought together two separate groups: Pam’s crowd of interior designers (these people are creative as heck) and my group, which is a little bit of everything from agency types to folks building systems. Different industries, different backgrounds, but way more similarities than you’d think. We all deal with the same stuff—managing people, sorting out cash flow, figuring out what the heck is next for our businesses.

Way More Than Networking

And before you ask—no, this isn’t just another networking thing. I HATE the “let’s trade business cards and never speak again” vibe. A real mastermind is about rolling up your sleeves, sharing what’s working, admitting what isn’t, and actually asking for help when you need it. That’s the secret sauce.

We spent time together both in and out of the “meeting room”—pre-meal hangouts, sunset cruises, happy hours on the beach. That’s when people start getting honest. You build friendships, not just contacts, and people start actually caring about each other’s businesses. When someone calls you out on your blind spot, you actually listen.

Mixing it Up: Industry-Specific vs. Diverse Perspectives

I’ve seen both sides. Pam’s group is all about interior design, and honestly, those people need more coaching than they’re even getting. (If you’re in that space, hit me up!) My mastermind is more of a mix, and I absolutely love how different backgrounds make you rethink your assumptions.

Heck, I even had my son Sean join us and push our group to get creative with content repurposing and animation. Some folks loved it, some weren’t so sure—but that’s the point. If you look and sound like everyone else, you’re just blending in. Get weird. Try new stuff.

You Have Time for This (Seriously)

Here’s the deal: If you think you can’t afford to step away from your business for a few days, that’s exactly why you need to. I get it, I’ve been guilty too (just ask my team after our last two-week stretch). But working ON the business with a crew of smart, honest people is how you actually grow—it’s where big decisions get made, whether it’s scaling, selling, or just surviving the next stage.

How to Get Started

You don’t have to wait for an invite. Start your own mastermind. Call up a few like-minded peers and meet regularly (I’ve been doing it every two weeks for ten years), or join one that pushes you. The trick? Actually be honest. Show up, share your stuff (even when it sucks), and be open to new ideas—even the wild ones.

Trust me—if you’re not in a mastermind right now, you’re missing out. And if you don’t know where to start, shoot me a message. I’m always up for a chat and might even have a spot at our next get together.

Bottom line: get your butt in a mastermind. Your future self—and your business—will thank you.

Listen to the full podcast episode here!