One thing which really increases the chance of long term success is having a support system. Typically when you think about your support system you will think about the people closest to you and whether they “are there for you” or not.

So often I see clients say they want to grow their practice, but don’t have a support system. The people who are closest to them are the very ones encouraging them not to change. It was okay when your business was seen as a “hobby” and did not interfere with other parts of your life. As long as your practice did not inconvenience them, everything was okay.

Your family and friends might not understand your desire for success. Being misunderstood is very frustrating. Eventually, you stop talking to them about what you are doing because they just don’t understand. Even though these are people you care deeply about, protect yourself and try to limit your contact with anyone who cannot support your goals. Look at the company you are keeping, do they support you or not?

What effect do these people have on you? They will either life you up or bring you down. If you are not receiving support from the people you spend the most time with, what will happen when you are faced with challenges which are out of your league? Who will be there with you when you need to take that leap of faith in order to continue growing your practice? And the biggest question, how do you feel about all of this?

If this is what you are experiencing, it is important you find people who are like-minded and have a similar desire for success. They are out there. When you are ready you will begin to take the steps to connect with them. Affiliating with other people who also have a mindset for success is very invigorating. They understand your desire for something bigger and want the best for you.

When I was reading Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” I was intrigued by his use of a mastermind group. Up until then I might have practiced having a mastermind group, but did not know there was an actual term for it. The value of surrounding yourself with people who are genuinely interested in your success and wellbeing is priceless. There is a comfort which comes from consulting with people who have your best interests at heart and are willing to be honest with you.

If you are thinking BIG and ready to grow your practice, make sure you have people who truly support what you do. Your supports are your mastermind group. They might be individuals, a lay led group of like-minded people or a group of business owners all working together with a coach.

I have tried all of them and have found being part of a mastermind group led by a coach is best. Each of the group members have invested in the mastermind. Paying money to work with a coach increases the perceived value. The mastermind is sharing the journey with you. You will be more likely to follow through on assignments and to step out of your comfort zone when working in a supportive group setting.

My mastermind group gets together to network, grow and share ideas. It would be easy to view some of them as my competition, but I have long held the belief that there is enough clients out there for everyone. Instead we have created relationships which focus on collaboration.

Sure, I could have grown my practice on my own without being in a mastermind group. My goal was to have accelerated growth. So I made the choice to surround myself and be coached by someone who already reached goals which were similar to mine. Having a mentor and being in a mastermind group was very attractive.

You are much more likely to really reach your goals by spending time with people who are like-minded. Connect with someone who you view as a role model. Invest in a mentor, a coach or a mastermind. It is an investment, but the return on your investment can be substantial if you have the mindset for success.

Author's Bio: 

Loren Fogelman, the success expert, shows you how to master the mindset to grow your business with confidence. Find out more about how to become excited with marketing your business and attract clients to you.

Receive Loren’s popular FREE "Tapping into Emotional Freedom" available at: => http://mindsetformarketingsuccess.com