There’s a popular saying that says that two heads are better than one. The truth to this old adage is one of the reasons that there are more people than ever participating in a popular new concept called masterminding.

If you haven’t participated in one yet, consider finding a mastermind group to increase your chances of success. In one of the most influential business books ever written, Think and Grow Rich author Napoleon Hill wrote “No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind.”

Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone (of Firestone tire fame) and John Burroughs (a famous American naturalist) were co-members of a mastermind group. Their legacies are testament to the power of this invisible, intangible force.

In a mastermind group, your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track. By participating you create a community of supportive colleagues who brainstorm together to move each individual and the group to new heights.

Additional benefits of joining a mastermind include: clarity, leveraging the group’s ability to produce new and better ideas; challenge; help with decision making; a supportive network, both in mastermind meetings and outside them; new friendships; the ability to tap the experience of others; increased confidence; progress in your business and personal life and a decreased sense of isolation that pervades our technological culture, especially solopreneurs and small business people.

Groups can meet either in person, or by phone. Schedules vary, some meet twice a year, others twice a month. A commitment to the length of the mastermind group is always expected, because like most relationships, it takes time to bond, and to trust others as you help each other move rapidly towards your goals. Most masterminds require a minimal commitment of three months. There is little tolerance for missing a meeting, because of the knowledge that all participants add to creating this powerful, “invisible, intangible force.” Group numbers are often limited, which allows members to bond and work deeply on their goals and challenges in a small group environment. Lastly, participants are asked to sign a confidentiality agreement to protect the privacy of every participant.

Intrigued about the concept of mastermind, wanting to join the ranks of Ford, Edison and Firestone? To determine whether or not now is the right time to join a mastermind, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you ready to grow personally and professionally?

• Are you looking for a supportive and encouraging community of like-minded folks?

• Are you ready and motivated to focus more on your life and/or business?

• Are you willing to invest everything it takes to create the life and business that you want?

• Can you commit to meeting at a regular time and participating full out?

• Does your desire for a fuller life exceed your fear of change?

• Are you committed to being supportive, and to keeping the confidences of other members of the group?

• Are you willing to both ask for help, learn from your peers and to give as much as you receive?

If your answers to most of these questions are yes, then consider joining a mastermind. You won’t regret it.