Six years ago, I started writing my third book. I got the idea (first collaboration, because this was not my idea, I have David Newman to thank for that of Do It Marketing) to ask an expert to contribute a short piece to the end of each chapter. I had my chapters written and wanted to include them because their expertise was deeper than mine. So, for sleep, for instance I asked The Sleep Doctor, Dr. Michael Breus to contribute. Well during our interview he said, you’d be perfect for a health summit group I belong to. He introduced me. I attended. At the same conference I applied to join the mastermind and I’ve been a member ever since.  Power of Collaboration I have belonged to several masterminds – at one time. And I have run masterminds and began one again in 2021 because trainers and health coaches are struggling. Struggling to find voice, build a brand, and stand out in this noisy online world. I have over the last year increased revenues by 37% and in the last quarter by 54% and none of that happens alone. Now, you don’t know where I was last year. But let me say it this way. I was very comfortable 8 years ago when I quit my job. Very comfortable. And in December I made 12 times my average monthly paycheck from 2013 employed by someone else.  It Takes a Village You can’t do that kind of thing alone. My goals for 2021 are bigger. And it’s largely going to be due to partnerships, helping others grow their reach and ability to change lives and asking them to help me. One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is to ask for help. Be willing not just to give but to ask for help. Asking, what do you see that I might be missing? Or telling someone you are struggling is hard. I’ve been there. Can You Ask for Help? I was at a low place one year in particular. It was time to renew my mastermind or give notice I was leaving. I knew by then the power of the group. But I was financially still struggling, still building from zero and we’d just suffered a huge tragedy in our family. My niece’s husband had been killed by a drunk and high driver riding his bike. He left 3 boys ages 3, 6 and 9 and his high school sweetheart. It was very fresh and I was between a rock and hard place. I couldn’t take financial or emotional hardship. In the end, I already told you I’ve been a member for 5 years, so you know I renewed. And it was the smarted thing I’ve done. Business growth brings inevitable personal growth. The right mastermind ends up being your closest friends. I’ve had interventions from my mastermind mentors and friends and given some myself. Give and Take While doing something for someone else probably comes easier, I encourage you to ask someone for help today. Where aren’t you making progress that you need help? Ask.