I’m a huge advocate for incorporating a mastermind into your offer suite and while I believe it’s a perfect complement to many businesses, it’s not necessarily the right fit for all business models. 

But before we go into specifics, one of the most important things to be aware of when it comes to running a successful mastermind is stepping into your role as a leader. I'm not talking about having the longest tenure in your industry or knowing everything there is to know. Leadership in this context is about owning your role, knowing how to facilitate group dynamics and being confident in the unique expertise you bring to the table.

The Model That Doesn't Work

If you're focused on one-off projects and see yourself more as a freelancer than a business leader, a mastermind probably isn't the right fit for you right now. Running an impactful mastermind requires a fundamental shift in mindset—from freelancer to thought leader—where you own your brand and your authority in the field.

This isn't about judgment; it's about alignment. Masterminds thrive when there's clear leadership and a structured approach to transformation, which can feel at odds with the project-based freelance mentality.

The Three Models That Work Beautifully:

1 - One-to-One Coaching or Consulting

This is exactly where I started my journey into masterminds and the transition was incredibly seamless. If you're currently offering high-ticket one-to-one coaching, your mastermind can position perfectly as a complementary offer. 

If you do currently offer one-to-one and you’re looking to add a mastermind, you might want to consider temporarily removing your one-to-one services from the market when you're promoting your mastermind. Otherwise, potential clients might default to what feels like the more premium option, missing out on the magic that happens in group dynamics.

2 - Membership Models

Whether your membership sits at the front or back end of your business, integrating a mastermind can be incredibly advantageous. Your membership becomes this beautiful reservoir of potential mastermind clients who are already eager for more intensive engagement. These people already see the value you offer and often crave that more personalised connection that masterminds naturally provide.

3 - Digital Product Suites

If you're running a digital product suite, masterminds offer an excellent upsell opportunity that feels completely natural. With lower-priced digital products serving as entry-level offers, a mastermind becomes the obvious next step for clients seeking deeper engagement. This model creates sustainable growth, using those initial product sales to nurture long-term client relationships through your mastermind experience.

Creating Your Sustainable Business

What I love about combining any of these models with a mastermind is how it helps create a sustainable, thriving business that doesn't constantly chase the next sale. There's something so beautiful about this stability—it supports your lifestyle goals and allows you to show up as your best self in every area of life.

When you're operating from this place of overflow and calm rather than pressure and burnout, everything shifts. You make better decisions, serve your clients more effectively and actually enjoy the journey of building your business.

If you're feeling inspired by these business model combinations and want to dive deeper into creating your own mastermind, I'd love to hear from you. Send me a DM with the word "model" on Instagram @elliehswift to get on the VIP list so you can  be the first to find out when I drop our upgraded Mastermind Model.

Connect with Ellie: 

Apply for the Swiftmind Scaled Mastermind (the ONLY chance to be coached by me in 2025): https://ellieswift.com/mastermind 

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