What do buyers really want from masterminds in 2025?

I believe there are key decisions as to why people choose certain masterminds over others, and that it’s important to upgrade your mastermind to give your ideal clients what they’re most looking for. 

If you are creating a mastermind this year, or already running one that you're looking at upgrading for 2025, I have a pocket-sized guide for you to use as a reference point as you map out your offer for the year. 

I’m taking you through three key pieces that you can take and run through your own filter for your own 2025 mastermind:

The Importance of Community

In 2025, the community element is more crucial than ever. With the digital expanse creating endless seas of information, our clients crave that sense of belonging and interaction. Whether through active channels like Slack or encouraging supportive interactions during calls, creating an inclusive space is quintessential.

Embracing Individualisation

On the flip side of community, individualisation stands as a spotlight for personal attention. Clients today are wary of cookie-cutter experiences. They desire bespoke approaches that cater directly to their unique needs—an expectation that will only grow with time.

Stepping Forward as Leaders

In your role as a facilitator or coach, showcase your dedication to learning and transparency about your progress. The courage to try, fail, and try again is not something to shy from; instead, it embodies the grace of true leadership. As we face the future filled with rapid changes together, demonstrate your commitment to evolving alongside your clients and share these experiences to inspire them.

 I hope these tips inspire you to not only keep up to date with trends and consumer behaviour, but embody the person who continues to evolve based on the true desires of your ideal clients. 

Happy planning!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook



Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

$360k in seven days. 

It might sound too good to be true, but with the right sales strategy, it’s entirely possible.

I recently achieved this for myself, and today I want to share some of the powerful steps that made it possible. 

My number one tip? Build a waitlist. Even though my mastermind is evergreen, having a waitlist ensured that when spots opened up, we had a pool of eager clients ready to fill them.

It's not just about collecting names but nurturing those leads until they become raving fans. If you're not already using a waitlist strategy, I highly recommend implementing one.

My next instrumental move was using the same reliable funnel strategy that has served me well since I started my business. That means generating leads through a lead magnet, and then hosting a live event to seal the deal.

For this launch, I promoted a lead magnet detailing my biggest income streams and schedule. Over 600 webinar registrations rolled in, but live attendance is difficult to secure so I didn’t stop there.

I included special incentives for attendees, like a potential one-on-one session and exclusive resources. This boosted the attendance and engagement rates, and in turn my conversion rate. 

My final tip is to take an application-based approach to your selling.  Particularly for high-ticket offerings, this approach empowers potential clients to self-assess their compatibility with your program. No more selling focus, no more pushy tactics, just meaningful conversations leading to meaningful, long-term client relationships.

So if you’re heading into a launch soon, I hope these tips will help you feel motivated and confident to make it the best it can be. 

Here's to an incredible 2025 ahead. As always, thank you for being part of this journey!

LINKS



Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! I hope you've had a restful break and are recharged for this exciting new year.

 I fully anticipate that you’ve done a lot of planning already, but what you might not have done yet is created a detailed plan for your vision that is rooted in action, getting things done and essentially mapping out your projects.

So today, I’m taking you through the plan that I use with my clients. The reason it works so well is because it allows the opportunity to do really big visioning around what it is that you want. 

We’re going to look at things like your revenue goals and getting really clear on your overall objectives for your business for the new year. We'll explore:

• Mapping Your Financial Aspirations
• The Art of Sales Mapping and Launch Calendars
• Conducting a S.W.O.T Analysis
• Crafting Your Six-Month Strategy
• Aligning Your Marketing Strategy
• Mindset: The Key to Achieving Your Plan
• Implementing and Budgeting Successfully
• Finding Balance as a Business Leader

If you’d like access to my planning document,  come over to my Instagram and DM me the word ‘plan’. I’ll send you a copy! You might want to begin filling it out as you listen to this episode, or utilise it later on when you’re ready to plan. 

As you know, my word for this year is peace, and doing things like planning in this way really supports that process for me. I hope it does the same for you.

Here’s to creating an incredible year ahead!

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

As the year comes to a close, I find myself in a reflective mood, looking back at the highs and lows that shaped my business journey in 2024. It's a tradition I hold dear, taking stock of what went well, what didn't, and how I plan to make improvements in the year ahead. I love planning for a new year and hope that my experiences might offer some valuable insights for you too.

The Best of 2024

1. Three Glorious Months of Maternity Leave

This year, one of the best things that happened for me personally and professionally was taking three full months of completely unplugged maternity leave. Seven years into my business, I reached a milestone where I could step away entirely, knowing my team would keep everything running smoothly and profitably. It was a profoundly emotional experience. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients during this time was the icing on the cake. They praised how well the team, especially Niv, handled everything, ensuring our standards remained high. If you're considering taking a similar break, know that it is possible. With intentionality and robust systems in place, you can enjoy this kind of freedom too.

2. The Success of Our Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The Scalable Freedom Mastermind continued to outperform expectations. We started the year with a phenomenal 93% retention rate, which was truly inspiring. Even after downsizing, we maintained an impressive 60-70% retention rate. Our systems have tightened up, and our clients are achieving incredible results. I'm endlessly grateful for the opportunity to work with such sophisticated and committed women. They constantly remind me why I started this journey.

3. A Record-Breaking Launch

Upon returning from maternity leave, I braced myself for a rebuilding phase, but to my pleasant surprise, our Scalable Freedom Mastermind launch exceeded all expectations. We sold out in just seven days—the fastest we've ever accomplished a launch. This accomplishment reaffirmed my position and boosted my confidence as a business owner and new Mum. It showed me once again the power of credibility and trust built over time in this industry.

The Worst of 2024

1. Lower Revenue Year

While it’s been an incredible year in many ways, 2024 was not a million-dollar year for us, mainly due to my maternity leave. Despite reducing client contracts by half during that period, the decision felt right. Our focus wasn't revenue this year but on profitability and sustainability, ensuring both my family time and business needs were met. It was a conscious choice that I believe was pivotal to our success and peace of mind.

2. Working Late Hours

I underestimated how much time would be needed to plan for maternity leave and subsequently reintegrate into the business. Although setting things up more efficiently could have been possible, I wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly for my team and clients. Balancing work demands with being a present Mum to Sunny took extra hours, but knowing I can rely on newly established systems in the future is a relief.

3. Challenges with Ad Costs

At the beginning of the year, we faced increased ad costs during a launch, which required us to adjust our messaging multiple times. At the end of the day, it led us to bring in Jane Day to manage our ads, laying the foundation for even more strategic growth in 2025.

I truly hope sharing these this with you from my year resonated. Understanding what worked and what didn’t has been instrumental in shaping how I plan to tackle future challenges. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Here's to a prosperous and balanced 2025! 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

Curious where the digital business realm is heading in 2025? Well, I’ve got some predictions for you! I’ve been doing business forecasting for the last 15 years, and I’m going to own it and say that rarely have I made a prediction that I haven’t seen come into fruition in some way. 

Now, these predictions don’t come from looking into a magic crystal ball - they’re always based on trends that I'm seeing online, things I'm seeing move in a certain direction, statistics and data. And my predictions for 2025 are no different.

So, let’s dive into the 5 major predictions that I believe will shape online business in 2025:

1. AI is Going Mainstream

While AI has been in the picture for some time now, its integration will be deeper and more transformative. I believe that the businesses adopting AI by the beginning of 2025 are going to see the most growth. AI isn’t just for optimising our marketing; we can use it to streamline our operations, revolutionising our workflows and core systems.

2. The Human Factor in an AI World

While AI will revolutionise information access, it won't replace the unique value of human interaction. The future will see people seeking more than just data; they’ll crave connection. The insights and personal touch provided in a mentoring relationship cannot be replicated by even the most advanced AI.

3. The Rise of Omnipresence

Omnipresence will be key across digital platforms in 2025. Unlike past advice to focus deeply on a few select channels, the future demands a broadening of presence. With AI's ability to facilitate content repurposing, being consistently visible across multiple platforms will be crucial. It’s all about leveraging AI's efficiency to construct a more pervasive digital presence.

4. Specialists Over Generalists

As we move forward, there’ll be a distinct preference for specialists over generalists. The demand for coaches or consultants with verified expertise and specific skills will rise. Consumers will become more discerning, prioritising substantial experience and concrete results over trend-based popularity.

5. Revaluing Community Connections

Lastly, we’ll witness a renaissance of community-driven business models. More than ever, people will long for community and authentic interaction to counterbalance the impersonal nature of technology. As digital communication grows, so too does a sense of isolation. Businesses that embed genuine community engagement in their strategies, such as small, intimate groups or masterminds, will thrive.

I encourage you to consider how your business strategy for 2025 stands up against these predicted trends. Are you equipped to adapt and innovate? This isn't about a radical overhaul but ensuring your business is robust and prepared for these shifts. Lean into a steady commitment to your core strategies while remaining aware of evolving trends, and I know you’ll see the needle move forward in an incredible way in 2025.

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

My word for 2025 is Peace. 

After honing in on Discernment in 2024, I’m reflecting on how that played out for me and am also keen to share how I’m choosing to value peace at all costs next year. 

This year was a pivotal year as I became a mother and I spent a lot of time evaluating what truly matters to me. Journeying into motherhood while running a seven-figure business meant I had to make a lot of decisions about my time and energy. It was about letting go of things that no longer served me and embracing those that did. 

Of course there have been challenges, but focusing on discernment truly allowed me to make room for meaningful moments, especially those precious first months with Sunny.

Now as we’re about to launch into 2025, my focus has shifted towards peace and simplification. For me, it’s about deliberately protecting the beautiful life I've worked so hard to cultivate. This means boundaries and systems within my business and family life and guarding this peace when modern life says it should be otherwise.

Practically in the business, my main priority will be growing and scaling the mastermind through strategic collaborations and an evergreen model. I’ve done live launches for a long time and love it but it’s just not the season for it now and it feels really good to know this. 

I’m also choosing to stay in my lane. Nothing good comes out of comparing myself to someone else because I trust and know that my path is unique to me. Just because I work in the online space doesn’t mean I need to scroll endlessly to see what’s working. This season is about confidently knowing my lane and protecting my peace at all costs.

Don’t get me wrong. Peace doesn’t mean boring. I’ve got so much travel and fun things planned for next year but I plan to embrace every moment fully. Peace is a state of mind and in 2025, I’m choosing for peace to infiltrate every decision I make for my life and my business. 

So, what about you? What’s your word or theme for 2025? 

LINKS

FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

If you’re selling a mastermind, either starting now or in 2025, you might be experiencing some resistance from potential clients. 

“I’ve got too much on. I’m too busy to make a decision.”

“I’ll think about that once Christmas is over.”

“I’m too exhausted to think about next year right now.”

Sound familiar? At this time of year, it’s easy for people to fall into the trap of feeling too busy, tapped out, and unsure of what to do for the year ahead, which is why you need to make sure your sales and marketing address these exact problems.

Here are three common objections you might be hearing from potential clients right now and what you can do to help your clients understand why they should join your mastermind right now. If you don’t have a mastermind, these strategies will also be very applicable to you if you’re selling one-to-one or any mid to high-ticket item.

“I'm Tapped Out”

By the end of the year, we’re all pretty ready for a holiday, let’s be real. You might have potential clients expressing feelings of exhaustion or hesitation to commit, saying they’ll decide on something next year when they’re less exhausted. But, we know that waiting till a fresh calendar year to pursue growth isn’t a good strategy.

The key here is to address the fears underlying these objections. Many people are scared of next year being the same as this year, feeling disappointed that they haven’t seen the results they were hoping for. We need to help clients see that meaningful change can happen and offer them a different perspective that NOW is the time to start working toward those goals. 

“I'm Too Busy Right Now"

The festive season overload is real: juggling family, events, and holiday preparations leaves many people feeling overwhelmed by things that may not even matter to them. If that’s how your potential clients are feeling, you need to remind them of their personal goals and priorities and introduce a sense of urgency.

What are their big goals for next year? What do they want to see happen in their business and their life?

Remind them of their priorities and set clear deadlines and incentives that spur action because let’s face it, we all need a deadline to get moving sometimes!

"There are Too Many Options"

The online space is really noisy, especially now with sales everywhere. If you’re finding some resistance because of this, it’s possible you’re not addressing your dream clients’ core problems with enough precision. Your messaging needs to be sharply aligned with their deepest needs. What differentiates you from others offering similar services? Your unique touch—be it a specific strategy, personal experience, or specialised focus—needs to shine brightly in your communication.

I hope these insights fuel your strategies and bring you closer to your ideal clients. Whether it's creating compelling content or refining your sales process, this season is full of potential to innovate and connect. Embrace it, navigate your sales conversations with empathy, and harness the vibrant energy this time of year brings. 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I’ve been looking back on some of my previous content lately and taking a look at episodes that have resonated with you over the years. 

While I’m soaking up the holiday vibes with my fam in Noosa, I thought it would be a great opportunity to release this episode from January 2023, which was a particular favourite and just as relevant today as it was back then.

Enjoy!!

—-----

I’ve been getting a lot of questions from my clients lately around the topic of creating free content. It can be hard to know what to share, how much to share and where to share it. 

Today, my aim is to help you feel confident in sharing your knowledge and expertise with a spirit of generosity. I talk through the mindset of abundance, and share a very specific strategy to build trust and ultimately draw people in. 

While there can be resistance in giving your knowledge away for free, sharing valuable content from a place of service will cause you to stand out from the crowd and really showcase what you have to offer.

Sharing in this way will never replace the bespoke support provided by paid programs. Rather, it gives people a taste of what they can expect to receive if they decide to work with you.

I encourage you to reject the mentality of scarcity and embrace expansiveness, knowing that this mindset will support you in attracting your ideal clients. 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook



Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

I know you love getting a peek of what happens behind the scenes at Swift Ventures and today I’m excited - and I’ll be honest, a little nervous - to share my wins and challenges from the first 2 months back from maternity leave.

3 of my biggest wins

Above all, I’m so incredibly grateful to have a healthy thriving baby and a healthy thriving business. To me, that’s the biggest win. It’s an amazing feeling to know I am showing up in both areas, being present as a mum and in my business and it’s something I’m really proud of.

Another win I’m celebrating is the success of my brand new masterclass which had over 750 sign-ups and a 20% show-up rate. I was thrilled with this result given the current season and it was honestly the best masterclass I’ve ever done. We had an incredible launch and at this point, we’re about 95% sold out. All of that with a four-month-old baby is, I think, a massive win.

This season has been very full and I am so grateful for the support system I have around me. Between my mum, my incredible nanny and Chey, who is such a wonderful father, I feel so supported to focus on the business when Sunnie is in their care. The day to day structure we have in place is working so beautifully and I’m so grateful. 

3 of my biggest challenges

I knew that motherhood would present me with challenges that I hadn’t experienced before but I must admit, some challenges have taken me by surprise. One particular challenge has been the lack of flexibility in finding extra time. Those spontaneous late-night and early-morning work sessions aren’t always possible now, which means I’m having to adjust to a much more structured work routine and have some really strong boundaries in place. 

During the already big season of my mastermind launch, there were a few nights when Sunnie wasn’t sleeping as well and I found myself going into time scarcity in a big way. I experienced anxious thoughts in a way I hadn’t in a long time. It made me realise that I need to acknowledge my limitations and also prioritise my wellbeing so I don’t burn out. 

Looking ahead to planning next year with big business and personal goals in mind is both exciting and daunting. For the first time in my career, I’m planning the year ahead while also trying to factor in the practicalities of life with a baby - who will quickly grow into a toddler. I really don’t have any idea what that will look like, so it’s been a challenge to know how to make space for that. 

While my wins and challenges are specific to my season of life with a new baby, I hope this episode feels supportive to you in your unique life situation. Whether you’re navigating life with teenage kids, taking care of ageing parents or juggling career goals amidst personal changes, the main message I want to share is that it is absolutely possible to rise and thrive, no matter what you’re facing. 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Connect with Ellie: 

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/

When it comes to sales, the devil is in the details.

Unlike marketing, which often involves large-scale messaging, easeful selling is about those micro considerations we make throughout the customer journey to help people feel seen. 

Whether you're selling high, mid or low ticket items, through personal conversations or chatting in DMs, I’m seeing a few strategies that are working really well for my clients right now.

Here are some practical sales strategies you can apply to your business right away to help you generate more clients in less time.

Reduce Customer Friction

Your sales process needs to be as easy as possible for your potential clients. While intentional customer friction can be part of filtering out non-ideal clients, the rest of the process should be seamless.

The people who are interested in your offerings need to know exactly what the next steps are. Make it effortless for them to say yes. If there are too many roadblocks or uncertainties, you might find people drift away because it’s just too hard.

Invite Behind-the-Scenes Access

The second strategy involves giving potential clients a glimpse of what they'll get when they choose you. Regardless of whether your offerings are low, mid, or high-ticket, showing a sneak peek into the experience can build trust and alleviate fears.

This might mean displaying the curriculum on a sales page or offering a video walkthrough for higher-ticket items. Whether it's a short video or a full open house experience, showcasing what happens behind the scenes helps potential clients feel more assured about their investment.

Highlight Success Stories and Case Studies

When I’m on a sales call or chatting in DM’s, I often share stories about how I've helped others achieve similar goals. Real-life examples help potential clients see their own success and having those tangible examples can reinforce their trust and confidence in deciding to work with you.

The overarching theme of these strategies is about building trust. You already know that you can provide amazing support to people through your courses and programs. Now it’s about reducing any unnecessary friction, being transparent with your offerings and providing real life examples of how you’ve helped solve the same problem for others.

Let me know how you go with these strategies. I’d love to know what’s working for you in your business. 

LINKS

Resources mentioned:  FREE Masterclass

DM me the word "Mastermind" on Instagram to find out about the Scalable Freedom Mastermind

The FREE Mastermind Launch Playbook

Website:         https://www.ellieswift.com/

Instagram:     @elliehswift

Facebook Group:     www.facebook.com/groups/shineonsocialellieswift/