Guest post by Ashley Williams.So you’ve started your business. OK maybe it’s still in the “expensive hobby” phase, but that’s all good. You’re learning about copy and marketing and sales and branding and all. the. things.And maybe you’ve even found some cool online hubs to chat and get support from like minded folks.But random feedback comments here and there isn’t the same as an ongoing relationship from the same people, week after week that have your back and know your brand as if it were their own.

That’s why people like Marie Forleo, Jenny Shih or Sarah Jenks often extol the virtues of their inner circle. Their mastermind besties.

Have you ever thought about how cool would it be to have your own tight knit group to grow together and support each other through all the biz ups and downs? Because seriously? This shit isn’t easy. It’s exciting, but it’s scary. Like riding an ancient roller coaster that you think could fall off the rails at any minute.You need people to cheer you on and remind you that the “roller coaster” is only in your head.Especially when your “normal” (read: non-crazy entrepreneur) friends don’t get what you’re doing. They think working from home involves get rich quick schemes, Bon-Bons and Netflix marathons every afternoon.Ok so yes, sometimes you DO need a mental health break spent with Orange Is the New Black at 2pm on a Thursday and you’re the boss so you get to take it!But really, what your traditionally employed friends don’t get is how you really DO find clients while reading blog comments or hanging out in facebook groups. They don’t get that you started working at 8AM and you’re still going at 1AM because Wordpress is being a jerk and you just want to make that text look perfect!!They don’t get that you’re willing to work 80 hours a week NOW so that you don’t have to work 40 later. And they definitely aren’t on a first name basis with Marie, Danielle & Kris (which is just bizarre).But guess who is? Yep - your personal inner circle...your mastermind.One of the hardest parts of starting your own business (especially if it’s anywhere in the “self help” space) means you’re constantly feeling like you need to improve yourself.You need better pictures for your header. You need to figure out that five figure launch thing, all while leading your clients through their own personal development.Few things could mess with your head more.

Your mastermind gang will be the ones that point out all the paths you can take when you feel like you’ve reached the end of the road. They’ll highlight your strong points when you’re worrying that maybe you don’t even have a “zone of genius”.

The point? If you don’t have a mastermind yet, it’s time to make one (or more) a part of your game plan.I’m currently in three different masterminds. Each with their own unique strengths.And honestly? I’m not sure how I’d live without them, which is why I started running mastermind groups to help others (like you) get the support and structure they need to succeed.

Here are eight ways your mastermind group will support you and be key to taking your business where you want it to go:

1) They’ll hold your hair back when you metaphorically (or maybe literally) puke your guts out because launching brings up all your money blocks and insecurities.2) They’ll come up with program names that fit your brand perfectly.3) They’ll edit your copy at midnight before you pitch your first guest blog.4) They help you money hustle and share your content without you even asking.5) They’ll tell you your money goals are totally do-able and maybe not big enough for your level of awesome!6) They’ll send you Cliff notes from that webinar you didn’t have time to listen to.7) They’ll listen to you vent about the client that is haunting your life!8) They’ll cry with you over personal drama, because let’s be honest - your business is just a small part of your life and sometimes the other stuff drowns out whatever marketing you had planned.

So yeah. If you don’t have a mastermind group, what the hell are you waiting for??

It’s so much more fun to have buddies that really get it.If you don’t have the time or resources to get your own awesome crew together, I’m here to help you start your very own Inner Circle.My next Accountability Mastermind kicks off on February 4th.Wanna join and meet your 3 new best friends? Plus ME, your go to for #ashkicking feedback, support and accountability?Cool. You can grab all the deets right here.About the AuthorAshley Williams is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, podcast host, vegan lifestyle expert and political activist that works with young women that want to look beyond the status quo of the “health” industry and heal illness at its root. She uses a combination of a plant based diet, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), herbs and superfoods to bring about massive shifts in the body.An expert on a wide range of healing modalities and a survivor of childhood Rheumatoid Arthritis, she is available for interviews, guest blogs and speaking engagements.