Unlocking Growth: Is a Mastermind Right for Handmade Sellers?

Discover the Potential of Masterminds and What to Look For

Masterminds have been a powerful part of my business journey—I've joined over a dozen over the years, each offering something unique (some better than others). For handmade sellers, though, the landscape can feel pretty different.

These groups are often male-dominated, testosterone-fueled spaces where handmade businesses are few and far between. And, let’s be honest, some of the masterminds come with a jaw-dropping price tag: six figures for an exclusive seat, like the Driven Mastermind in Cancun hosted by Ryan Deiss, or Rise Nation with Daymond John from Shark Tank. There’s also Stu McLaren’s high-level mastermind for membership entrepreneurs, setting participants back a solid $30,000 annually!

So, with all these options, how do you know if a mastermind is right for you—and what should you look for?

What’s the Appeal of a Mastermind?

A well-chosen mastermind can deliver invaluable benefits. You’re not just buying a seat at a table; you’re gaining a network of high-achievers, access to new perspectives, and often, guidance that could catapult your business forward. But is it worth the investment? For handmade sellers especially, finding the right fit can feel like a balancing act.

Here’s what I’ve learned about masterminds over the years, and what handmade sellers should consider when looking for the right one.

What to Look for in a Mastermind

Diverse Yet Relevant Expertise: Look for a mastermind where members have diverse backgrounds but still align with your industry and business model. High-level membership-based groups like Stu McLaren’s may work for subscription box owners, for instance, but may not be as useful if the group doesn’t understand the nuances of selling handmade.
Supportive Environment: Being in a group with the right energy is key. Unfortunately, many masterminds can be highly competitive and male-dominated, which isn’t always conducive to collaborative learning. Finding a group where you feel respected and understood will make a big difference. Bonus points if there are other handmade sellers or women in the group!
Real Value, Not Just a Price Tag: While some masterminds are incredible investments, others are more hype than help. Watch out for high fees that don’t correspond with clear benefits. Driven Mastermind and Rise Nation have reputations for high-level insights, but make sure the investment is proportionate to the level of value and networking you’ll receive.
Clear Goals and Accountability: Masterminds that emphasize goal-setting and accountability tend to deliver better results. A good group will push you out of your comfort zone but in a supportive way. Look for masterminds where you’ll be encouraged to set ambitious yet realistic goals and have a framework to track your progress.
High-Level Networking Opportunities: Masterminds are networking gold mines. Think about the types of people you want to connect with and whether the group can introduce you to those individuals. This is especially valuable for handmade sellers, who can benefit greatly from partnerships, wholesale connections, and exposure to new market insights.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Overpromising and Under-Delivering: Avoid masterminds that promise major financial growth without a clear pathway. Realistic expectations and a transparent program are signs of a good group.
Lack of Industry Relevance: Some masterminds cater to specific types of businesses, so make sure it’s relevant to handmade or product-based business models if that’s your focus.
Huge Price Tags Without Tangible Benefits: Six-figure fees can feel excessive if the mastermind isn’t offering tangible, actionable strategies. If you’re going to invest heavily, make sure the group has proven results that match your goals.

Seek Out Members a Few Steps Ahead

When choosing a mastermind, look for a group where at least some members are one or several steps ahead of you in business. Every mastermind I’ve attended has offered a valuable takeaway, and I've at minimum met a few like-minded people, that have become friends, but those with members who were a bit of a “stretch” for me were always the most transformative. When other sellers in the room have experiences or insights that you haven’t yet encountered, you’re in a prime position to learn and expand your approach.

Remember: you don’t want to be the smartest person in the room. The best masterminds push you out of your comfort zone by exposing you to people who have tackled challenges you’re about to face or who are operating at a level you aspire to reach. That dynamic creates real growth.

Could a Mastermind Be Your Key to Growth?

If you’re ready to push your handmade business to the next level, a mastermind could be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether you’re interested in learning more about scaling, networking with high-level sellers, or gaining insights from industries outside of handmade, the right mastermind can be a catalyst for growth.

Join the Handmade Seller Mastermind

I’m currently building a mastermind specifically for six + seven figure handmade sellers, focusing on what really matters in our industry—community, support, and actionable insights. If you’d like to join the waitlist or have any questions, reach out. You can join the waitlist here. :)

Let’s make 2025 a powerful step forward in your business journey.