ESB Mastermind Program — Blog — Margaret Nissen Photography

I just got home from an incredible weekend in Seattle for the ESB Mastermind retreat. For the past six months, I have been learning, growing and working with a group of women from all over the world to build up my brand, business and overall quality of life. Elena S. Blair put together a diverse and dynamic group, and last weekend I got to meet everyone in person. It would be impossible to write out everything I gained from this mastermind, but I thought I would put together a list of takeaways and advice I had from the program and the experience.

INVESTMENT

Make a commitment to put in the time and effort. No one else is going to change your business for you—SHOW UP. At the time I started the Mastermind, I had a full time job, and lots of irons in the fire. I did my best to be present for all the group coaching calls, and I think it made all the difference. Some moms had their babies on their laps pretty much every meeting — they came honorary members! Other women made sure they had a babysitter on meeting days to hold themselves accountable. Let’s be real, we all have busy lives, but I do think making the commitment to be present and participate made a huge difference! You can say “I don’t have time…” but I believe there is time is a choice and you can have time for everything you want—but you have to make time for it.
Originally, the investment seemed like a lot of money—in retrospect, we received more than I could have ever imagined. All the information, meetings, speakers, Elena’s time/knowledge/availability, the retreat, the friendships created…I could go on. But let’s just say she could have charged a hell of a lot more for the time and heart she puts into this group. If you’re thinking about joining and are on the fence, do yourself a favor and get on the waitlist and apply anyway!

COMMUNITY

Yes—the information and group are handed to you once you’re in the Mastermind, but the community is what you make of it. I am proud to say that our group crushed this part. We had “Working Wednesdays” every week at 5:30pm, and a standing Zoom link that anyone sitting at their computer working could jump on and have some company. Photography—especially during busy season—can be so isolating, and I found it motivating and less daunting to get editing and other business done during that time instead of putting it off.
Of course its a little awkward at first when you’re on video with a bunch of people you really don’t know, but soon enough you know everyone’s kids, pets and husbands by name!
Everyone is in a different place in the business as well as their life. I found it fascinating that regardless of where people stood in their business or life, each member can help or contribute to yours in some way—even if you don’t know it yet.
Some friends and family thought I was a little cray for flying off to Washington to meet and stay (we all shared a Airbnb) but I felt completely comfortable with these women I had never actually met in person—and since we all put in the time and effort to bond beforehand, when we got to the retreat we all felt like we had known each other for years! We stayed up late talking, drinking wine and enjoying everyones company.

ELENA AND HER TEAM ARE THE REAL DEAL

Elena surrounds herself with GOOD, loving people, and brings the same people into her. Mary Vance is her CEO and business queen! Everyone could use a Rachael Ann in their lives to keep everyone together, organized and uploaded to Teachable haha! They all run their own successful businesses while making Elena’s run like a well oiled machine. I couldn’t believe how well we all got along—it was inspiring, fun and I would do it over in a heartbeat!
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Here are some highlights from the retreat weekend…

Image by Mary Vance — Headshot exchange party! We all took turns taking photos of each other. It was so fun to watch everyone work and take a turn in front of the camera.

Foreground: Elena taking shots of the amazing Emily Feinsod. Background: Me fixing the hilarious Samantha McRoy’s hair :)

We were so lucky to get to watch the amazing Chloe Ramirez work her magic with a couple in studio. I loved watching her work and how she runs a session.

Images above by Danielle Douglas, my fellow Mastermind friend!