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Inspiration

Give and get support in 2023

s an ISO, merchant level salesperson or other a celebrity leader and/or a bevy of high-powered,
professional in the increasingly diverse pay- prominent members, these fees can be large. Also,
ments and fintech ecosystem, you've probably some groups hold meetings a few times each year
A taken a fresh look at your goals for 2023, as at luxury locations that involve significant travel
well as your plans for achieving them. expenses.
Have you included giving and receiving support in your • Time: Whether or not they involve travel, Master-
plans? Leaders in all walks of life have mentioned they mind groups typically meet regularly, which can,
have not succeeded on their own. In the early 20th century, for some, consume too much time.
English mathematician and philosopher Alfred North
Whitehead said, "No one who achieves success does so • Group dynamics: Mastermind groups, like any
without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and type of group, can involve unproductive dynamics,
confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." such as conflicts or power imbalances. Theyalso
typically involve sharing of personal and profes-
Successful people have also extolled the value of helping sional information, which is too uncomfortable for
others. Another individual who came to prominence some people to do in a group setting.
in the early 20th century is comic actor and filmmaker Resources aplenty
Charlie Chaplin, who said, "We all want to help one
another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by That said, if you're looking for accountability and
each other's happiness, not by each other's misery." And encouragement as you work toward your 2023 goals, a
former U.S. President Ronald Regan once said, "We can't Mastermind group might be just the thing for you. For
help everyone, but everyone can help someone." information on starting your own Mastermind group,
visit https://bit.ly/3Ger35S.
Peer-to-peer mentorship, support

One resource to consider for mutual support is a Mastermind There are other options, though, especially in the
group. In a peer-to-peer mentorship format, members share community-minded payments sphere, where we have long-
resources, discuss ideas and provide accountability. These standing regional acquirers associations, the Electronic
groups offer exposure to the knowledge and experiences Transactions Association, and so many more established
of a pool of professionals with diverse perspectives. They and emerging trade groups for our ever-transforming
also bring a sense of community, which can be invaluable industry. These groups offer educational and networking
during times of challenge or change. Networking within opportunities where you can see and be seen.
a Mastermind group is also a way to build relationships
with like-minded people who may become your mentors Other options include individual coaching and online
or mentees, colleagues, or business partners. communities with forums for a range of interests. With so
many resources at your disposal, I predict you'll be able
Commitment of resources to give and receive all the support you need this year.

For some people Mastermind groups haven't worked out
for a few key reasons:

• Cost: Some Mastermind groups charge a fee for
membership or to access resources. If a group has Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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