Mastermind vs. 1:1 Coaching: Which Growth Path is Right for You?
You've hit the $15-20k month mark. You're profitable. You're *busy*. And let's be honest, you're also exhausted.
You know something has to change. You can feel it in your bones (and probably in that tension headache that shows up every Sunday night). You need support. You need strategy. You need someone to help you figure out how to scale this thing without sacrificing your sanity, your relationships, or your love for the business you built.
So you start looking into coaching. And suddenly you're drowning in options: 1:1 coaching, group programs, masterminds, courses, retreats... it's a lot.
Let's simplify it, shall we?
Today we're breaking down the two heavy hitters: **mastermind groups** vs. **1:1 coaching**. Both can be game-changers. But they serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends entirely on where you are, what you need, and how you like to grow.
What's the Actual Difference?
Before we dive into which one's right for *you*, let's get clear on what we're even talking about here.
1:1 Coaching is exactly what it sounds like, dedicated, personalized support from a coach who's focused solely on your business, your challenges, and your goals. Every session is tailored to you. You're not sharing airtime with anyone else. It's deep, intensive, and highly customized.
A Mastermind, on the other hand, is a peer-led group experience. You're surrounded by other business owners at similar stages, collaborating, brainstorming, and holding each other accountable. There's usually a facilitator guiding the conversation, but the magic often comes from the *community*, the diverse perspectives, the shared wins, and the "oh thank goodness I'm not the only one" moments.
When 1:1 Coaching is the Move
Let's talk about when private coaching really shines.
If you're navigating something urgent and complex, like a major pivot, a team crisis, or preparing for a big launch or exit, 1:1 coaching gives you the focused expertise you need. There's no waiting your turn. No filtering your questions through a group dynamic. It's just you and your coach, going deep.
1:1 is also ideal if you're the kind of person who processes best in private. Maybe you're not ready to share your struggles with a group just yet. Maybe you need space to be messy, confused, and figure things out without an audience. That's completely valid.
Here's the thing though: 1:1 coaching typically requires a higher investment, both financially and in terms of time commitment. And while you get incredible depth, you miss out on something equally powerful: community.
You're still doing the work alone. And if you've been feeling isolated in your business (hello, every entrepreneur ever), that can start to feel heavy.
When a Mastermind is the Move
Now let's talk masterminds, because honestly? This is where the magic happens for a lot of entrepreneurs at the scaling stage.
When you're in the $15-20k/month range and looking to grow to $30-40k+ months, you don't just need *answers*. You need *perspective*. You need to see how other people are solving similar problems. You need to borrow confidence from people who've been where you are and made it to the other side.
A mastermind gives you that. It's like having a personal board of directors made up of people who *actually get it*.
Here's what masterminds do really well:
- Networking and peer relationships – You build genuine connections with other business owners who become friends, collaborators, and referral partners.
- Diverse perspectives – When you're stuck in your own head, hearing how five other people would approach your problem is *invaluable*.
- Accountability that sticks – There's something about showing up for a group that hits different. You don't want to be the one who didn't follow through.
- Normalizing the journey – Scaling is hard. Knowing you're not the only one struggling with team dynamics or pricing or boundaries makes the whole thing feel less lonely.
And let's not forget: masterminds are generally more affordable than 1:1 coaching, which makes them accessible to entrepreneurs who are ready to invest but aren't quite at the "drop $50k on a private coach" stage yet.
So... How Do You Decide?
Here's my honest take:
If you're in a specific, high-stakes moment, like you're about to sell your business, or you're dealing with a crisis that needs immediate attention, 1:1 coaching might be the right call. You need specialized expertise, and you need it now.
But if you're in a season of growth, where you're scaling, building a team, creating systems, and trying to step out of the day-to-day trenches, a mastermind is often the better fit.
Why? Because scaling isn't just about strategy. It's about identity. It's about becoming the CEO version of yourself. And that kind of transformation happens faster when you're surrounded by people on the same journey.
You need people who will celebrate your wins without jealousy. People who will call you out (lovingly) when you're playing small. People who remind you that you don't have to do this alone.
Enter: Yacht Club
Okay, I'm obviously biased here: but hear me out.
If you're a service-based business owner or creative entrepreneur making $10-20k/month and you're ready to scale, push new boundaries, and increase your profit margins while having the time of your life, Yacht Club was literally designed for you.
It's a 12-month mastermind built around sustainable growth, empowered leadership, and getting you out of the weeds so you can actually enjoy the business you've built.
Here's what makes it different:
- Built-in retreats – Because stepping away from your business is often the best thing you can do for your bottom line. (Seriously, slowing down can actually improve your business.)
- Peer support from people who get it – No more venting to friends who don't understand why you're stressed about hiring or client boundaries.
- A focus on scaling WITHOUT the hustle – We're anti-burnout over here. You didn't start your business to work 60-hour weeks forever.
- Strategic guidance + community – You get the best of both worlds: expert facilitation with yours truly, a business coach with 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, and the power of the group.
This isn't a course you buy and never finish. It's not a Facebook group where you post and hope someone responds. It's a real, committed community of entrepreneurs who are in it with you for a full year.
But What About 1:1?
If you're reading this and thinking, "Actually, I do need that deep, private support right now," I've got you covered, too.
My 1:1 Consulting is designed for entrepreneurs who want intensive, personalized guidance. We go deep on your specific business: your offers, your team, your systems, your goals: and build a custom roadmap together.
If you know you want to go deep with someone into your numbers, your offer suite, your team, and your systems, 1:1 might be the right move to start. (Apply here.)
Some people start with 1:1 and then move into the mastermind. Some do both at the same time. There's no wrong answer here: just the right fit for you and where you are right now.
The Bottom Line
Here's what I know for sure: you don't have to figure this out alone.
Whether you need the focused depth of 1:1 coaching or the expansive support of a mastermind, the most important thing is that you invest in yourself. Stop white-knuckling your way through growth and start building a business that actually feels good.
If Yacht Club sounds like your kind of crew: creative entrepreneurs, service providers, and business owners who want to scale sustainably and have fun doing it: I'd love to have you aboard. Apply here.
Let's grow together. 🚀