What would you like to bring to this community? What would make you look forward to getting online to talk to people in this community? How can we bring more fun to our community?

Comment below using the following template to introduce yourself to the community, let us get to know each other, and see how we may grow together. Thank you ahead of time! Who you are & where you’re based: What you’re building right now: One or two sentences about your business, trade, or project. Why did you join Nature’s Mastermind? One “win” and one “stuck point” this month: Win: something you’re proud of, even if it’s small. Stuck: a challenge you’d love some honest input on. You don’t have to write a novel—3–5 sentences is plenty. The goal is to make it easier for the right people to find and support each other.

Here’s the reality: - About 80% of small businesses survive their first year - Only half make it to year five - Just over one-third last a full decade - By year fifteen, about 1 in 4 are still standing It’s not about “hustle.” It’s about building something that can last. That’s why we’re rolling out new features inside Nature’s Mastermind: - Nature’s Business Lab: A step-by-step program to help you design a business model that actually fits your life, your family, and your market. No fluff—just practical tools, templates, and honest feedback from people who’ve walked the same path. - Success by the Millimeter: A series focused on steady, sustainable progress. We’ll share real stories, simple exercises, and a mindset built for the long haul—not just the next quarter. The stats also show: - If you’ve tried and failed before, your chance of success next time is about 20% - If you’ve succeeded before, it’s 30% - Your odds improve when you learn from others, get feedback, and build a model that works for your industry Nature’s Mastermind is here to help you beat those odds. We’re not aiming for “overnight success.” We’re building businesses—and lives—that can last. If you want to be part of a community that thinks in years, not just months, you’re in the right place. Drop a comment if you’re interested in Nature’s Business Lab or Success by the Millimeter, or just share where you are on your business journey. Let’s build something that lasts.

There are people on job sites, in hospitals, in kitchens, on the road, and on call while the rest of us are around the table. Owners are checking in on things “just one more time” before they sit down with family. Some spouses and kids carry a little extra so someone else can keep serving their community. If that’s you, or someone you love, thank you. Thank you to: - The builders and business owners who keep showing up - The community leaders who hold things together quietly - The families who support all of it in the background You’re the reason small towns, neighborhoods, and local businesses still work. Today is a good day to pause and notice: - Who’s been carrying you this year - What blessings you might be taking for granted - Which communities (online and offline) are helping you grow If you’re part of this Nature’s Mastermind community, I’d love to know who you are and what you’re building. When you get a quiet moment, go back to the introductory post and drop your intro using the template I shared there. It helps all of us see who’s in the room and how we can support each other. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your people. May today be a mix of rest, gratitude, and a little bit of hope for what you’re building next. 🦃🍂

1. Who you are & where you’re based: Originally from Texas, now located in North Louisiana in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. My name is Matthew, and I am excited to get the opportunity to learn from each of you. 1. What you’re building right now: I am actively building my own Insurance Agency, though, as it is right now, I am working with someone directly to help me get mine off the ground in the Ark-La-Tex. Additionally, Nature's Mastermind and the many features yet to be revealed. Be sure to keep an eye out for the exciting additions to come. I will be posting a sneak peek into a new project here on Nature's Mastermind on December 15th. Stay tuned! 1. Why you joined Nature’s Mastermind: My goal here is simple: build a rewarding community with like-minded individuals who are also trying to grow and build. Being able to connect people, discuss real-world problems and real-world solutions, and learn from each other as we build together. 1. Life outside of work: Some days the work never stops, that is the journey of a father of two, a public speaker, an entrepreneur, and simply as a person who wears many "hats" as I continue to grow my impact on the world with every day choices. I love to take my family on adventures, teach my littles new skills, and see their faces light up when they've figured something out. As we explore the world around us and build those foundational memories and skills, I take great pride in doing all that I can to set them up for success. 1. One “win” and one “stuck point” this month: As a few of you know, I am starting my own Agency, well, the starting point for me is establishing my new LLC. I have finalized my paperwork and submitted it to the Secretary of State, and I should get approval on Monday! As I grow my book of business and continue to work on those vital, impactful relationships in the Ark-La-Tex, I can say with full confidence that we will succeed! A stuck point for me: There are some things that you can automate in your business, and I have been actively trying to figure out automation points in my current systems. It's been really challenging to get certain areas converted into automatic systems without compromising on the value of that key point. Recently, I have taken a big leap into utilizing AI integrally in my business, which has been a huge help in covering everything that I have planned. With some limitations, if anyone has real-world experience in AI applications for automation of non-green tasks, I'd love to hear how you implemented and what challenges you faced.