When it comes to growing a mastermind or peer group, most leaders focus on the basics: finding new members, offering good content, and building relationships. But there’s something even more important that often gets overlooked—your authority.

Building your authority is the most effective way to attract and keep the right people in your groups.

What Is Authority—And Why Does It Matter?

Authority isn’t about having power over others; it’s about being the person others trust for expertise and advice. When you’re seen as a trusted expert, people are more likely to respond to you, join your groups, and recommend you to others.

In fact, the more authority you have, the easier it is to bring in members. People want to connect with those who are knowledgeable and respected in their field.

You Have Authority—Start Using It

If you’re leading a peer group, you already have experience and knowledge. The problem isn’t that you lack expertise—it’s that too few people know about it.

Many group leaders are experts no one’s heard of. The goal is to become visible. Share what you know. Let people see your knowledge and passion.

Simple Ways to Build Your Authority

You don’t need to be famous or write a best-selling book. You just need to start getting your insights out there. Here are a few ways:

Share your thoughts: Write short articles or LinkedIn posts about your area of expertise.
Talk about what you know: Record videos or podcasts, or be a guest on someone else’s show.
Teach openly: Lead workshops, answer questions, or give presentations.
Find your audience: Think about who you want to reach and speak directly to their challenges.

Don’t worry about “giving away” too much. Sharing your knowledge helps people see your value—and most will still need your help to really make progress.

Have a Plan

The biggest mistake? Doing a little bit of everything with no focus. Before you start, ask yourself:

What do I want to be known for?
Who am I trying to help?
What problems can I solve for them?

When you’re clear on these questions, everything you share online or in person will connect with the right people.

Give Generously, Grow Steadily

The best group leaders are generous. They share ideas, answer questions, and support others without holding back. When you openly help people, they naturally want to learn more from you and are more likely to join your peer group.

Ready to Grow Your Group?

If you’re having trouble filling your group, stop and consider: How well-known is my expertise? When you build your authority and share what you know, the right people will find you—and they’ll come ready to connect.

As Mark Twain said, “The object of life is to make your vocation your vacation.” When you turn your passion and knowledge into helpful content, your peer group—and your impact—will grow.

Now, go put your authority to work—and watch your group thrive.

The Hidden Key to Growing Your Peer Group: Authority