Watch as I tell the story...
Or... if you'd prefer to read the story... here it is...
In late 2005, I got the idea for "Q" and doyouQ.com. It was a game that helped people have fun, really connect and build a sense of community.
My wife, Melissa, and I felt so strongly that there needed to be more fun ways to connect in the world, so we decided to start a publishing company to launch the game.
Well... things were humming along great, but in April of 2006, we started to run into road block after road block. Little things like printing challenges... computers going down... and yes... the big one... running out of capital (Ouch!).
In May... we were at a breaking point. We had to decide whether to cut and run... or dig in deeper. So... what did we do?
We threw a party. Yeah... I said a party.
We thought... hey... EVERYBODY has big dreams. And... EVERYBODY comes up against obstacles... challenges and road blocks... in pursuit of their dreams. So... why not bring everybody together to dream... connect... and see what happens?
So... we pushed our furniture out the way.... and put up flip-chart paper all over the walls. And... then we sent an e-mail to 100 people inviting them to come and dream big.
People were able to post their dreams anonymously... and they were encouraged to write down anything that was getting in the way. Then... every body had the opportunity to go around and look at other people's dreams to see if they could connect with a dream... and/or help out in any way.
People moved around the house like it was an art gallery. Looking at the dreams like they were pieces of priceless art. Then... they started connecting with the dreams.
People wrote down things like... "Hey... if you need a contact at that business... let me know. I can help you out. Just give me a call (###-####)" or "Wow... I totally want to be a part of this. Call me. ###-####." Others just wrote down encouraging stuff like: "This is an awesome dream! I can't wait to see it happen! It just has to!"
Well... we thought that the party was only going to last one night... but instead... it lasted an entire week! The word got out and people started calling to see if they could come over to post their dreams. Complete strangers started to show up at the door to put up their dreams. A Satellite TV salesman even stayed for 3 hours... writing down his big dreams and reading about others! (Later... he let us know that he quit his sales job and went after one of his dreams!)
It was an amazing event.
The last step was getting the written dreams back to the dreamers... so they could read the notes other people had put on their dreams... and connect with the other dreamers.
Honestly... that's when the real miracles started to happen. People with dreams of launching businesses started to do it. Someone who wanted to go to Africa found a way to do it. People needing help on a service project... got the help.
And... some miracles even happened around Q... and so... one of our BIG dreams moved back in to high gear.
Then... a year passed... and we got the nudge that we were supposed to do it again. But... that it was supposed to be open... literally... to the world.
More importantly... a talented group of dreamers came along side us on this. And they all did their stuff for FREE. So... the event could happen... FREE. Cool huh?
The event in May of 2007 helped to launch even more dreams and connect people!
So we've continued with the BIG dream gatherings and thousands of people have been touched by the events.
So... here we are. 2010.
We're working on events for this year.
If you're a community interested in bringing the BDG to your area... contact us at contactus@doyouQ.com and we'll talk!
So... when a BIG dream gathering visits your area... come... dream... connect... have some fun!
See what happens with your BIG dreams!
Hello Mitch and Melissa,
Congratulations!! We share the same vision. Knowledge of your Big Dream Gathering was provided to me through Ms. Madena Burman at Soul To Soul.
Posted by: Manchild | May 11, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Mitch,
You are an inspiration to us all! I would not miss this for the world. I am thrilled to be involved in any way, so if you need help. Just hollar!
Posted by: Angela Maiers | April 28, 2008 at 04:02 PM
What a wonderful idea--I found you through another BTR hosts show--something laughing I think. I listened to your last show just before your big event in Demoines.
I am a dreamer!! I began to think some dreams might not ever come true--but the passion I felt kept me pushing forward. So many doors closed on me and my dreams--but then one day--windows began to open, and I began to soar......
You can see what some are at www.patspraze.com
God Bless you
Posted by: Pat | May 16, 2008 at 08:33 PM