The Beehive Game…

Have you ever been in a crowd of people and wanted to ask a question of someone you just met, but were too embarrassed to ask? You know, questions like “Do you know who wants to buy a kitten?” or “Do you know any good lawyers?” You get the picture! The old axiom “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is very often too true in the real world! Networking with like minded individuals can be very helpful, strength in numbers. I think that this is especially true with festival organizers. After all, we all have different experiences and different acquaintances. Whether it’s finding top notch entertainment, reliable suppliers or unique vendors, networking works. I found this out in a very tangible way at this year’s Festivals and Events Ontario annual conference. One of the first planned activities at the conference was the Beehive Game. They wanted all delegates to participate. At first I thought it might be another one of those silly “parlour” games, but when Michael Fletcher and his assistant, Dawn Smith, explained the concept of the game, I was relieved, but still not sure. Once the game started (with mass pandemonium), I was sold! (Take a look at the Beehive Game website (http://www.neworldcoaching.com/beehivegame.php ) to see how the game works.) Basically though, it is a networking game. One that easily allows you to find out who in the crowd might need or have what you want. All just by asking a question, “Who do you know…”! As a matter of fact, I am still getting calls and e-mails as a result of that game and thus the networking continues! It has been so successful that I have now enrolled in the on-line version (http://www.beehivegameonline.com) of the Beehive Game. I have just asked my first question and am anxiously waiting for the results!