Should you really give that guy a microphone? (Or “How to lose your corporate job.”)

woman manager giving performance evaluation

One of my projects in my last year of working at GE was planning the annual senior management meeting. That’s when all of the senior team convened in an upscale hotel and spent 3 or 4-days in executive-level strategy and training sessions.  Although we had internal speakers, we also hired outside facilitators, motivational speakers, and similar types. The vetting process was aggressive. I spent hours selecting contractors, watching their videos, reading articles, studying websites, and calling referrals. Why did I bother with such intense vetting of a mere contractor who would be working with us for an hour? Because I « Continue Reading »

Where smart Auction Chairs spend their money

Triangle explaining budget

Established auction committees tend to write lots of checks.   A budget for fundraising gala will vary by group (for instance, you might have access to a free venue; others might negotiate discounted printing), but when we look at the budgets of committees coast-to-coast, we see common expenses.  And it’s not uncommon to see costs shape up like the chart on the right. So do you think that if you write the biggest check to the caterer or the venue or the band (pick a category), they are providing the greatest help to you in your mission?  Probably not.  Let's consider some examples ... If the florist creates « Continue Reading »

Untapped supporters: Getting people to attend your event

When it comes to getting people to attend your event, the tactics run wild.  You might have tried to "steal" guests via the cold-invitation approach.  One of my clients poured through the benefit auction catalogs of nearby charities, made note that so-and-so supported THAT event, and then sent them an invitation to their own gala.  It was effective.  Remarkably, the nonprofit's highest silent auction spender that year came from sending the woman a "blind" invitation.  I seem to recall she even bought a table at their event. (This is one argument for continuing to print some elegant paper invitations, despite your desire « Continue Reading »

Auction decoration ideas: Elegant (yes, elegant) balloons

Oversized balloons at benefit auction

So you think balloons are best reserved for a child’s birthday party? Think again. Big balloons amp up elegance.

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The OTHER thing to never say on stage at a benefit auction

Back in 2009, I penned an article that got quite a bit of traction on both my blog and social media outlets.  It was called, “The one thing to never say on stage at a benefit auction.”  (You might want to read that, if you haven’t.) It’s time to revise.  I now have TWO things« Continue Reading »

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Silent auction entertainment that startles

Two living statues

One of my auctions this past weekend used this silent auction entertainment idea. As the idea is fresh in my mind, it’s a perfect time to give you some pointers on using this concept. They’re called living statues. Also called “human statues,” the idea is that a person stands “frozen” until he receives a donation« Continue Reading »

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Silent auction items from home parties: Tapping into a work-at-home biz

A few years ago, one of my onsite clients utilized her entire consultation time with me by having me write all of her marketing emails leading up to the gala.  Sometimes I’m asked to re-work sponsorship programs.  And sometimes I am asked to revert to my old role at General Electric and be the event« Continue Reading »

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Use lemon scent to boost charitable giving at your gala auction

school auction centerpieces ideas - lemons

Before the live auction begins at your next gala, consider running through the ballroom spritzing a lemon-scented air freshener.  Worst case, ask the hotel housekeeping for a clean smelling window-cleaner and do the same thing. Some 2009 research proved that smelling citrus dramatically increases our charitable nature. The study found a big improvement in ethical« Continue Reading »

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Too good to be true? Playing it smart with unsolicited auction items.

When I first started my business, I prospected for business by cold calling. (Cold calling means reaching out to someone who doesn’t know you and to whom you have no connection.) At the time I was living in Miami, FL so I Googled lists of area private schools and nonprofits. I’d visit each group’s Website,« Continue Reading »

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How to get auction guests to notice your fabulous benefit auction items

auction volunteers holding flags for live auction

The last time I visited my parents, I did a lot of work outside. But before I could mow, trim, dig, rake, and haul, I needed to remove about 30 orange and yellow flags from the yard. The city had cross-crossed my parents lawn with small flags identifying various cable and utility lines in preparation« Continue Reading »

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