I've been spending time with Auction Chairs asking them about their benefit auction planning experience. I wanted to find out what information they wish they would have been told prior to taking on the responsibilities. Listen to the podcast below. « Continue Reading »
October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment
PODCAST: What you wished you’d known about benefit auction plannning
October 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
What you wished you’d known about benefit auction plannning
The training mentioned below has passed. To be told of future events, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ============ The first benefit auction I ever conducted was awful. Really awful. (You can hear this story "live" in my free call, "The Five Myths Holding You Back From Making Big Money at Your Auction Fundraiser.") About 8 years ago, I'd been paid by a Pennsylvania art company to conduct an all-art auction. As a hired gun, I was to arrive onsite at a given time and conduct the event. First I was accosted by the disgruntled client who was extremely unhappy with the type of art that had been shipped to them. « Continue Reading »
September 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: School auctions take note of this ticket price increase – 750%!
A big debate among the school auctions with whom I work centers on the ticket price. The committee often feels that by keeping a low ticket price, they'll be more inclusive and raise more money. And every benefit auctioneer I know will tell you otherwise. Yet this persistent inaccurate belief exists. At this Boston foundation, they decided to charge a ticket price after years of offering a free event. It was a resounding success. Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: Benefit auctions versus online non-profit contests: Where’s the big payoff?
There has been a plethora of online contest for nonprofits recently. "The most votes wins $10,000 for your charity," is the standard approach. But beware of the staff time involved in drumming up support for votes. As volunteers and staff are pulled away from working on benefit auctions to instead driving votes online, the auction - which offers you a guaranteed income - suffers. Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: Tips to reduce no-shows at your benefit auction
It's disheartening to work so hard, only to have empty tables at your gala. And no-shows certainly don't help your auction returns. In this video, learn some benefit auction tips for reducing no-shows. We want one seat in every chair! ;) Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
August 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: An easy benefit auction idea? Use surveys.
Surveying your guests is so easy and reveals wonderful information, but it's often not done. With online surveys being so easy to create and cheap to send, you'd be silly not to try one. Did guests like the theme? Enjoy the program? Love the auction? You won't know until you ask. Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
August 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: School auctions start planning this month. Get fired up!
Wow, it's already August. In parts of the USA, students are back in school. Everyone else is headed there shortly. If you're a school auction Chair, here's what you should do right now so you can be on the top of your game for your school's fall or spring auction. Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: Trends in benefit auctions for 2011
Seeking some suggestions on how to keep your gala trendy? Here are five ideas I've spotted that you might want to keep your eye on. Watch the video below. « Continue Reading »
July 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
PODCAST: How smart planners get more done before 9 AM than the Army does all day
Most charity auction planners I know are pretty popular gals. Their personality draws others to them, which means they tend to get interrupted frequently with questions, visits, emails, and phone calls. To get a few more hours out of the day, try using these time management tools. Listen to the podcast below. « Continue Reading »
July 18, 2011 By 3 Comments
How smart planners get more done before 9 AM than the Army does all day
With this headline and my physical proximity to the Pentagon, a bunch of men in uniform could be knocking on my door later today. (If I could only be so lucky...) But knowing auction planners, my provocative headline is only a tad tongue-in-cheek. (If you're scratching your head, watch the Army commercial.) When you're organizing an auction with thousands of details, time is precious. Despite the pressure, some of the most fun people I know plan benefits. They are creative, interactive, and high-energy. It's a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing, because it helps them secure help. They are so darn fun, they have « Continue Reading »
