UPDATE: The call mentioned has passed. Stay abreast of future free trainings by subscribing to Benefit Auction Ideas. +++++++ I'm soon offering a call (on September 27, 2012) on auction procurement for live auctions, silent auctions, raffles, and goody bags. As a prelude to that call, here's a more unusual acquisitions tool most people don't even know exists. HARO. It stands for Help A Reporter Out. It started out as a simple, free listserve reporters would use to let subscribers know about the stories they were writing. "Writing feature article on fitness after age 60 for a health magazine," a reporter might write, « Continue Reading »
August 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
PODCAST: A magic color for your silent auction table that draws in the bidders
Having watched auction guest behavior at hundreds of benefit auctions, I can say with conviction that this color works like magic, drawing bidders in to have a closer look. Learn more about this mysterious hue in this week's podcast. Listen to the podcast below. « Continue Reading »
March 19, 2012 By 3 Comments
VIDEO: Everyone’s favorite color on the silent auction table
Looking for a new idea to spiff up your silent auction tables? Well ... if you can finagle it ... this color draws guests like flies to honey. What makes it even more unique is that the COLOR seems to be more important than the ITEM you're selling. (The video explains it all...) Watch the video below. P.S. For more helpful silent auction tips, claim your FREE subscription to "Benefit Auction Ideas". Enjoy auction ideas conveniently delivered to your in-box. « Continue Reading »
March 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
VIDEO: Watch your silent auction go up in smoke (positively)
An unexpected magazine showed up on my doorstep. It reminded me of some great silent auction items for your gala tables. We sell these "smoking" items often and they always draw bids. Watch the video below. P.S. For helpful auction information delivered to your inbox, claim your free subscription to Benefit Auction Ideas. « Continue Reading »
February 13, 2012 By 2 Comments
Everyone’s FAVORITE color on the silent auction tables
My post this week is about your silent auction tables and the BEST color to put on them. It seems to be everyone's favorite color. And it's a perfect time for me to share this insight, as next week is Valentine's Day, which is a popular holiday for the giving of jewelry. (This will all make sense in one moment!) Have you heard this phrase? - "People will find the bar on the 5th floor of a 2-story building." My observation is that after finding the bar at your gala (and munching on an hors d'oeuvres or two), one of the first items to receive a bid in your silent auction will be something displayed with a Tiffany blue box or « Continue Reading »
February 6, 2012 By 1 Comment
Silent auction tips to use THIS weekend for NEXT week’s Valentine’s Day
One of the school auctions I worked this past Saturday has always done a nice job of sticky-note marketing in their silent auction. I should clarify that "sticky-note marketing" is what I call it. I doubt it's a real marketing term. I use it to refer to the practice of putting notes onto silent auction items to remind guests of why they should buy it. The notes are simple silent auction tips, but they work! Here's why: It's similar to putting a sticky-note on a document; you're calling attention to it. In this case, you're reminding guests of one possible use of the item for sale. "A great item for Dad!" exclaims a « Continue Reading »
February 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
PODCAST: Marketing idea for silent auction jewelry – just in time for next week’s Valentine’s Day
At a school auction this past weekend, my client engaged in what I call "Sticky note marketing." They used the concept to better market the jewelry in their silent auction. Listen to the podcast below. « Continue Reading »
January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
PODCAST: Watching your nonprofit silent auction go up in smoke (positively)
I don't subscribe to Cigar Aficionado. Or I didn't think I did. Recently one of the magazines mysteriously appeared on my doorstep. It reminded me of some great items you should be procuring for your silent auction. Listen to the podcast below. « Continue Reading »
January 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Nonprofit silent auction items that go up in smoke (positively)
Smoking is one of those habits many wish to break. Unless you're part of a spiritual community that bans it at your gala, hit "print" and use this article to make money on that vice. Cigars sell. You might not like smoking. You might like pipes but not cigars. You might smoke cigarettes, but hate cigar smoke. It matters not. Unless you're the big spender procuring and buying ALL of the items at your gala, check any righteous attitude you hold. Do what's best for the cause -- procure some cigar-themed goodies to raise cash. Cigars and related paraphernalia are great nonprofit silent auction items. Sell cigars. The « Continue Reading »
