You can use technology at your charity auction … and you can use technology prior to your benefit auction to promote your event and get up-to-speed on great ideas.

This post falls into the latter.

Now you can use Twitter, without using Twitter. (It’s true.)

If you’re working in a position that involves marketing and promotion, your organization is likely already using Twitter.

But if you’re a volunteer for a charity auction whose life revolves around the home and community more than around the computer, you likely have little reason to have a Twitter account.  The problem is, it means you’re missing out on receiving some succinct, helpful information. 

I twitter under the account name “Auction Expert.”  Each day, I offer bite-size bits of benefit auction information. I also refer my 600+ followers to other experts and resources to inspire and help them.

Until recently, if you wanted to stay up-to-date with my Twitter posts, you needed to have a Twitter account yourself.

Not any more!

Twitter has a new feature called “Fast Follow.”

If you are located in the United States and want to follow someone’s Twitter account, you can now do so …  even if you don’t have a Twitter account.

All you need is a cell phone that accepts text messages.

To follow me on Twitter on your cell phone, text “follow AuctionExpert” to 40404.  You’ll start receiving my updates via text message.

It’s like receiving a mini-newsletter, delivered via text messages each day. Learn more about the system on Twitter’s blog.

The other great perk is that you can use this in your own benefit auction for promotion.

If you are Twittering about your charity auction and have a number of guests who don’t Twitter but do accept text messages, encourage them to sign-up for this service.

It’s another way to promote your gala, without any extra effort on your part.

You post on Twitter, but it automatically sends those messages via text to guests who prefer to receive information in that format.

It’s just one more way to get auction technology worked into your event.  It’s more charity auction bang for your (Twitter) buck.

A final auction idea: Enjoy our trending Item Guide, stuffed with the top 100 items I sold in 2009.  It’s “What Sold Divine in 2009,” and it can be yours … instantly.

© Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved.

Or maybe you just want to help a charity you love by getting the word out on Twitter?

Regardless of your motive, here are some ideas to model.  I see great auction-related tweets all the time on Twitter and pulled a few to get your juices flowing.

(As a side, does this count as a RT (retweet)?  I’m not sure what a tweet-to-blog communication is called.)

1.  You can tweet about donations received.

juliawun @mollyalgray I wrote a grant to Disney, asking for free tix as a fundraising effort and we got 4 to auction off at lunatique!

TPAMagazine Charity auction: Be the first to ride Intimidator at Carowinds. Starting bid: $50 http://bit.ly/5ym1uQ@latimesfunland) (via

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2.  You can tweet about donations received, while emphasizing the donor.  This tweet does a nice job of announcing the donor while simultaneously promoting her business and thanking her.

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3.  Give a shout-out to acknowledge your sponsors.

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4. Tweet to seek volunteers.

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5.  Or tweet to tell the trials and tribulations of how to manage incoming donations.  This Rotary Club is writing a clever story about their experiences.  I can’t wait to read the next installment!

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6.  Here’s a smart way to advertise the charity you support, while also advertising  your business and/or hobby-for-hire.

oneredapple Prepping for my next project- a child’s chair to donate to the Center for Grieving Children’s fundraising auction on Feb. 5!

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7.  You can tweet any changes in dates or meeting times.

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8.  You can solicit for donations.  Even from celebrities.

SpursGyal @PerezHilton Would you consider donating something signed to the @ACTforSMA Charity auction to help terminally ill babies? Thanks

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9.  Tweet for help in scouting a location for your charity auction.

eith2miller I am looking for a space in downtown to host a benefit auction for Haiti. Anyone know any places that might work? 3-5 days…

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10.  Tweet to say “thank you” when the charity auction has concluded.

© 2005-2010 Red Apple Auctions LLC.  All Rights Reserved.

P.S.  Like what you read?  Then you’ll love our Benefit Auction Ideas e-zine.