Trips and vacations are often strong sellers in a fundraising auction. To push higher sales and get even more guests to bid, I try to make a vacation sound approachable to anyone sitting in the room. Two ways I do this are: 1) sharing how to get to the destination, and 2) providing other tidbits about the area, hoping to intrigue a guest to bid. Committees can also share this type of information, plus they can add maps to slideshows and online auction sites to help guests place a ... Read On >
Auctioneers
How I remember donor names at the auction gala to carry the conversation forward
How to remember donor names at the auction gala Over time I've learned methods to remembering names -- rhymes, association, repetition. My memory has never been perfect but I've managed well enough. These days -- likely due to a combination of age, too many life tasks, and the volume of people I meet -- I've struggled.. Each year brings new Gala Chairs, committee members, Board members, donors, and guests. The following year, I want to remember those returning people *and* meet new ... Read On >
In a crisis? Update your auctioneer before the gala.
I've made my share of embarrassing gaffs onstage at fundraising galas. Most of them were my own fault. Other times, I felt like any awkwardness could have been avoided, had the nonprofit been upfront with me about internal issues. Life isn't a bowl of cherries. Bad situations happen. Even nonprofits with great missions and stellar achievement records can find themselves in a situation that is uncomfortable, at best. Financial mismanagement. Leadership debacles. Internal strife. ... Read On >
That time I refunded the client
I have many degrees from YouTube University. One of my most recent “degrees” is in boulder retaining walls. One contractor does a good job of teaching viewers the difference between a well-constructed and a poorly constructed wall. He explains why contractors build it a certain way (cost; ease) versus what the consumer desires (quality; durability). In his videos, viewers see all the failing walls he’s paid to fix because the boulders weren’t placed correctly the first time. He’s ... Read On >
Who should you believe — the benefit auctioneer, the auction software company, the consignor?
Have you seen memes like this? There are many variations referencing different professions. It reminded me of a conversation I had with a medical doctor at a fundraiser this summer. I was working on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The doctor and I were talking about changes in her job. Patient consultations are different than just a few years ago. To paraphrase, she said: "People are more informed, but on the flip side, some think that spending a few hours in front ... Read On >