Since starting my company over a decade ago, I've observed several types of bidders. In this post, I'm describing my live auction bidder archetypes.These are a tad tongue-in-cheek.Even so, I suspect you'll recognize some of your guests from among these descriptions.(In my next two posts, I'll zero in on two archetypes -- Deal Makers and Players.)Remember that most guests at your gala are not going to participate in the live auction. Usually just 10% to 20% of your crowd is ... Read On >
Audience Development
Best ballroom layout for an auction with dance floor
Many nonprofits end their benefit auctions with dancing from either a DJ or a live band.Traditionally there are two standard layouts for this type of event, and both are poor.The dance floor becomes the area from which the auctioneer works. The auctioneer is on a stage and a huge dance floor (a feature which isn't used but for the last 90 minutes of the event!) is positioned in a top location, directly in front of the stage.Neither of these options works because neither set-up ... Read On >
An ice-cold venue and Olympic entertainment was a fitting tribute to an honoree
I had a memorable auction last week in upstate New York. I want to tell you about it and share a couple of observations. But first, let me share a story from my early days in USA's capital. Nearly 15 years ago my parents were visiting me in Washington, D.C. In preparation of their visit, I'd purchased tickets for us to watch a performance at the Kennedy Center. Just a week before they arrived, I also won a prize from a radio station. It included tickets to an afternoon performance at a ... Read On >
Promoting your gala honoree to maximize your exposure
For some nonprofits, the date of the auction gala is determined after careful examination of a single individual’s calendar. This well-regarded person doesn’t (usually) work for the organization, yet still holds enormous influence over the timing of the nonprofit’s largest fundraising event. Dates are checked and re-checked. Venues are called and called again to confirm availability. Who is this VIP? He’s the gala honoree. (“He” can just as easily be a she, family or it, as in the case of ... Read On >
Gala honorees: Three places to find them
One strategy for developing a benefit auction audience is to include an honoree into your program's activities. The person you honor typically brings family, friends, and co-workers to your gala. They all come to see their friend receive the award. FINDING someone to honor can be another challenge. Sometimes it's obvious as to whom you should select. Other times, it's not. If you don't have any ideas, where can you start poking around for potential gala honoree leads? In the video, I ... Read On >