This post is frothy. Nothing you don't already know, but a reminder for safety at charity auctions. You'll recall that a couple of weeks ago that most of us living in the USA moved our clocks forward one hour to adjust for daylight savings time. And somewhere in modern history, this "fall back / spring forward" shift has also became the de facto time of year when our local firemen remind us to change the batteries in our home's smoke alarms. Change your clock and change your smoke alarm's ... Read On >
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Graduated with my Auctioneer’s MBA (CAI)
Last month I completed a program I started three years ago. I finished my third and final year of CAI, which stands for the Certified Auctioneer Institute. Though there are some formalities that need to be completed before I'm officially able to use the "CAI" initials, I'm done. The program takes place at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and its overseen by the National Auctioneers Foundation. It's held in March, which - as a benefit auctioneer - is the worst possible time. March is a ... Read On >
How your benefit auction can use the new Google for Nonprofits
In mid-March 2011, Google launched Google for Nonprofits. Once your group is approved (approvals take weeks to months), the free tools help you generate funds, streamline operations, generate awareness, and so forth. Caveat: I'd say Google for Nonprofits is one of those benefit auction technologies most appropriate for smaller nonprofits which are tech-friendly but resource strapped. If your nonprofit hasn't already invested in a robust benefit auction software program (which already handles ... Read On >
Incorporate the 5 senses into displays to upsell silent auction donations
Your silent auction donations have a better chance of selling for more money when guests enjoy experiential shopping. For inspiration, let's look at my old stomping grounds: corporate marketing. Have you noticed that for-profit entities are quick to give away samples of their products? They want to convert window-shoppers into paying customers. (Your silent auction has a lot of window-shoppers.) A visit to your local shopping mall proves the power of the sensory experience. Consider these ... Read On >
Silent auction tips: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Last time I counted, there were a few dozen points you need to meet in order to ensure your silent auction rocks. Covering all of those would make for a hideously long blog post, so I'm going to talk about a mere three. I'm labeling these silent auction tips as "the good, the bad, and the ugly." The Good One of the smaller auctions I work has about 200 guests. Year after year this group has consistently managed to make their silent auction adorable. How do they do it? One point they do ... Read On >