It's January -- a time of new beginnings. Many volunteers will start working on their 2017 fundraising auctions in earnest.I offer two pieces of advice, based on my own experiences.==========================Last October I worked with my team to launch V.4 of my website -- the fourth version in 11 years. The website launch went smoothly, in large part because I was working with a great technical team whom I've worked with for a few years.My joy was short-lived. Though the ... Read On >
Mindset
Big life transition? There’s a show for that.
Are you overwhelmed with a life transition? Are you undergoing your own personal transformation? I've done a lot of that in my own life. Though I'm hardly an expert in the subject, I have learned that it requires a lot of internal fortitude, self-confidence, and a darn near total disregard for what anyone else thinks or says about you. None of that is easy. That's why I think it's fabulous that Joyce Buford, a life coach in Tyler, TX, has a weekly live radio show focused on this subject. ... Read On >
Making the best of a $250 bad situation
Lord & Taylor department store in Tyson's Corner, VA has a great selection of fine dresses. It's one of my favorite stores to shop when buying gowns and cocktail dresses for benefit auctions. During the store's May sale, I was in a hurry. I quickly scoured the racks, bought three dresses, and took them home. One of the gowns was a Donna Ricco one-shoulder dress. Normally I wouldn't buy a one-shoulder dress for work, and $250 is the top-end of what I'd pay, but it fit so well, hit at the ... Read On >
The charity I see at charity auctions
Tonight I worked at a small charity auction. The crowd numbered ~80. The charity auctions items numbered only 12 hand-crafted art pieces. There was no silent auction or raffles. There was no sit-down dinner. My crew stayed at home, and I worked alone. I arrived with my bag, took a few photos of the space, and then started to admire the items for sale. When guests arrived, I mingled. The advantage of small auctions is that I have more time to visit with the guests. REALLY visit. Not just ... Read On >
PODCAST: What NOT to say on stage at a benefit auction
Without a doubt, my pet peeve during this recession has been when the Executive Director, Auction Chair, or some other person of importance gets up to the microphone to say a few words at the benefit auction (e.g. thank sponsors and guests, etc.) and then — immediately before I walk onstage — pleads with the audience to “bid high, even though the economy is really bad right now.”ARRRRGH! What are they doing?!Here's what they SHOULD be talking about, if they hope to raise a lot of money in their ... Read On >