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! ARRRRGH! What are they doing?! Ladies and gentlemen, remember this: You will never, ever, ever get more ... Read On >
Mindset
Recessions are a time to step up your game when hosting an auction fundraiser
Beginning last fall, many clients started asking me about how the economy was affecting fundraising auctions. South Florida Urban Ministries was one of them. The economy was our first topic during our coaching session in January. In the course of conversation, I talked about how a dip in the economy actually spurs some companies to new heights. I cited an example. A few weeks later, the Executive Director used that example in his quarterly letter to donors. Although it was a jolt to see my ... Read On >