Two weeks ago while interviewing Lori Jacobwith about storytelling (Awesome call, by the way. Use all of her tips in planning your next Fund a Need), I asked her if there was a "right" number of stories to include in a fundraising event. Lori had a solid answer -- five. She explained what each story should do and who should tell it. (You can get details in our free call.) I commented that I often get a similar question -- "How many items should we sell in our live auction?" or "What's the ... Read On >
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How to easily build your own website on WordPress
Note: This post isn't benefit auction-related. Sometimes I share other content. If you need auction help, search the blog for 500+ auction-related posts.============Today I want to share information about a course and teacher I love.If you're a small business owner, a nonprofit in need of a website, or an eternal student, read on.Back in 2009 I enrolled in an online course for non-techies called the Website Creation Workshop. I wanted to learn how to build my own website. I'd become so ... Read On >
My favorite #Unselfie #GivingTuesday campaign
This past #GivingTuesday, I received a number of email blasts from nonprofits. I thought this one from one of my clients, the Alexandria, VA homeless shelter Carpenter's Shelter, was the most catchy. If you're unfamiliar with pop culture and current songs, you likely wouldn't "get" this. Let me bring you up to speed. By now, you've probably heard of "selfies." It's when you take a photo of yourself, typically with your mobile phone. These photos are often used for posting on social media ... Read On >
Eat a Red Apple Day and GivingTuesday (#GT)
I'm not making this up. Yesterday (December 1) was national Eat a Red Apple Day. I celebrated in my own way by opening the cart to my Catalog Carnival. It's a popular product that always sells out (who doesn't like to review a benefit auction catalog or two?), and yesterday seemed like a great way to honor a day that seems tailor-made for my company. Grab a benefit auction catalog set, if any remain. And today is #GivingTuesday™ (#GT), a movement launched by the 92nd Street Y in New York to ... Read On >
VIDEO: What’s my name again? (Why name badges help an auction.)
Should you hand out name badges in your benefit auction registration packets? I love them, but you might think name badges "cheapen" your fundraiser. Perhaps. Not everyone likes wearing name badges, and the dress codes might make it impossible to wear a badge. And I suppose if your event is filled with celebrities where everyone is expected to know one another, it might be awkward. (Or is it? Even celebrities goof, like Gwen Stefani confusing Jimmy Fallon for Jimmy Kimmel on his own show, The ... Read On >