If you want to quiet your unruly auction crowd, several strategies should be used together to better manage the group. Two weeks ago I taped Part 1 on this subject, during which I shared scripting advice. Strong leadership from the stage assures that guests know what to expect; it helps control the vibe. Watch that video to learn what each speaker should be doing to help manage the room. (I call it podium leadership.) Today’s video covers 8 other strategies. Incorporate one or all of ... Read On >
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Part 1: Controlling a loud auction crowd with podium leadership / scripting
If you've got an unruly auction crowd that you need to quiet, several strategies should be used together to better manage the group. One technique is to show good leadership from the stage. I call it "podium leadership." It's managed via scripting. Every speaker on your stage needs to introduce the next speaker. There needs to be FLOW. Here is a more detailed example. A typical program for many religious school auctions that use a seated dinner format may run something like this: 1. ... Read On >
Auction Decor – When & how to sell it
The trend in auction galas is to go more minimalist, selling fewer items, offering fewer activities, and so forth. Even so, today I'm talking about adding a revenue line to your budget by selling the auction decor you've bought (or created) to decorate your venue. Decor is a cost-center. But with some planning, you might be able to sell some of it. This might allow your committee to break even on the décor purchases, or perhaps make a bit of profit. In the video, you’ll see: ... Read On >
Silent auction bid sheets: Using Buy Now the right way
Guaranteed Purchase (also known as Buy Now, Win It Now, Take It Home, Guaranteed Buy, and many other names) allows guests at your fundraising auction to buy an item in the silent auction at a set price. It's used on both paper bid sheets and incorporated into mobile bidding (electronic bidding) auction software systems. I like to think of Guaranteed Purchase as a convenience fee. The Guaranteed Purchase price is often set to be 150% to 200% of the value of the item. Thus, a $100 item ... Read On >
Childcare services at the auction
Here's an idea that can make it easier for guests to accept your gala invitation: childcare services. Providing this service for free or for a reduced price is attractive to those with young children who might otherwise turn down a chance to attend your event. Although this is something I most often see offered by schools, nonprofit galas can also make this work. In the video, you'll see examples and hear about three auction teams who offered childcare services during their ... Read On >