I'm keeping it real in this post.My tradition has been to share gala auction tips in my articles, but there is an entire sub-section of posts I could write focusing on the cultural and sociological elements of fundraising auctions -- articles that would go beyond the mechanics of "how to run a gala auction."Articles about why Auction Chairs run an auction (E.G. Though many are compassionate people who want to help their chosen cause, some have an underlying desire to demonstrate how ... Read On >
Volunteers
VIDEO: Chairing a school auction? Your marriage may suffer.
Last year I ran a course called Easy First Auctions. It was designed to help nonprofits launch an auction correctly so they avoid volunteer burnout. I could have just as honestly promoted it by writing, "Here are the elements your auction should include in the early years, so you don't get a divorce." (Intrigued? The DVD of that class is available here.) Auctions put enormous stress on school volunteer chairs. Though I've talked about this extensively in my Profitable Auction Blueprint™ ... Read On >
A critical volunteer in your auction checkout process
The auction checkout process is a thorn in the side of many Auction Chairs. I've got a 90-minute Simple Auction Checkout training webinar that explains the step-by-step process, including the roles and responsibilities of the people on that team. Today's post introduces you to one team member, whom I'll argue is the most important. ============ Benefit auctions are run by volunteers. So when the big day arrives and you’re unlocking the doors to greet swarming guests, which volunteer is ... Read On >
The easy way to train benefit auction volunteers
Oh I wish I had a video that captured the vignette I’m about to describe ... In late September I was in Ohio speaking. The next day, I met with a public school foundation for a private consultation. The group is dramatically changing their gala, so I was sharing photos from appropriate events to give them ideas. One of the Co-Chairs said, “Do you have other photos I can see?” As if on cue, the Executive Director whipped out her copy of Creative Auction Themes, Decor & Centerpieces, handed ... Read On >
How many clerks spoil the benefit auction broth?
Ever heard the phrase, “Too many cooks spoil the broth?” At a benefit auction, you need someone to record the sale prices. That person is typically called a clerk, secretary, or recorder. Although an auctioneer could clerk his own benefit auction, it slows the sales process and isn’t a best practice. The auction clerk stands or sits near the auctioneer at the front of the stage. Oftentimes the clerk sits right next to me, while I stand at the podium. This is not a stressful job, but many ... Read On >