At a benefit auction a few years ago, a woman in the back enthusiastically bid in the live auction. She enjoyed bidding a little too much. After buying the trip to Hawaii, her husband let her have it -- verbally. In tears she told my auction team member that she couldn’t buy it. “Ma’am,” my team member gently reminded her, “You’ve already bought it.” “Sell it again,” she cried, “He’ll divorce me if I take it home.” Has this happened to you? If not, you just haven’t run enough benefit ... Read On >
auctioneer
Sherry takes 1st runner up in Virginia State Champion Auctioneer contest
It's been three years since I last competed in the Virginia Auctioneers Association (VAA) State Champion Auctioneer contest. In 2009 I took 3rd place (2nd runner-up, as they say). You can see photos from that event here. Since then, I'd not entered the contest. In part, I've been busy growing my business. But another reason was that I hated the heat. The facility -- though very nice and the owner always arranged for this awesome BBQ -- wasn't air conditioned. There I'd be, in a light wool ... Read On >
VIDEO: A DISadvantage of large crowds at your nonprofit auction
When it comes to gala auctions, most of us generally think that "bigger is better." Often that is true. A larger guest count frequently suggests a positive trend, but it can adversely affect other areas of your gala. For instance, you might need to change benefit auctioneers. Watch the video below. P.S. For other nonprofit auction ideas, get great tips delivered to you by subscribing to Benefit Auction Ideas. It's free! ... Read On >
Benefit auction secrets: The DISadvantage of large crowds
When it comes to benefit auctions, some think bigger crowds are always better. Perhaps. But there is one distinct DISadvantage of a larger crowd -- it's harder to find a good benefit auctioneer. When you're interviewing auctioneers, find out how many events he or she has overseen with your same guest count. In other words, if you have 400 attendees, ask how many galas he or she is running in that size. Just because an auctioneer has the personality to work an event of 200 guests does not mean ... Read On >
Virginia benefit auctioneer grabs a video camera to express her gratitude to a nonprofit
Saying thank you is a life lesson. Moms teach kids to say thank you before they can walk. Friendships develop over a thoughtful note and business relationships are made from a good thank yous. Everyone appreciates some appreciation, so my advice to auction committees is to give it to them. Don’t overthink the task. Grab a pen, the phone, the keyboard ... or even a video camera and just say thanks. Here’s my example of taking a moment to pause and let someone know their actions were ... Read On >