Got problems getting auction volunteers energized to do what is needed to be done? Here’s one tip: Give volunteers something new and creative to learn which also solves a problem your auction is experiencing. Volunteers will remain engaged if they believe the solution you are sharing is 1) fun and 2) will solve the problem. When it’s fun to solve the problem, volunteers will do it. I’ve written before about Volkswagen’s “The Fun Theory” project. The group conducted tests to see if they ... Read On >
Raffles
How auction games will get you publicity
I refer to auction games, raffles, and activities as the “bells and whistles” of benefit auctions. It's an understatement to call them revenue generators as they do more than make you money. These are the fun add-ons designed to address specific problems, involve the crowd, trigger fun, attract press, and (yes) make you money. Today’s post addresses the “attract press” piece. Many groups seem decent at securing post-gala publicity, but it's the pre-event recognition that will help you ... Read On >
Making your gala fun with auction games
I’ve said it, and I’ve heard others say it: Charity auctions should emphasize the mission of the nonprofit. Maybe part of the program is devoted to telling the nonprofit’s story. Maybe every live or silent auction item sold has a tie to the mission. Maybe the benefit auctioneer inserts one-liners like, “Remember, .90 cents of every dollar you donate feeds the homeless.” I agree with a mission-focus. But galas also need to be fun. It's rewarding to hear about improved health ... Read On >
Selling your raffle tickets is easy for a top sales representative
Imagine you're walking through the mall. Banana Republic is on the left. Crate and Barrel is on the right. In the middle are kiosks. Kiosks are those mini-stores. They are movable carts which never move. Kiosk workers hawk products like Rosetta Stone language training CDs, NeatReceipts for businessmen on-the-go, and bejeweled faux hair clip ponytails to transform any girl into a rock star. Some kiosks workers push into the crowd to fish for clients. “Sit down,” invites the young man selling a ... Read On >
Three license laws affecting benefit auctions
When I worked as an event planner for GE, I would have been mortified to inadvertently overlook a detail which could have shut down my event. With so many rules to follow from municipal, state, and federal bodies, it's difficult to stay on top of everything. As a benefit auctioneer Florida ... and in Virginia ... and in Kentucky ... and in New Hampshire .. and in some other states, I've learned that licensing varies greatly from location to location. Nonetheless, here are three more common ... Read On >