By a long shot, the most popular trip I've sold in benefit auctions over the last ~3 years has been a trip to Cuba. For over 50 years, Cuba was a forbidden country for Americans. We couldn't (legally) travel there. As the rest of the world marched on, time stood still in Cuba -- and that's what auction guests are eager to experience. They are hot for Cuba because it's a step back in time. Magnificent buildings are occupied, but crumbling. Cars considered antiques in the United ... Read On >
training
New for 2017: Auction procurement training class “How to get 2016’s top-selling items” plus a newly-released Auction Item Guide
Like an aging beauty queen lacking any other skills, my 2015 Auction Item Guide™ (“What sold for lots of green in 2015”) was desperate to hang on to her glory. But over the holidays, I ripped off her crown and showed her the door. Meanwhile the new 2016 Auction Item Guide™ (“These stole the scene in 2016”) took over the reigning duties and made herself at home on my website. You can now get the new Guide AND participate in a “pop-up” auction procurement training class, "How to get 2016's ... Read On >
What to do if you’re not getting Red Apple Auctions emails
If you're consistently having problems getting Red Apple Auctions emails and other information I send, you may find this blog post helpful. Last week my team received a simple email originating from the "Contact Us" page of my website. Here is the conversation it generated: Subject: Please add me to your email list for the Red Apple Auctions' ezine Body: Thanks so much. Cheers, <name removed> My team member noticed the email was from a hospital account in Canada. She ... Read On >
The (free, online) Fundraising Summit is this week! Don’t miss it.
Here's a wonderful resource for fundraisers. It's a LOT of free education on a variety of fundraising topics. I know several of these speakers and they are good. My topic is highlighted below. The Summit is a free online event taking place this week. If you're short on time, register now. Here's the advertising copy: ++++++++++++++ Join an expected audience of 80,000 of your peers from around the world for five days of insight, instruction and inspiration from 40 of the world’s best ... Read On >
In 2 weeks! FREE training: How to ask for auction donations, money, and more
I've got a complementary training coming up that EVERYONE involved in your auction should attend. It's about learning how to ask. Imagine being so confident with the idea of asking for donations that your team was EAGER to pick up the phone, pound the pavement, or chat up strangers at a dinner party. Can you envision how would your auction change? You'd get a lot more quality donations, bigger cash gifts, and nicer sponsorships. That's exciting! Auctions begin with a confident ask. ... Read On >