Two weeks ago while interviewing Lori Jacobwith about storytelling (Awesome call, by the way. Use all of her tips in planning your next Fund a Need), I asked her if there was a "right" number of stories to include in a fundraising event. Lori had a solid answer -- five. She explained what each story should do and who should tell it. (You can get details in our free call.) I commented that I often get a similar question -- "How many items should we sell in our live auction?" or "What's the ... Read On >
When I retire, I’ll move to Princeton, NJ for this. (And a lesson in thanking event sponsors)
The Princeton Senior Resource Center (PSRC) in Princeton, NJ has got it going on. This group has such a nice spirit and does so many things well, I am disappointed that my Mom doesn't live in New Jersey so she could take advantage of their senior-focused programs. I get their newsletter, read their upcoming events, and I want to sign up for all their classes. But that's not why I'm writing about PSRC today. Here's some background. In 2014, this group celebrated its 40th anniversary. To ... Read On >
[Video] Get aggressive about email marketing your auction
Boy was I on fire when I recorded this video! I shot this about three months ago, after having two conversations with clients that got me all flushed about email marketing. I turned on the camera and my passion oozed out. (The audio didn't sync with the video on this, but the content is fine.) I get frustrated when clients explain that a school / nonprofit policy states they can’t send out more than one or two emails a month. Or that they have to promote the auction in a section ... Read On >
How to easily build your own website on WordPress
Note: This post isn't benefit auction-related. Sometimes I share other content. If you need auction help, search the blog for 500+ auction-related posts.============Today I want to share information about a course and teacher I love.If you're a small business owner, a nonprofit in need of a website, or an eternal student, read on.Back in 2009 I enrolled in an online course for non-techies called the Website Creation Workshop. I wanted to learn how to build my own website. I'd become so ... Read On >
The most popular school auction item of 2015: Taylor Swift concert tickets
I’ve reviewed the results of the year. Want to guess the most common school auction item from this past spring season? Tickets to Taylor Swift’s 1989 concert tour. Here’s what we can learn from this. When popular performers stage shows in your city, buying two or four seats to the show can become a popular live auction item. Here in the Washington, D.C. area, the rage was for Taylor. When she announced two July 2015 concerts for the D.C. area, the shows quickly sold out. The advantage ... Read On >