I have some cool clients. A few nonprofits have worked with me for several years. More commonly, an individual has taken me with them as they've job hopped to different nonprofits. For me it's always been more about the people than about the specific cause. Some auctioneers are keen to support a particular charity because of the work that organization does. For me, I may or may not be particularly interested in a nonprofit's cause on a personal level. But I am always keen to work ... Read On >
[VIDEO] Ice, ice baby: Auction theme ideas that involve winter
It’s all about *show* and less about *tell* in today’s post. Here are three video clips from auctions. All had winter-related auction theme ideas. They used elements like ice, LED lights, evergreen trees and polar bears to make a statement. As for colors, think white, ice blue, and some forest green. As the holidays are upon us and many are dreaming of a white Christmas, this seemed fitting. =============== The Crystal Ice Gala This video from an upstate New York hospital ... Read On >
[VIDEO] How to make your fundraiser unique? Be exclusive with your benefit auctioneer.
The concept of exclusivity is often tied to commercial products. A company might have the exclusive right to sell a particular style or color of shoes. An airline might be the exclusive carrier of a sports team. In the nonprofit space, we may see the term used in conjunction with sponsorship. One client with a large food and wine event offers opportunities for vendors to be the exclusive provider of certain products, like vodka or beer. I know of one corporation that served as the exclusive ... Read On >
[VIDEO] Silent auction layout when using mobile bidding
I'm in the thick of the fall auction season. Last week I was working all across the country, so expect to see more videos down the road -- as I have time to organize them. :) In this first clip, you'll see an auction layout of an event I worked two weeks ago here in Washington, D.C. The organization, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation, is only five years old. Yet the group has already raised a whopping $7 million dollars to fight colon cancer. (Impressive!) They have three core ... Read On >
An attractive display for a bad live auction item: Tiffany dishes
My clients procure some excellent live auction items. Each year I whittle down my favorites and list them in my Auction Item Guide™. (Speaking of which, the current guide, What Sold Like a Dream in 2014, will vamoose December 31. Download your free copy before then.) But every so often, I have to sell an item that isn't strong by benefit auction standards. An oriental rug A trip to a luxurious resort in a dangerous country. A set of Oneida dishes. With a dining room table. This ... Read On >