My company has four auctions booked for Saturday, March 2, 2013. Last Friday, yet another school called asking if I had any auctioneers available on that date. "We thought we had one," she shared, "but apparently we don't. And here it is November and I'm calling for a March auction ..." Her voice trailed off. Yeah, she knew she was in trouble. By my count of bookings and schools I've already declined, that is 9 Washington D.C.-area schools that *I* know of competing for donations for March ... Read On >
What fall auctions SHOULD be selling in home decor silent auction sections
You may not realize it, but if you're holding your charity auction in October, November or December, you have two natural advantages over those galas held in the spring. 1. Holiday spirit Of all the United States' widely celebrated holidays, Americans seem to get most enthused about decorating their home for Halloween and Christmas. How convenient for you that both of these holidays are in the fall! For your autumnal or winter auction, be sure to include some home decorations tied to these ... Read On >
Auction class projects for holiday school benefit auctions
Some school benefit auctions – especially those schools with younger children – like to sell class projects at their gala. These projects are made by the students with careful supervision by either a committed parent or art teacher. If your gala is held in the November through December time period, talk with the supervising adult now to suggest that any auction class projects take on a holiday angle. Testing out some winter-y inspired items can add a nice mix to your existing items. Here are ... Read On >
Halloween-themed professional services to better your benefit auction revenues
I haven't officially researched this, but it seems to me that in the last 20 years, Americans have become much more interested in decorating their homes for Halloween. Have you noticed this trend? Decked out homes lead us down a path of coffins and gravestones, eery music pumps out of hidden CD players, and scary artifacts like mummies are around each corner. Other homes take the friendlier Halloween route and offer happy-looking witches, mysterious stews made interesting via the use of dry ... Read On >
A million-dollar idea for your auction donations
You don't need a million ideas to make a million dollars. You need one good idea to make a million dollars. I love that phrase. I love it because it reminds me that I don't need to do EVERYTHING I hear in order to have a successful business. One good idea ... implemented well ... can pay dividends. Where do I get good ideas? I've heard more than once that some people get great ideas in the shower. Personally, I've never had a great idea in the shower. I get good ideas when I take classes. ... Read On >