Pinterest is a social media site based on sharing photos. The tool’s demographic data indicates that Moms LOVE Pinterest. Perhaps because it’s easy to post content onto the site and let a snapshot tell the story. It goes without mention that a lot of moms also plan galas, and many actively seek new school auctions ideas. So why not let these creative women use their Pinterest “hobby” to broadcast the auction? (As a side, I wouldn’t suggest Pinterest as a “must have” auction marketing tool … ... Read On >
How to talk like an auctioneer – free training
UPDATE: The class mentioned has passed. To keep abreast of future calls, subscribe to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ Do you know the question I'm most often asked? You might think it's a question about the benefit auction ... like, "How many items should go into our live auction," or, "Should we wait until dessert to start the live auction?" But it's none of those types of questions. Instead, I'm asked this: “Sherry, how did you learn to talk SO FAST?” Auctioneers are known for their ... Read On >
What NOT to do when the auction winner doesn’t pay
At a benefit auction a few years ago, a woman in the back enthusiastically bid in the live auction. She enjoyed bidding a little too much. After buying the trip to Hawaii, her husband let her have it -- verbally. In tears she told my auction team member that she couldn’t buy it. “Ma’am,” my team member gently reminded her, “You’ve already bought it.” “Sell it again,” she cried, “He’ll divorce me if I take it home.” Has this happened to you? If not, you just haven’t run enough benefit ... Read On >
Nashville benefit auctioneer for a day, uncensored comments & my 100% guarantee
If you're seeking benefit auction ideas, this is a no-brainer event to attend. For those of you living in the Nashville area, I invite you to meet me at Maggiano's on Thursday, September 13. It's like a country-western fairy tale for me ... I'm becoming a Nashville benefit auctioneer for one day. :) I'm coming to share information on planning profitable auctions. Click here to reserve today. (I've seen photos of the room and SPACE IS LIMITED.) I'm presenting in conjunction with ... Read On >
Setting Seth Godin straight on the subject of charity auctions
I stumbled across a May 2008 post from Seth Godin called Marketing the Charity Auction. (It's short. You might want to read it first.) In the article, Godin writes that an auction fundraiser "never leads to a wildly successful auction, because the story that's told is too small." He suggests that the nature of an auction is the lure of a deal. Charities play upon this, selling the public on bargains instead of selling philanthropy. In turn, the guests become shoppers looking for a way to snag ... Read On >