Silent auctions are often the "shopping" area of a gala. Guests browse, taking only seconds to judge if they should bid. If your committee can keep attention on details up until the bidding opens, there are rewards to be had. Browsers become bidders. Here are three videos with some silent auction tips and how-to advice for your committee to review. From fun in the auction to amazing table set up, the payoff is a more successful auction, and that's what everyone wants. Silent auction ... Read On >
VIDEO: Silent auction item idea: Photo Garage Doors
It seems I can't share enough silent auction item ideas, so here's a cool new one I stumbled across. Wow! These are so realistic, they made me do a double-take. That said, it *might* help if your organization has some tie to Germany, if you want to snag this donation. You'll understand why when you watch the video. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
VIDEO: Benefit auctions versus online non-profit contests: Where’s the big payoff?
There has been a plethora of online contest for nonprofits recently. "The most votes wins $10,000 for your charity," is the standard approach. But beware of the staff time involved in drumming up support for votes. As volunteers and staff are pulled away from working on benefit auctions to instead driving votes online, the auction - which offers you a guaranteed income - suffers. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
Don’t re-use last year’s auction letters to donors
Let me correct that. Don't re-use them unless they were smashing successes. But if they weren't as great as you'd hoped, start taking notes. I talk with a lot of nonprofits each week. By Friday I know the "hot topic" among my auction chairs. Last week, it was donations. My winter auctions are cranking up their procurement teams. I heard several questions about auction donation letters. If this is also on your mind, you'll love these two oldies-but-goodies videos. One talks about the ... Read On >
VIDEO: Tips to reduce no-shows at your benefit auction
It's disheartening to work so hard, only to have empty tables at your gala. And no-shows certainly don't help your auction returns. In this video, learn some benefit auction tips for reducing no-shows. We want one seat in every chair! ;) Watch the video below. ... Read On >