In mid-March 2011, Google launched Google for Nonprofits. Once your group is approved (approvals take weeks to months), the free tools help you generate funds, streamline operations, generate awareness, and so forth. Caveat: I'd say Google for Nonprofits is one of those benefit auction technologies most appropriate for smaller nonprofits which are tech-friendly but resource strapped. If your nonprofit hasn't already invested in a robust benefit auction software program (which already handles ... Read On >
VIDEO: A dirty secret about growing your benefit auction
Here's a little known fact. When you add raffles, games, and other cool benefit auction ideas into a gala to make it more profitable, there's a good chance you'll also have to buy software. Activities add complexity. And without software, you'll create a "one hit wonder" event. Learn more in the video below. ... Read On >
Incorporate the 5 senses into displays to upsell silent auction donations
Your silent auction donations have a better chance of selling for more money when guests enjoy experiential shopping. For inspiration, let's look at my old stomping grounds: corporate marketing. Have you noticed that for-profit entities are quick to give away samples of their products? They want to convert window-shoppers into paying customers. (Your silent auction has a lot of window-shoppers.) A visit to your local shopping mall proves the power of the sensory experience. Consider these ... Read On >
Silent auction tips: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Last time I counted, there were a few dozen points you need to meet in order to ensure your silent auction rocks. Covering all of those would make for a hideously long blog post, so I'm going to talk about a mere three. I'm labeling these silent auction tips as "the good, the bad, and the ugly." The Good One of the smaller auctions I work has about 200 guests. Year after year this group has consistently managed to make their silent auction adorable. How do they do it? One point they do ... Read On >
Auction team member Sheri turns filmmaker and wins gold!
No doubt you know the phrase, "It's not what you do. It's who you do it with." Much of what makes my work as a benefit auctioneer amazing is the interesting people I've surrounded myself with here at Red Apple Auctions. So for this week's blog post, permit me to brag like a proud parent as I share with you the success of one of my team members, Sheri. Many of my auction floor crew come from an acting background. Sheri is no exception. About 20 years ago, Sheri was the queen of TV here in ... Read On >