Saying thank you is a life lesson. Moms teach kids to say thank you before they can walk. Friendships develop over a thoughtful note and business relationships are made from a good thank yous. Everyone appreciates some appreciation, so my advice to auction committees is to give it to them. Don’t overthink the task. Grab a pen, the phone, the keyboard ... or even a video camera and just say thanks. Here’s my example of taking a moment to pause and let someone know their actions were ... Read On >
Auctioneers
VIDEO: The one thing to NEVER say on stage at your auction
When it comes to benefit auction ideas, sometimes the simplest tips are worth thousands of dollars. This is one. Experience has taught me to never, ever say or reference this when you're on stage at the auction. Watch the video below. What else should -- or shouldn't -- be said when you're on stage? Well, if you're running a Fund a Need at your gala, there is an art and a science to it. It's a process unto itself, often replete with videos, speakers, someone "asking" for the ... Read On >
Do your guests care whether you’ve hired a professional benefit auctioneer?
After one of my weekend auctions, my team and I fielded a number of compliments about our professionalism. It reminded me of a story. Back in 2005, I worked with a national client who held a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. They had three items to sell in a live auction. Although they often held live auctions, it was the first time they'd hired a professional benefit auctioneer to oversee it. The timing was bad for me as I was flying back from some work in Germany. With weather and travel ... Read On >
Graduated with my Auctioneer’s MBA (CAI)
Last month I completed a program I started three years ago. I finished my third and final year of CAI, which stands for the Certified Auctioneer Institute. Though there are some formalities that need to be completed before I'm officially able to use the "CAI" initials, I'm done. The program takes place at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and its overseen by the National Auctioneers Foundation. It's held in March, which - as a benefit auctioneer - is the worst possible time. March is a ... Read On >
Florida benefit auctioneer thanked by client.
I love getting emails from clients thanking my team and I for our work at a gala. And certainly we have many videos from clients and guests sharing their opinions of our work. Some clients even send cookies. And here is an example of a personal touch through a hand-written thank you note. The Queen of Events at Camillus House in Miami, FL is the epitome of old-school manners. Like clockwork, she sends me a note or letter every year. Thanks, Marcy! (And congratulations on raising over ... Read On >