The last time I visited my parents, I did a lot of work outside. But before I could mow, trim, dig, rake, and haul, I needed to remove about 30 orange and yellow flags from the yard. The city had cross-crossed my parents lawn with small flags identifying various cable and utility lines in preparation for some work that had been completed a couple of months earlier. When I asked Dad why he wanted me to store the flags versus just throwing them away, he said, “You never know when they might come ... Read On >
Live Auctions
Is your benefit auctioneer angling for a one-night stand?
It’s a provocative title, n'est-ce pas? But as we are nearing Valentine's Day, it is oh-so-appropriate for us to be frank about this subject. Here's a dirty little secret: As you're calling different auctioneers, trying to find one for your benefit auction, you should know that most of them are secretly hoping for a one-night stand with you. In and out. Perform, collect the check, and leave. These types of benefit auctioneers are not seeking a long-term relationship. They hope that you'll ... Read On >
Careful! Donations from book authors could be your next live *or* silent auction item
Last week I held a free teleclass teaching you how to procure items for your benefit auction without leaving your home. This week, I'm sharing one of the ideas presented. +++++ [CLASS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.] Interested in hearing all 7 secrets for procuring great items? For a limited time, enjoy a recording of the call. +++++ From 2009 through 2011 I sold several author-related items at my client's fundraising auctions: 4 auctions sold dinners with well-known authors 3 ... Read On >
VIDEO: A DISadvantage of large crowds at your nonprofit auction
When it comes to gala auctions, most of us generally think that "bigger is better." Often that is true. A larger guest count frequently suggests a positive trend, but it can adversely affect other areas of your gala. For instance, you might need to change benefit auctioneers. Watch the video below. P.S. For other nonprofit auction ideas, get great tips delivered to you by subscribing to Benefit Auction Ideas. It's free! ... Read On >
VIDEO: Where to get charity auction items
It's one of the biggest stresses of any auction committee ... where to get items. If you're involved in a first year event, the item procurement process is especially tedious. Knowing what items to get -- and WHERE to get them -- is overwhelming. To help you understand the process at a high level, here are the three primary ways to procure charity auction items. (And I'm guessing that you've never heard of #3!) (UPDATE: The Tech Teleseries mentioned in the video has passed. Stay abreast of ... Read On >