What happens when someone famous -- either famous in your community or to the wider world -- makes an auction item donation that involves a tour of their home? Do you want that known to the wider world? Could it be dangerous for the donor? Here's how I answered the question. ... Read On >
Marketing
Are school auctions harder to organize in public schools? I think so.
In February I participated in a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) expo in Chicago. Though I've participated in many trade shows when I worked at GE, I'd never participated in a trade show as part of my own company. I thought I'd give it a shot to see how it would go. The Chicago event is one of the largest PTO expos. Organizers mentioned that 600 or 700 people had registered. I was tucked in amidst a sea of traditional fundraising concepts: candy ... bags ... gift wrap ... etc. No surprise ... Read On >
How to get higher bids at your benefit auction: Encourage “group-ons”
One client sells a popular item in the live auction. It’s the chance for eight people to dine at a nice restaurant with the Head of the School. Fine wines are served and the food is spectacular, but the real draw is the chance to enjoy a meal with the popular headmaster. “Get your 'Group-on,'” one of the auction co-chairs encourages. “Bid on this item with your friends!” It’s a clever play on words. Since the word “Groupon” has entered our vocabulary around 2009, many of us know a Groupon to ... Read On >
Consignment items for fundraisers are plentiful. Even when you order less.
In two weeks, I'm teaching a FREE teleclass on auction procurement and how you can get donated items without leaving your house. (Click to register for my Seven Procurement Secrets no-cost call.) I'll be writing about procurement until then. Today I'm sharing a short story about consignment items for fundraisers. ++++++++++++++ Here's a quick story about consignment that clients tell me again ... and again ... and again ... and again ... and you get the idea. While working for a small gala ... Read On >
Should you accept last-minute fundraising auction donations?
One of my onsite clients was approached by one of their other vendors. He offered them a consigned condo. They forwarded me his email. I nearly fell off my chair when I read it. Here are the first few phrases of the email: Hi CLIENT, Here's the "offer" email I typically send out 30 days before an event... ----- I hope you are making good progress on your donations for your upcoming event. I wanted to help with what I think is a win-win offer. My wife and I have a condo in ... Read On >