If you've got an unruly auction crowd that you need to quiet, several strategies should be used together to better manage the group. One technique is to show good leadership from the stage. I call it "podium leadership." It's managed via scripting. Every speaker on your stage needs to introduce the next speaker. There needs to be FLOW. Here is a more detailed example. A typical program for many religious school auctions that use a seated dinner format may run something like this: 1. ... Read On >
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Handling COVID safety precautions at your fundraising auction
How are you handling COVID precautions at your gala? Whether you are in an 'open' state or one that is more cautious, supporters want to know what they should expect at your event. Consider devoting a page to your gala website to COVID requirements. If you won't be doing anything -- tell them. If you expect them to upload a vaccination card, proof of booster, negative test, and wear a N-95 respiration mask -- tell them. If you're going to have comfort-level bracelets available ... Read On >
Giving from the warm hands of love vs the cold hands of death
The Rule of Three struck recently. A neighbor had to explain an adage to her colleague. I had to explain the meaning of a quote in a group text. And an old saying or quote popped up in an article, giving variations and explanations. The saying? It's goes by different phrasing, but is generally: It's better to give from the warm hands of love and not the cold hands of death. Sometimes it's shortened to: Better to give with a warm hand than with a cold one. It's best ... Read On >
Run your own (auction gala) race
When I started my business, a friend advised me to hire a coach who was no more than five years further along in their business than I was. That way, the coach would still remember the challenges and fears relevant to someone like me. The coach would be able to share tools and strategies appropriate for me -- a solopreneur -- instead of techniques more appropriate for someone operating a business with several employees. Similarly, when planning your auction gala, it doesn't make sense to ... Read On >
Election Day – My simple political platform
When COVID-19 arrived in March, the advertisements and emails landing in my in-box started to change. Most companies and organizations addressed what was dominating the news cycle -- coronavirus. They expressed concern for those who were ill, those working on the front lines, and those who lost their jobs. But not Wayfair. Wayfair pounded my inbox with a steady stream of emails each week, advertising cheap ottomans, discounted lighting, trendy decor, and more. Their inattention to the ... Read On >