I sell my share of New York weekend trips consisting of a show, dinner, and hotel. Who doesn't enjoy a glamorous weekend? But what about those off-the-wall benefit auction items that might be better suited for the stomping grounds of my youth? I think back to the Kansas State Fair, where this next item would have been easier to procure and would have made a big splash with auction guests. The chance to compete in a demolition derby. Last month I read an article in the Orange County Register ... Read On >
Silent Auctions
Silent auction entertainment ideas for the 20-something crowd.
I received a random email blast for which I'd not signed up. In other words, spam. As I prepared to hit "delete," the words "Silent Party" caught my eye. Thinking it was something related to a silent auction, I struggled to understand the poorly written press release. Baffled, I looked at the photos and clicked the website videos. Aha, I got it. If you're seeking some silent auction entertainment ideas for 20-somethings (Millennials / young professional) crowd, this might work for ... Read On >
Gala auction smackdown – live auctions trump silent auctions
When groups are looking for fundraising ideas, many add a silent auction to an existing event. I've heard of and seen silent auctions at all types of fundraisers and friend-raisers: dinners, fairs, golf outings, networking events, sorority meetings, and church functions. The silent auction is casually added to the mix of activities with the hopes that it will generate some needed funds. And it does. Sort of. Make no mistake, your guests LOVE silent auctions! Many like them because they are ... Read On >
Spring silent auction idea – grow revenue with a Garden Club tour
Check your calendar. A nice silent auction basket idea will soon blossom. Very soon ... starting in May here in Washington, D.C. ... most garden clubs will begin their annual tours. Sometimes these tours are free, but often there is a charge associated with them. The prestige of the garden club will dictate whether you are paying $5 or $40 to tour a home owner's private garden space. Established groups like the Georgetown Garden Club will sell tickets at a higher price point than smaller ... Read On >
How to write your silent auction descriptions to make more money – Part 2
This is Part 2 of a 2-part series examining how missing information on silent auction descriptions costs you donations. Read Part 1 here. My floor team are outstanding sales support in any auction. They find an item and work it until it has bids or they've sold it outright to a guest. But if a silent auction description is lacking key information, my sales reps must leave their post to find someone in the marketing department who knows about this item and can provide the missing ... Read On >