When a client is using consignment offerings, I like to ask the consignor a lot of questions about the package. I want to fully understand what the guest is buying, so I can better describe and sell the package when I’m onstage. I go far beyond merely reading the sheet the consignor provides to the nonprofit. I watch YouTubers describe the destination and hotel. I research airfare to the location and determine driving times to popular spots. I read through dozens of Yelp and ... Read On >
Video
Creating a great fundraising auction paddle & bid number
A photo is worth 1000 words, so in today’s video, I show you some potentially problematic bid paddles compared to some great bid paddles. It’s so easy to produce a good bid paddle. You can generally print them yourself, if you desire. There's no need for fancy sticks, colors or shapes. You’ll see what I mean in the video. To see what some of these bid paddles look like in a real auction environment, watch the new (tongue in cheek) game show where you get to be the auctioneer. It's called ... Read On >
Seth Godin tested a new bidding approach for charity auctions. Here’s what I think.
Last month my brother sent me a link to Seth Godin's blog. Seth had written an article about charity auctions and announced a new auction software platform he was testing. Seth's desire to create some software for the nonprofit industry stemmed from observing under-performing charity auctions. In his opinion, guests expect to score a deal on their purchases, and that's the exact opposite of what charities want guests to do. To shift the auction into one with more generosity built into it, ... Read On >
The hot new auction game show: “Spot the Bidders!”
Alright Auction Planners, it's time for "Spot the Bidders," the new game show that puts YOU in the auctioneer seat! In this 1-minute video, can you find the bidders in the crowd? Nonprofit revenues depend on it, and a well-designed bid paddle and large bid number are two critical components for success. Post how many bid paddles you find (before I reveal them to you at the end of the video) by leaving a comment. https://youtu.be/GwghaC0dkmg ... Read On >
The impact of age on gala start times
Some galas attract an older guest base, while events like primary school auctions skew the opposite direction, attracting a young donor base. Consider this when deciding your opening time and overall program/schedule. As I work different events, I've noticed that retired Seniors arrive and leave events early. So if your cause attracts many guests in that demographic, opening your doors earlier than other galas in your city might be a smart move. Additionally, I'd recommend scheduling the ... Read On >