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Benefit Auction Summit 2024

 September 3, 2024 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
A conference name badge

It’s that time again!

If you’ve followed along with me over the years, you may remember that there’s only one national conference for fundraising auctioneers, and it takes place a few days before Labor Day weekend.

It’s always a sort of family reunion of fundraising professionals, and this year was no exception, with friends from CA, MN, TX, NH and many other states (and even Canada!)

This year we had speakers reminding us to listen more to our nonprofit clients before offering solutions, to be more compelling in our storytelling, and to organize the steps we take during the several months of pre-event planning.

I got several good takeaways to bring to you this fall and into next spring. Continuing education keeps me fresh and able to share the latest and best ideas with you. Let’s chat!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Continuing Education

►Churches too!

 December 10, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Not all galas are annual events. I just had an absolutely awesome time working with the Church of the Trinity MCC in Sarasota. They were celebrating a 40th Anniversary and wanted to do something big to commemorate this milestone. And big they did!

It’s always fun when it’s an intimate venue and everyone knows each other. We joked and laughed all through the auction, and friends bid against friends, higher and higher, to cheers of delight.

So, if you’re celebrating a one-off special event, or you’re a church, or you plan on having a crowd under 150 people, I just might be your perfect match! Lillie and Marrie would be happy to tell you about their experience working with me 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

►I do Online Auctions too!

 October 26, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

There’s a wonderful group I work with, Jewish Pavilion. I did their gala for many years, but when Covid happened we switched to an online auction, and it’s been so successful that we’ve never looked back.

While they have staff who maintain the spreadsheet of auction donations, I manage the Auctria online auction platform for them, and it’s a big job!

This year we had 370 items! It not only ensures that there are lots of items to interest everyone, but we hold back 100+ items initially and add 20+ new items each day the auction is open. This allows us to email the registered bidders (and those on the email list not yet registered) that “New Items were Just Added!”

Need help with your online auction? I can do that, too.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, GALA GAL Case Study, Online Auctions

Licensed in North Carolina

 October 15, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

It’s been a great pleasure these past 2 years to serve as the auctioneer and ambassador for The Humane Society of Charlotte. Their event is filled with beloved dogs attending the evening, and everyone has such a great time!

Just a reminder that I’m licensed in North Carolina and look forward to working with more nonprofits there in the future.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Live Auctions

LuxGive trips

 July 31, 2023 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

I want to give a shout out to LuxGive, a consignment trip provider specializing primarily in luxury private homes instead of hotels or resorts.

I was fortunate enough to go to one of their properties (shown here, St. Maarten within walking distance of Maho Beach) and thus got to experience their entire customer service process for myself.

They were exceptionally flexible in helping me find just the right property from their many gorgeous options. I was pleasantly surprised by how knowledgeable and helpful my booking assistant was. They helped to set up airport transfers and a meeting with the concierge.

Once we arrived, our concierge was fantastic, helping with meal bookings, recommendations and any questions we had. She gave us her cell phone number to chat anytime via Whats App, and that was a very nice personal touch.

The property was exactly as promoted and just as gorgeous as the photos, and we ended up having a wonderful guest experience.

If you’re looking for a trip for your live auction, do give LuxGive a look.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Consulting, GALA GAL Case Study, Live Auctions

Training Auctioneers

 December 10, 2022 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

You may not know that since 2008 I’ve been teaching a 3-day class I created called BOOTCAMP for Benefit Auctioneers. I’ve taught more than 75 classes of auctioneers how to better work with you, the nonprofit fundraising community.

Among many other things, I show them 11 ways to help you get better auction items, 65 ways you can work together to create more prepared bidders, and nearly 50 ways to generate revenue at your event!

This month I taught 2 BOOTCAMP classes back-to-back in Sacramento and Long Beach, CA. Both classes had highly motivated, passionate folks who are eager to bring more to their gala clients.

I’ve helped literally hundreds of auctioneers to up their game. You might ask if YOUR benefit auctioneer is a BOOTCAMP alum!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL

►Don’t Take My Word For It

 January 17, 2020 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

” Anyway, I just wanted to tell you, yet again, that you are a master beyond words. First was the way you pushed so successfully through a couple of “slowdowns” in the bidding on ended up gaining top dollar winning bids.  Second, he thought your set-up with such energized and animated spotters/encouragers in the audience was amazing. Also, I think there were around 700 people in the audience…so know that’s a huge crowd to manage.  Bottom line, I saw Jeanne at breakfast yesterday morning (was with our group of eight) and she asked us what we thought was the highlight of the event this year.  I said it was YOU.  Then, the rest of our group concurred.  She shared that she had heard the same thing from others.” – Karen Davis, Brevard Zoo

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Board members, Live Auctions

►A long-time client says…

 June 17, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

I am delighted to recommend Jenelle Taylor as an auctioneer. We have been working with her for the past five years, and she has been sensational in every way. She works well with a multitude of different personalities on our gala committee, and she never gets flustered. Jenelle is a bundle of positive energy. She has a wealth of ideas and yet remains flexible and willing to try any ideas others may have. Jenelle is well- organized and a good communicator. She pays attention to every auction detail. Jenelle is bright, personable and fun-loving and her warmth shines through in everything she does. – Nancy Ludin, Jewish Pavilion 

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Silent auctions

►Radio Interview 3/27/18

 April 1, 2018 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Jenelle Taylor

Interviewed on Money Radio

Want tips on how to find charity events to support in your community? On the weekly FM radio show “The Auction Block” out of Phoenix, Arizona, I share 2 surefire ways to connect with fundraisers at a ticket price you can afford. Can’t afford much? I tell you how you can attend the best events in town for free! Check out the 40-minute interview here on The Auction Block Facebook page, or search for The Auction Block podcast, episode from 3/27/18. The charity event content starts about minute 17:00; before that I share how I went from middle school teacher to cruise ship auctioneer to GALA GAL!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Board members, Charity

►Cancun was the SUMMIT!

 August 30, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Benefit Auction Summit 2017

Featured Presenter Every Other Year!

It’s that time of year again, when the biggest names in Benefit Auctions nationwide gather to share and learn.

Oh, yeah, that happens, too, but many of us go year after year to see our much loved peers and friends! You see, the benefit auctioneers are a very tight group.

In fact, I’m part of a connected international (and private) group of more than 1000 individuals who do fundraising auctions.

That means that at any time, I can reach out to professionals across the country  – to check out a consignment provider, bounce off ideas, or mentor someone. I can even get feedback on your committee’s brilliant (or kooky!) new idea 🙂

This year, to shake things up a bit we gathered in Cancun, Mexico, and a good time was had by all. My presentation this year continues my streak of being featured as a presenter for our industry every other year since 2010. As you can imagine, we come away with new techniques to bring back home to you, our nonprofit partners!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Consulting

►3 Payment Options

 August 9, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

GALA GAL offers 3 ways to pay

It doesn’t cost to hire a professional, it pays!

What do you pay for your auctioneer, and how?

When you’re hiring someone who does fundraising auctions for a living, you know it’s an investment in your success.

You get 1 night, once a year to hold your event, and your auctioneer may be on the microphone longer than any other speaker! Choose the right look, the right personality, the right ambassador to be the face of your annual fundraiser.

I try to offer folks 3 options to reserve a date on the GALA GAL events calendar: an all-inclusive rate (good if you have a budget or will secure an Auction Sponsor), a retainer to get started and a percent of the Live Auction results generated, or, some events qualify to use the Buyer’s Premium, which includes your bidders in auction underwriting so that you can hire a professional auctioneer at little to no cost.

Can you afford to hire a professional auctioneer?

Can you afford NOT to? You don’t get a do-over for your big event. With at least 3 options, there’s a way for just about every organization to partner with a full-time fundraiser like me.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Buyer's Premium, Consulting

►3 Magic Words to Get Anything Donated

 August 2, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
photo of Jenelle Taylor

Today’s tip is about the “Three Magic Words” that help you get just about anything donated. In fact, these words elevate your request from an all-too-common “ask” to an opportunity.

Ready? Here they are: feature, showcase and highlight. And the question? How would you like to be included? 

Instead of begging for a donation, explain that  – of all the possible businesses in town – for this event you’d like to “feature” ABC Business so you can “highlight” their great ____________ and “showcase” what they do to your prominent supporters and community members. “Our committee thinks more people should know about your terrific ____________, so we wanted to invite you to have one of the exclusive (another good word!) spots in our live (or silent) auction. How would you like to be involved?”

If they say “no,” thank them and say (to yourself), “Next.” They either see the opportunity or they don’t, and someone always will when you share how wonderful your cause is and how much you want to include them in your biggest 1 night, once-a-year event.

So just ask! And remember: feature, showcase and highlight.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions, Other Money Makers, Silent auctions

►A National Presentation!

 July 19, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

plaque NAA award Jenelle Taylor

Honored to present for the annual conference

On Thursday, July 13th I flew to Columbus, Ohio, to see hundreds of auctioneer friends.

Friday the 14th I was honored to present a 90-minute session to my peers and colleagues, all about who is attracting attention and staying top of mind in our industry.

I then gave them more than 30 tools and ideas to build their benefit auction businesses across the country.

Could your nonprofit use help branding and marketing?

I’m a national expert on that, too 🙂

(And I work with nonprofits on affordable short-term contracts and monthly retainers, unrelated to auction galas. Just call me, 407-791-1360, or use the CONTACT link on the home page.)

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Consulting, Other Money Makers

►Working Women of Central Florida

 July 12, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of speaker Jenelle Taylor

Thanks to Jessica Rivelli from Working Women of Tampa Bay for the invite to speak!

Did you miss it?

I’m happy to speak to your board, your staff, or civic groups like Rotary, Kiwanis or chambers of commerce.

Of course I can talk about auctions, and how to best support the causes you believe in, but some people don’t know that I also speak nationally on branding and marketing.

Things are changing all the time in social media.

Isn’t it time you got some help?

Call me to chat: Jenelle @ 407-791-1360 cell

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Consulting, Grab Bag, social media, Technology

►VIDEO – Selling an Inside Joke!

 June 21, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of auctioneer GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

Sell More Memories, Less Stuff!

This might be my favorite video clip ev-er!

It starts at $100 and you’ll never guess where we end up 🙂

Watch the short VIDEO on my You Tube channel.

There’s a lot I love about this clip – this small crowd of 160 solid supporters, the clear joy of giving in the room, and the fact that I’ve done this event for years so we’ve built this great rapport!

(Sidenote: we really do have the best job in the world.)

Anyway, the winning bidder doesn’t even keep the hat! It’s all in fun, a vehicle for donations, and a few minutes we will all remember as a highlight. Can your event do that?

Sell more memories to make your event a signature celebration of your cause.

Not sure how? Just call me: 407-791-1360 in Tampa.

 

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Charity, Consulting, Live Auctions

►VIDEO – Only 2 Live Auction Items

 June 7, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of charity auctioneer GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

On the catwalk selling just 2 auction items!

Here’s a quick video on my You Tube channel from May 2017, when I sold just 2 live auction items (and raised double what we’d expected!)

Watch the VIDEO on You Tube, click here

There’s no one perfect answer to how many live auction items you should have.

I always ask my clients, “How long will your crowd pay attention?”

That’s a good place to start!

But it depends on if your event is a weeknight (ends earlier) or a weekend, what else you’re trying to accomplish that night, what your items are, if you have deep pockets and big spenders in the room, and several other factors.

Believe it or not, selling just 2 or 3 items is just as challenging as selling 18!

Call me (407-791-1360) and I’ll help you figure out how many items are best for your event.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Live Auctions

►Another reason you need a female auctioneer!

 April 17, 2015 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Gala Gal and team

Study says men give more when the person fundraising is attractive

This morning I read a piece entitled “Men Strive To Give More To Charity When The Fundraiser Is Cute.”

Believe it or not, researchers found that both men and women donated more to online campaigns after they saw how much others had given. The men, however, gave an even larger increase to attractive females.

If that happened just by looking at a photo of the female asking for donations, could it be that the effect is magnified in person? When you put a charismatic, attractive female auctioneer on stage and give her a microphone to engage people about your cause, might that increase the competitive bidding in your audience? Think about it, every single time he or she bids again, that’s more dollars raised for you!

Combining the “all eyes on me” aspect of live auctions with a smiling, friendly female face is your recipe for awesome auction results.

Just ask my clients!

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers, Better Buyers, Charity, Consulting, Live Auctions

►GALA GAL, Featured Presenter for Colorado Auctioneers

 April 1, 2015 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Gala Gal Jenelle Taylor as presenter

Jenelle was invited for the 2nd time in 3 years to present at the Colorado Auctioneers Association

A hearty Thank You to O.J. Pratt and all the Colorado auctioneers for warmly welcoming me to present at their Winter Conference this past January. Well, as warm as Denver can be in January, that is!

Since I’d also been one of their invited presenters in 2013, I’d already shared seminars with their members on Boosting Your Brand and 78 Ways to Better your Benefit Auction Business. This year I created 2 brand new seminars for the nearly 100 auctioneer attendees, coaching them on how to create valuable seminars for the public and how to tackle the avalanche of social media outlets in 2015.

I was also honored to serve as a judge for the annual Bid Calling Championship, which one of my BOOTCAMP course alumni (and Boost Your Benefit Auction book contributor) Doug Carpenter won! In addition, the rookie contest was won by another of my BOOTCAMP alumni, Jennifer Clifford.

Congrats to all, and thank you again for a wonderful, educational, fun-filled (if chilly!) trip.

Comments are closed - Categories: About GALA GAL, Auctioneers

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