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►Don’t Take My Word For It

” 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

►Text Me!

Quick FYI that I’m ending my 877-GALA-411 toll free number, as those days are gone and texts to my 407-791-1360 (Tampa) cell are in! Of course, you can call me on that same number, or e-mail me at Info@GalaGal.com. Nothing’s constant but change 🙂

►Calling in Favors
image of live auction table

Committee members often ask me how to reach out to a well-connected community pillar or a semi-celebrity they happen to know. When you’re not asking for a direct donation, but instead asking to be connected to someone’s friends and associates, that asking can be tricky.

When it comes to reaching out for donations, it’s helpful to consider a couple of things:
First, ask the person you know if the cause you’re requesting on behalf of is one they feel good about supporting.

For example:
“As you may know, I’m on the committee for X Cancer Organization, and they help people across the state with emergency scholarships for basic necessities while going through cancer treatment, like keeping their electricity on and a roof over their heads. I’d love your help to make their fundraiser more successful, and I’m not asking for money 🙂 With your help, we could raise thousands more dollars. Could I ask you a few questions?”

Then, explain the type of connections you’re looking for. 

“This event has an exclusive live auction with only a small number of carefully chosen packages, and a silent auction also. Each live auction spot typically raises $2000+, and we’re always looking to offer the guests memorable, emotional experiences that they just can’t stop bidding on! During committee brainstorming for ideas, they were hoping for (insert package ideas you think could come from the prospect’s contacts – Dinner for 12 with Chef ________, Sunset Yacht Trip for 20, Box at ______ sporting event, etc.). Would you be willing to connect me to people who can make this happen?”

That process is both polite and effective in securing more and higher value donations. 

►It’s all about the Shoes!
photo of red high heels

One of my favorite themed events is coming up: Wine, Women and Shoes. Instead of being the brainchild of and benefiting only one nonprofit, WW&S is an outside partner that over 100 nonprofits across the country have partnered with, raising more than $75 million dollars. That’s some impressive philanthropy. At one of these signature events you’ll find – of course – a lot of wine, a lot of women, and A LOT of incredible shoes! You’ll also find a lot of bidding, donating, and all-around generosity. If you’re looking for a feel-good night out, find your fanciest footwear and join us!

►Here’s a Good Idea
photo of bid sheet

About half of my events still do traditional silent auctions with paper bid sheets. And about half of those organizations use the “Just Buy It” or Instant Purchase option, so that attendees can stop bidding in small increments and just opt to buy it and be done. However, this can cause more than a little confusion. People unfamiliar with the Instant Purchase option often try to keep bidding, and then more than one person believes he is the winner. With the clear and easy notification show above, you will make your auction clearer and easier for your bidders. And, you know the GALA GAL motto, “Make it easy for people to spend money.”

►A long-time client says…

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 

►Radio Interview 3/27/18

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!

►First-time Client

photo of Jenelle Taylor

Tropical-themed Gala!

I recently worked with a small school on Florida’s east coast, and here’s the result, direct from the chair, Tamara:

“Wow! You are absolutely amazing and I am so thankful for you! From everything I read and researched  about auctions prior to contacting you explained and taught me to hire a professional auctioneer, and now I completely understand why!  You are the best and if I decide to do this again next year, you will be the first person I call to make sure you are available! Many people including the principal asked me how I found you and commented on how amazing you did! From not knowing our community you did your homework and were on target with everything! We were all impressed! Plus this auction was more profitable than it has been for the last 5 years! I can’t thank you enough for everything! Also, I wish I would have used your book more than I did. It is really invaluable and now that it is over if I am going to do it again I am going to follow your book exactly and get started ASAP! 

Thanks again! You are a true professional and such a lovely person!” 

Are you planning an event, or part of a committee? I’d love to help you, too!

►Need an Emcee?

You know you need a professional auctioneer for the live auction portion of your event, and that same professional typically handles your Paddle Raise, Fund A Need, or Donation Appeal part of the fundraising, too. But have you been paying extra for an emcee? Or using someone who speaks well with a teleprompter and not so great without one?

Recently I’ve been asked to emcee more and more events. These clients like that I’m already practiced at being their ambassador because I’ve been preparing to guide the crowd in giving. Since I know the group and its programs inside and out, I often hear -like I did last weekend- “Do you work for the organization? I thought you did, because you know so much about it.”

Being an emcee is more than just reading a script, it’s crowd control, getting the audience’s attention, knowing how and when to change your voice to influence the mood in the room, knowing how to do compelling introductions, and always keeping an eye on the timing, music, lights and other cues that all work together in your evening.

So as you’re planning your event, remember, I can help if your event needs an emcee.

►Multi-year Agreements?

photo of GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor

Yes, you should consider multi-year contracts

Recently I emailed an organization in Tampa with a really cool, unique event, asking if they had an auctioneer already for spring 2018.

Here’s the reply:

I have hired my auctioneer with a five- year,  first-right-of- refusal contract. Thank you for your interest. We can revisit you in 2020.

I was like, “Wow, 2020! Ok, then, they are taking this 5-year thing *seriously*. And then I thought, “Kudos to you, unknown auctioneer, who talked your client into this job security, rare in our line of work.”

But here’s the thing – I soon found out it wasn’t the auctioneer’s idea – it was the Event Chair’s!

Check this out:

“I have been doing events since 1986 and after my first year working with everyone I’ve nailed them into a five-year contract. It just helps so I do not have to re-create the wheel every year.”

How.Wise. Is. That? I mean, crazy smart, right?

Once you know you like an auctioneer’s style and you like working with them, or like a DJ, a caterer, a venue, an emcee, etc., doesn’t it make your life sooooo much easier to not recreate the wheel each year? Of course you can have a new theme, new decor, maybe different entertainment, but good auctioneers are hard to find, as are ideal venues, especially those with great food. Wouldn’t it make your life soooo much easier to agree to a longer-term partnership than 3 months, 6 months, or even a year?

I was pretty blown away by the crystal clear logic of this Event Chair with 30 years of experience.

I think it’s something we would all benefit from, so if you love your venue, emcee or auctioneer, next time give them first right of refusal beyond year 2, as a show of goodwill (and a commitment to your sanity!)

 

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