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►Summit Summit Summit Time…

 July 31, 2022 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Ahhh, it’s that time of year again, the annual Benefit Auction Summit hosted by the National Auctioneers Association. This is the time each year when many of the top fundraising auctioneers in the country get together for 3 days of top-tier education and networking. While our classes are good each year, it’s our time catching up with each other that really pays off.

Hours of socializing inevitably lead to shop talk, and I learned what’s been happening with events in California, Texas, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland and much more. This really does add important tools and techniques that I bring to you each fall.

In addition, we got to meet with new vendors, learn about the latest consignment trip offerings, and even win prizes (I won the drawing!)

I haven’t missed a Summit since its inception in 2010, and I’m thankful for 3 great days to head into Fall 2022 with joy.

Comments are closed - Categories: Continuing Education

►That’s a Wrap!

 June 5, 2022 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Yup, that’s a wrap on the Spring 2022 fundraising season! I am thankful to have worked with several nonprofits I’ve not had the chance to partner with so far. It is still fun every time to meet a new group of passionate devotees and learn all about their mission. It’s invigorating and refreshes my hope for goodness in the world!

One trend I saw this spring is several large nonprofits switching things up for 2023. Two of my biggest auctions (where their annual gala makes up a huge portion of their revenue, and broke records in 2022) plan to diversify their events next year, perhaps replacing the annual gala with intimate patron parties. Typically, big-ticket galas can and do generate great revenue, entertain guests and share mission moments, they take A LOT of planning and many hours of staff, committee, and board time. So how does an org decide when that annual gala is worth it (and when it’s not)? We can do the math and crunch the numbers, but sometimes you just go out on a limb and try something new.

What about you, your org? Are you freshening up your gala each year, adding additional fundraisers, or making a break in pursuit of something totally new?

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics

►Your auction answers

 March 18, 2022 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

EVERY AUCTION ANSWER!

I recently did a webinar for the Volusia-Flagler chapter of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals). Rather than bring my agenda, I showed up to solve yours! I’m sure you’ve had many of the same questions those participants did. Check it out here, and call/text/email me anytime when you’ve got any kind of question about your gala.

Got questions about how to do better online auctions, pros/cons of hybrid auctions, what are the must haves for a knockout live auction? I have been solving problems for nonprofits since 2002! Whatever challenge you’re facing, I’ve already solved it for someone else. Bring your toughest questions (as many as we can fit in an hour!) and I’ll offer you multiple ways fundraisers across America make their auctions more profitable and more polished. If you plan and conduct any type of charity auction (online, silent, live) you won’t want to miss this. 

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►Live Auctions & Virtual Galas

 August 31, 2020 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

When we started pushing events online 5+ months ago, the “2-screen” experience was typical: view the live streaming program on one screen while bidding/donating on another. This approach has been used successfully (in some cases very successfully), yet questions arose. Were we losing any bidders due to 2-screen viewing?

So the scramble was on…all of the sudden, “1-screen solutions” were being feverishly promoted and created. The thought was, if viewers could bid on the same screen as the livestream program, well, that would just solve everything, right? I mean, it would be *just like an in-person gala, wouldn’t it? What could go wrong?

Curiously, (but – in hindsight – to be expected) new challenges arise with 1-screen online event software. “Latency” emerges as a buzzword. During an in-person bidding experience – say, in a ballroom – every audience member receives the auction bidding info at the same time and anyone can raise a bid paddle. However, for online virtual galas, numerous inequalities arise. Are viewers on laptops, smart TVs, tablets or phones? How fast is their internet connection? Which cable or phone provider? 

And, perhaps we really can’t replicate the in-person bidding experience virtually for other reasons.

Most benefit auctioneers would tell you that it takes an average of 3 minutes per item when selling from the stage. While other types of auctioneering calls for liquidation and efficiency (selling 1-2 items per minute), charity fundraising auctions necessitate entertainment and mission reminders along with the selling.

And one of the main reasons fundraising auctioneers like myself get hired is audience engagement/stage presence. While we are highlighting the best features of that item and asking for bids, we are doing 2 other CRITICAL things: scanning the faces and reading body language. Based on our observations of the audience, we decide when to ask for a different dollar amount, add more package details, or mention how another bid helps the NPO do their mission. All while staying mindful of our tight timeline, looking out for distractions in the room, etc. 

Now, in the Virtual Gala world of today, all of those critical audience cues are gone. People are either bidding exactly at the moment we’re asking – or they’re not. And we can’t know why. Is it a technology issue? Viewers aren’t interested in the item? Or some are interested, but got distracted just this minute? Or the auctioneer isn’t compelling? 

Thus, it’s *Much harder to know when to call an end to the bidding. And, for viewers isolated in their own homes versus watching the action with friends at a gala table, non-bidders are even more disconnected from the auction. Doesn’t that make their attention span even shorter?

So do we close each “live” auction item after 2-3 minutes of real-time bidding, or “check in on the bidding” and leave it open?

Discuss and decide with your fundraising auctioneer. Your decision affects all viewers, and, very likely, your $ raised.

Previously published on LinkedIn.

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Live Auctions, Virtual Gala

►Calling in Favors

 August 21, 2019 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS
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. 

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting

►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

►Everything Silent Auction

 October 11, 2017 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Auctioneer Jenelle Taylor on silent auctions

GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor has a series of short Youtube videos on silent auctions

Are you planning a silent auction? Is this your first one, or your 14th?

For a quick refresher on every way to streamline your process and earn the most money, make sure to check out this series of two-to-three minute videos on Youtube.

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Silent auctions

►Your Auction is like this Carousel

 July 14, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

photo of Albany Oregon carousel horse

Heartwarming story of calling in favors and working together creating a memorable, signature brand.

I had to smile at this lovely one-page story in today’s Parade newspaper insert, “Riding High: A Struggling Town Creates a Little Magic.”

I saw so many parallels to charities I work for:

  • affected by the economy
  • needing to reinvent itself
  • it began with one person’s idea
  • folks were skeptical at the start
  • started with only $150!

And I see several inspiring lessons in this uplifting tale:

  • get small parts of your big picture dream sponsored by supporters
  • use every person’s connections to call in favors and ask for whatever you need to be given (‘somebody’s aunt knows somebody’s uncle who comes down to lend a hand.’)
  • as parts of your larger project are completed, promote them around town for visibility
  • encourage lots of people in the community to get involved

If you think of your silent and live auction acquisition plan like this amazing carousel project, you can create an auction event for your guests that is unique to your organization and serves to raise your visibility in the community.

Think about what amazing auction package(s) you can design by calling in favors from your supporters. Your idea might be a behind-the-scenes experience at a sporting event or concert, an amazing private dining event with music, luxury transportation, and fine wines, or a “spa day for six” package. Brainstorm every aspect of the experience you’ll need donated, and then ask everyone to call in favors from folks they already know (no cold-calling required!). As you get great auction items confirmed, promote them on your website, on Twitter updates, and on your Facebook page.

You’ll gradually build support for unusual, creative auction offerings which raise your profile in the community and involve many supporters in your future success.

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions, Sponsors

►Jazz Up Your Save-the-Date Cards!

 July 8, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Image of Save the Date card

Creative social media spin on a boring Save the Date card

Do you send a Save-the-Date card to your mailing list? Do you send it as soon as you sign the contract for your venue, or wait until 2-3 months before your big day?

Here’s a great, creative example with a hip nod to our obsession with social media, available on Etsy for $35 http://tinyurl.com/etsysavethedatecard

 

This sample was part of  the “10 Geeky Wedding Invitations” article http://tinyurl.com/geekyinvitations packed with fresh ways to get guests to save your special date on their social calendars.

Check it out, and this year, add some personality to your standard Save-the-Date card.

 

Comments are closed - Categories: Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Templates

►Selected as a Presenter, Summit 2013

 June 13, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Photo of Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Selected as a presenter for the Benefit Auction Summit, National Auctioneers Association (NAA)

We’re celebrating!!

Just got word that the committee for the Benefit Auction Summit chose my session “62 Ways to Create More Prepared, Engaged Bidders”!

This is the only national conference specifically for fundraising auctioneers, and it is a BIG honor to present to such an accomplished group of professionals from across the country.

I’m excited to share the “62 Ways” 90-minute session because it’s all about helping my peers help YOU raise more money. We understand that you only have this 1 night, once a year to host your attendees, so we want to work with you to maximize every way to make it easy for people to spend money!

I’ll be covering

  • 20 ways to create the best Live Auction display tables
  • 22 things your auctioneer can do to help people get excited by the auctions and also
  •  20 things you can do as the non-profit to help your audience come prepared to both attend AND spend.

The best part for you?

All of my GALA GAL clients – the organizations I help with their events – you get all 62 Ways to Create Prepared Bidders included, everyday, as part of our consulting relationship. (If you want this for your event, shoot me an e-mail to check if your date is available here.) You’re the reason I do what I do, and why I’m excited to share these ideas with other high-profile auctioneers across America.

To learn more about what Benefit Auctioneers do when they get together each year, you can find content from the Summit in 2010 (my presentation here), and I’ve shared some takeaways  from the other presenters that year here and 2011 Summit here. Apparently I still have to post notes from last year!

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Better Buyers, Board members, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Live Auctions

►Don’t Make This Critical Mistake With Your Schedule

 May 10, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Clock Face Microsoft Clipart

The Trick You MUST Know About Benefit Auction Timing

Today I got an e-mail from a client stating,

“we will be advertising the event as starting at 7pm and ending at 10pm”

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo,” my brain screams, as I scramble to hit the “Reply” button before I read even one word further.

This is one of the MOST important tidbits I share with Benefit Auction clients:  the 30-1 Rule.

 

Here’s my hastily typed plea:

Ooh, ooh, ooh, this is one of those things I must speak up about 🙂

 

If you want people to be engaged in the event between the hours of 7:00-10:00, then you must must must advertise as 6:30-11:00, because people never arrive right when doors open, but 15-20 minutes after, and then have to park, walk, register, etc., so the earliest folks are beginning to engage in the event just before 7, with the majority trickling in AFTER that.

 

And then at the end, people mentally check out of an event when they believe they have experienced all that was included in their ticket price. If we say it runs until 11:00 BUT we internally plan to have all money raised and everything wrapped up by 10:00, then they feel they are getting home “early” and leave with a good impression that we were efficient.

 

If you advertise that the event ends at 10:00, people will be looking to leave by 9:00-9:15, hoping to let the babysitter go early or perhaps to beat the line at valet, and those departures before our event goals are wrapped up can really create a bunch of problems for checkout and put a damper on the evening.

 

Please please please add the 30-minute cushion to the front and 1-hour cushion to the end 🙂 I promise you that doing this will allow us to have guests engaged and content to be in attendance during the “action” hours of 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

 

Jenelle

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Better Buyers, Charity, Consulting, Event Logistics, Other Money Makers

►Voting with Dollars – Genius Quick Tip!

 March 14, 2013 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Image Credit depositphotos.com

Does your event have a contest component where guests “vote with dollars” such as a costume contest or dance contest?

 

Typically, guests purchase lengths or bundles of tickets, and then they “vote” by putting tickets into containers (paper bags, glass bowls) for their favorite contestants. As the night goes on, they can purchase tickets again and again to help a particular candidate win with the largest number of tickets.

(As a side note, the same process works for the Bucket Chance to Win, previously called Chinese Raffle.)

 

So, hundreds of people have been piling tickets into containers for hours, and now you have to quickly count them up to announce the winner. What if you have a bunch of contestants and tons of tickets? How can you count all that super fast, you ask?

 

Thanks to seasoned Orlando fundraiser and Femmes de Coeur President Judy Conrad for the solution:  Borrow a super-sensitive and perfectly calibrated gold measuring scale from a local jeweler…and simply compare ticket weights to find the winner, no counting necessary!

 

GENIUS! Thanks, Judy 🙂

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Event Logistics, Grab Bag, Other Money Makers, Raffles/Chance Drawings

►Pique interest with Sneak Peek

 July 16, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Fundraising Consultant GALA GAL Jenelle Taylor Auctioneer

Send an e-blast Sneak Peek of best auction items a few days prior to event

Ever have one of those days?

(Hang with me for a moment, Sneak Peek Template link below!)

I was just typing an e-mail and used the phrase, “The Board’s interest was piqued,” and I KNEW “piqued” was the right usage, but then…

I’ve found that blogging makes me ultra self-conscious about what and how I write.

In case you’ve ever run across someone (incorrectly) trying to “peak” or “peek” someone’s interest, I’ll expose my Grammar Geek self for a moment.

Anyway, here’s the Auction Sneak Peek Template I mentioned. I share this with non-profits (in fact, I typically create, edit and format it for them) so that we can promote a sharp, 1-page PDF attachment showcasing the best auction items and getting everyone prepared to “attend and spend.” This can be used as an e-mail attachment,  added to the website, uploaded to a Facebook page, Tweeted, or even saved as a .jpg.

Using this template can

1) save you time, and

2) make you money.

Oh, and one more thing. Would you believe that the first time I named this template I wrote  Sneak PEAK Template?

(shaking my head) One of those days!

Comments are closed - Categories: Better Buyers, Consulting, Event Logistics, Templates

►A Soundbite that Sizzles

 July 10, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Earlier I wrote a post about an article I’d read explaining how to introduce yourself or your organization to someone new:

  1. Explain how you provide a solution to a problem.
  2. Tell a brief anecdote that illustrates why you choose to do this or how you’re exceptional.
  3. Invite your listener to engage further with you by asking an open-ended question.
Here’s another approach to selling your sizzle that’s designed to attract the ideal match:

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Board members, Consulting, Other Money Makers

►Sell Your SIZZLE!

 July 9, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Summer gives me time to catch up on all the reading I wish I made time for during the year. In an October 2011 article in Toastmaster magazine entitled ‘The Elevator Speech,” I saw some good reminders about summing up your essence to get people’s attention.

Why should you care about an Elevator Speech?

Image of Elevator

Elevator Pitch – Sell Your SIZZLE in 1 Minute!

Because every day, your non-profit is competing for the attention – and dollars – of the public. Being able to wow folks with WHAT you do, WHY you do it, and HOW you’re the best will help others see the value in helping you and your cause.

The article (more…)

Comments are closed - Categories: Board members, Consulting, Other Money Makers

►Your Auctioneer’s Education

 June 27, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Today I shared a link with the elite auctioneer alumni from my BOOTCAMP for Benefit Auctioneers course. I keep in close contact with this group of professionals via a private Facebook group just for them. We share what’s working across the country at fundraisers and share our favorite techniques.

This morning I reminded them about the upcoming continuing education opportunity known as the 3rd Annual Benefit Auction Summit.

I was a presenter at the first Summit in 2010 in San Antonio, so I did interactive activities to put those auctioneers into your shoes as the non-profit liaison.

I asked them to imagine that  – in addition to your regular full-time job – you’ve been put in charge of a black-tie event for 400 people, and if the event doesn’t net $100,000 you could lose your job.

Then I asked them…

Comments are closed - Categories: Auctioneers, Consulting

►Remote vs. In-Person Consultation

 June 25, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Face-to-face meetings are a crucial part of my relationship with my clients when planning silent and live auctions. So important, in fact, that even my smallest consultation package includes 5 critical collaborations you should expect from your auctioneer:

  1. An initial EVENT ENVISIONING meeting with the decision makers, including time to (more…)

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Technology

Unlock a PDF

 June 20, 2012 - Author: Jenelle Taylor, CAI BAS

Short and sweet…!

When I need to unlock a PDF document so that I can edit it or pull a logo out, I pop over to www.PDFtoWord.com, upload the PDF and within a minute it’s back in my Inbox, ready to edit.

Handy Tech Tip of the Day 🙂

 

Already using this? Just tried it? Leave a comment below!

Comments are closed - Categories: Consulting, Technology