Tips For Growing Your Fundraising Auction During The Recession
| Posted in Fundraising on Sep 28, 2010 by |
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When talk of a recession first began to rumble clients started to ask me how the economy was affecting fundraising auctions. In a discussion with one of my Miami clients, it was the first topic of our consultation.
I talked about many subjects during our conversation, including how a dip in the economy actually spurs some companies to new heights. I cited one example.
A few weeks later, I was delighted to see that the Executive Director used that example in his newsletter address. He took a positive, proactive approach by directly addressing the issue with supporters. He reminded them about the good work his organization was doing in the community, he talked about some immediate needs, and he set the tone that it’s time for everyone to band together and help one other.
Are you wondering what I said? Maybe you’re concerned or feeling the pinch? Read on for some charity auction ideas related to mindset.
I talked about how many millionaires have been made in down economies. Our current recession is a natural cycle. Some businesses will fade away for failing to remain competitive (unless the government provides bailout money), but others will thrive. I’d even suggest that this is a wonderful time for many people to birth their own businesses. Sometimes all we need is a kick in the pants (like a job layoff) to make us take the initiative for a long-desired change.
I also gave an example of a company that leapt to the top during the Great Depression.
Harry and David, the mail-order company which makes those yummy gourmet gift baskets, was facing economic ruin when they could no longer export their Oregon-grown pears to Europe’s affluent market. In dire straits, they began to think creatively. They realized they could start shipping their product by mail.
In 1934, the brothers traveled to San Francisco and New York to pitch their idea and product to industry leaders. They convinced those businessmen that their luscious pears would make the perfect business gift.
Their promotion worked! Orders flooded the store, and the pears found a new fan base all over the United States. Harry and David became a direct marketer of fruit and food gifts, and the mail-order catalog industry was born.
Just as Harry and David sought out new customers when times were tight, you might need to seek new donors. The traditional places you have farmed for donations and sponsorships might be unable to offer support. This could be the year you seek fertile ground elsewhere.
Here are a few ideas:
• Start procurement earlier than usual. You might get more “no’s” this year, and that’s OK. They have a right to say, “No.” But you also have a right to keep asking the next person, and the next.
• Throw a wider net. Reach out to more potential donors to ensure you procure enough of the right items.
• Invite more people to your event to keep your guest count high. Call them to personally invite them.
• Be creative in thinking about what types of items you want to sell. Items that cannot be purchased elsewhere (e.g. lunch with a well-liked mayor; a day with the fireman, etc.) will always draw bidders, regardless of the economy.
• Conduct an aggressive pre-auction marketing campaign for your gala and items.
• Stay mission focused. It’s important to remind your supporters about your purpose.
• Subscribe to a magazine like Inc or Entrepreneur and research which companies are growing. Target them.
• Maintain your upbeat, positive outlook. Enthusiasm sells! You’ll attract more donations for your fundraising auction when you personally are convinced that a donor should give.
Keep reminding yourself that there is still money being made and there is still money being spent, but you might have to seek your support from a different corner of the world.
In closing, I love this quip I read in an emailed newsletter. It came from one of my business mentor’s clients, Paul Lemberg: “A recession is simply a redistribution of wealth from the timid to the brave.” Friends, now is the time for you to be brave, bold, and confident on behalf of the charity you love.
© 2010 Red Apple Auctions Co. All Rights Reserved.
Benefit auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, CMP, BAS has been featured on television
(E! Style, TLC) and in national publications (The Washington Post Magazine,
AUCTIONEER) for her trend-setting work with auction fundraisers. In
addition to serving clients as an auctioneer, she teaches popular online
classes designed to educate volunteer auction chairpersons about simple ways
they can improve the bottom-line results of their auctions. Her free or
nearly free resources are used by hundreds of charities, and her
complementary Auction Item Guide is downloaded by dozens every day who seek
auction procurement help. Get your own FREE ITEM GUIDE (listing the 100 items selling over value) at www.RedAppleAuctions.com
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Fundraising Auction Charity Auction Benefit Auction Nonprofits
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