Why Nonprofits Retain Benefit Auctioneers

Posted on December 2, 2011 by cbss

Do you know the number one reason that a nonprofit or school or charity will retain a professional auctioneer? The answer might surprise you. Nonprofits more than ever need their auctioneer to be an ambassador for their cause, to meaningfully engage and inspire donor generosity from the stage. Why is that? Well, in this economy nonprofits count on professional benefit auctioneers more than ever. The clients they serve have been the hardest hit from some of this tumultuous economy and that is why I have created an innovative auctioneer training that is called Beyond Bid Calling.

 No longer is it just enough to sell some fancy dinners and exotic trips at a live auction. Professional benefit auctioneers now must really be skilled in communicating the mission of the organization, how guests can become engaged and how their donations can help transform lives and change communities and that is why I have created the workshop so I can offer a personalized coaching and really hands-on case study focus looking at how to enhance your fundraising performance skills from the stage. We are going to be talking about working with nonprofits, looking at increasing your competency in fundraising skills, looking at consulting techniques for nonprofits and committees and boards, and also the all important piece of being an ambassador and being entertaining without having to be the entertainer and that is all underscored by raising more money than ever, creating awareness and engaging your guests so they have a great time and feel wonderful about their contribution.

 These are some of the things that we will cover in our new Beyond Bid Calling workshop and that will be on December 14-15 in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ.So I hope you will join me for Beyond Bid Calling. We hope to see you there. Please keep this in mind that seats are very limited due to the nature of this class so I would encourage you to register as soon as possible and if you have questions feel free to contact me at Kathy@Kingstonauction.com.

Posted in Charity Auctioneer, non profit, non profit auctions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

EPIC FUNDRAISING AUCTION TREND: Excellent Fund-A-Need Appeals Outperforming Live Auctions!

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Kathy Kingston

Kathy shares high performing Fund A Need techniques at her seminar. Photo credit: Gail Feinstein

Are you optimizing this HUGE Benefit Auction Trend? Do you know that many Fund-A-Need/Special Appeals are now raising strikingly more than Live Auctions!

This most profitable trend of the new economy is reverberating all across the country.* Are YOU completely leveraging this HUGE income stream? Literally this is the most IMPORTANT 10 minutes of your entire auction fundraiser!

For example, just a several weeks ago, we raised 11 times the money in Fund-A-Need more than our client’s Live Auction. AND, a Fund-A-Need ONLY event is not unusual. Consider that I raised in excess of $100,000 with a first time event with no auction – exclusively a compelling Fund-A-Need!

Let’s examine why? Many guests are giving generously – but giving strategically at the same time. Let’s face it, not everyone wants or needs another Silent or Live Auction item. Instead of focusing on competitive bidding – leverage your Fund-A-Need Special Appeal, your guests embrace the collaborative giving spirit to support your nonprofit’s transformational programs and services.

What is a successful Fund-A-Need?

Simply, it’s a special opportunity for your guests to raise their bid card at a level that is meaningful for them. A 100% cash tax-deductible gift to support nonprofit services and programs. Most importantly, it’s is preceded by a first person testimonial story or emotional appeal that underscores the needed project or service.

What can Fund-An-Item do for your auction?

  • Raise money on the spot.
  • Generate thousands of dollars in 10 minutes.
  • Inspire guests to give cash during a fast paced appeal.
  • Increase participation at many levels of giving.
  • Increase loyalty to your cause.

You can rivet your guests and focus on your great cause at the same time. Ensure you do not leave money in the room by not capitalizing on the best practices.

What’s in a name? Fund-A-Need. This approach has endless options: Fund-an-Item, Fund-A-Dream, Fund-the-Future, Fund-A-Camper, Fund-A-Cure. Fund-A-Scholar. Fund-the-Hope! Be creative and reach out to raise more funds than ever before. Adapt it to your great cause.

However you must incorporate just the right touch of art, science, business and theatre to in your leverage your “FUND-AN-ITEM” to ensure increased auction profit. A strategically designed and conducted Fund-A-Need will inspired untold generosity. Poorly planned will bring predictable disappointing results. Why risk it?

Quick Tips

  • Select a your much needed special project or program
  • Conduct during your Live Auction
  • Engage your Board, Auction Committed and Donors
  • Deliver brief, inspiring remarks to showcase your project.
  • Involve your auctioneer.
  • Invite guests to raise bid cards at various levels.
  • Start with high levels of giving to low.
  • Thank everyone immensely!

Remember, this is the very best way to leverage our New Economy and cultivate donors for long term giving! Follow up, follow up, follow up. Use this innovative, high performing benefit auction method. Fund-An-Item, a proven charity auction winner. Use these strategies and tips to help you propel your Fund-A-Need light years ahead!

And remember, your Auctioneer must now be an expert in helping nonprofits design and conduct the all important Fund-A-Need, where revenues often more than double Live Auction proceeds.

Auctioneers: It’s up to you! Are you ready you to master your Fund-A-Need and advanced revenue enhancement methods so you will fully support your nonprofits?

Please meet me in Scottsdale December 14 & 15 and transform your fundraising skills and your benefit auction business. Where else can you find this level of innovative, individualized fundraising auctioneer coaching? Spaces are limited, please sign up now! Special early-bird pricing ends TOMORROW!

(*National Auctioneers Association June 2011 research study on Fundraising Trends and the Benefit Auction Business.  This survey reports that almost half of auctioneers reported that their Fund-A-Need profits equal or exceed our Live Auction proceeds.)

Posted in Charity Auctioneer, General, non profit, non profit auctions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Want to know my secret to success?

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Kathy Kingston

This might surprise you…

Learning to champion the nonprofit cause and inspire audience generosity
is the #1 expertise that nonprofits seek in benefit auctioneers.

Please join me for this unique professional development opportunity!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Beyond Bid Calling™: The Benefit Auctioneer Workshop Experience
Wednesday & Thursday: December 14 & 15
2 Full Interactive Days – 9am to 5pm
Hyatt Somerville Suites, Scottsdale, AZ
Instructor:  Kathy Kingston, CAI, BAS
Very limited spaces: Register now

    Early Bird Price ENDS Friday, Nov 18. Sign up today.

    Questions: scroll down for testimonials and feel free to contact me personally: 603-235-1196

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Will You Walk Away With?

  • How to conduct a superb Fund-a-Need ask on and off the stage
  • Communicate effectively with nonprofit staff, volunteers and donors
  • How to orchestrate the best “Show Flow” to intensify fundraising
  • Coach your nonprofit clients to deliver inspiring true stories
  • Spice it up with Auction-tainment” music and theatre techniques
  • “Auction-tainment” music and theatre techniques to spice it up
  • Perfect the 7 Competencies Nonprofits want in their Auctioneer
  • Knowing the biggest mistake auctioneers make trying to quiet the audience
  • Polish your “Event Emcee” skills and make more money
  • How to Stand Apart as a “Auction Ambassador”
  • Practice Advanced Benefit Auction Consulting Methods
  • A true believe in your own ability to book and retain more Benefit Auctions
  • And much more…

If you’d like to book more benefit auctions, this could be the most important training you’ve ever attended.

Kathy, I’m ready … register now

What’s Different about This Workshop?

  • Individualized Performance Coaching and Small Group Setting
  • Custom Tele-Class with Philanthropy Expert  – Sharon Danosky
  • Interactive Case Studies with Hands-On Learning Sessions
  • Videotaping and positive coaching feedback methods
  • Continental breakfasts, lunches and reception included
  • Private Individual Pre-Workshop Teleconference with Kathy Kingston
  • Unlimited follow up 30 days after the Workshop
  • You integrate new performance skills quickly with dynamic practice sessions
  • Results-driven, fun and innovative!

“I wanted to give you a huge thank you for the wealth of knowledge you armed me with- we have conducted four auctions this year (all brand new clients) and have already raised close to $300,000 in live auction and fund-a-mission sections of the auctions – and it’s only January.” PS – all four groups have booked us for 2012!”

Darron Meares, MBA, CAI, MPPA, BAS
COO, Meares Auction Group
Founder, Bowtie Benefit Auctions
South Carolina

“The workshop was truly a pivotal change for me. I left the hotel that day feeling very empowered and confident. Anyway, I wanted to touch base with you and just let you know how much I appreciated the workshop and getting to know you. You are an amazing teacher. I was overwhelmed by the encouragement that every participant gave to one another.”

Mary Cooper, President
Fundraising Consulting Division
Benefit Bidding LLC
Texas

“I attended Kathy Kingston’s course, “Beyond Bid Calling” in Texas. The hands on training and role playing gave me the knowledge and confidence that I needed to be able to raise more money for my non profit clients. My first client after class reaped the benefits during the Special Appeal by raising more money than expected. I was even able to pick up a new client that night as a result of my “performance”. Thank you Kathy for sharing your knowledge with us!”

Christie King, CAI, AARE, BAS
C King Benefit Auctions, President and Founder, Alabama

Since so many auctioneers have asked me for in-depth deeper fundraising and
benefit auction coaching I’ve loaded this training to
turbo-charge your benefit auction business.

Naturally, please feel free to call me personally with any question and ideas.
I hope to see you there!”

To your Unprecedented Auction Success,

PS: Early Bird Price ENDS this Friday, November 18th

Please register now: our class size is intentionally small
for your optimum learning experience! Sign up NOW.

PPS: You are welcome to forward this to anyone who you think
would benefit this workshop.

PPPS:  Get ready to break records in 2012!

Kathy Kingston, CAI, BAS
Fundraising Auction Consultant and Professional Auctioneer
Author of Record Breaking Fundraising Auctions
www.KingstonAuction.com
603-235-1196 direct

BENEFIT AUCTIONEERS: RAISE MORE MONEY AND EXPLODE YOUR BUSINESS!

Beyond Bid Calling Workshop: December 14 & 15  Scottsdale, AZ
Limited spaces, Register Now!  http://www.BeyondBidCalling.com

Benefit Auction Consulting Workshop: August 8 & 9, 2012  Chicago, IL
Sign Up now – Limited registration: http://www.BenefitAuctionConsulting.com

Posted in Charity Auctioneer, Do I Hear A Million?, General, non profit auctions | Leave a comment

What is your #1 Challenge?

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Kathy Kingston

What’s the #1 challenge you’re facing
to increase your Benefit Auction business?

Please join me on Thursday, November 10th. I’m conducting a
special Edition *FREE TeleSeminar just for for Benefit Auctioneers
that I hope you plan to attend.

————————————————————–
In a hurry? http://www.AskKathyKingston.com
————————————————————–

Since so many auctioneers ask me about
how to tap into the $16.3 Billion boom in benefit auctions,
and help nonprofits raise significantly more funds,
I wanted to do something special for you.

DETAILS:
========================================
*Free* TeleSeminar: Explode Your Benefit Auction Business
Raise More Auction Profit – No Matter What

Led by: Kathy Kingston, CAI, BAS

Date:     Thursday, November 10, 2011
Time:     9 am Pacific / 12 noon Eastern
Duration: ~ 60 minutes
Cost:     No-cost for the live call

Register here: http://www.AskKathyKingston.com

========================================

If you would a like to create greater success and propel your auction profits,
I invite you to send me your most pressing question and join me for our
special Benefit Auctioneer Edition Ask Kathy Kingston *FREE Tele-seminar.

‘Ask Kathy Kingston’ is a live, 60-minute, content-rich call where you
determine the content and I answer as many questions (as humanly possible)
about: how to make more money and maximize your fundraising auction efforts.
Learn how to overcome obstacles so that you book more auctions and
create record breaking benefit auctions in any economy.

http://www.AskKathyKingston.com  <==  *free* registration

If you’ve never participated in a Tele-Seminar, now is your chance
to listen in to this content-rich call and get tons of new ideas on
how you can raise more auction revenue and catapult your auction business.

To your unpreceden ted Benefit Auction Success,

 

Kathy Kingston, CAI, BAS
Professional Auctioneer & Consultant
Coach for “All Things” Benefit Auction

P.S Even if you don’t have a question,
please listen in and learn anyway… It’s free.

P.P.S: If you want to tell a friend, send them right here:
http://www.AskKathyKingston.com

P.P.P.S Can’t make the call? No problem!
Those who register will receive a free audio recording.
http://www.AskKathyKingston.com

Kathy Kingston, CAI, BAS
Professional Auctioneer, Benefit Auction Strategist and Consultant
President, Kingston Auction Company
603-235-1196 Mobile
www.KingstonAuction.com

UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FREE TeleSeminar for Benefit Auctioneers
“What’s Your Greatest Challenge To Increase Your Benefit Auction Business?”
Thursday, November 10th at 9am Pacific / 12 Noon Eastern
Kathy answers your questions LIVE!
Sign Up *Free*  http://www.AskKathyKingston.com

Beyond Bid Calling Workshop: December 14 & 15 in Scottsdale, AZ
Limited spaces, Register Now!  http://www.BeyondBidCalling.com

NEW! Benefit Auction Consulting Workshop: August 8 & 9 in Chicago, IL
Sign Up now – Limited registration: http://www.BenefitAuctionConsulting.com

Posted in Charity Auctioneer, Do I Hear A Million?, non profit auctions | Leave a comment

Six Key Components To A Profitable Benefit Auction

Posted on November 7, 2011 by cbss

What are the key components of a profitable benefit auction? Let me share my top six. I call them “Kathy Kingston’s Six “R’s” of a Fundraising Auction”. You have to have the right focus which is fundraising; the right people; the right items; the right auctioneer; the right logistics and planning; and the right fun.

 So here is what I mean about the right focus. I mean focus on the fundraising aspect as opposed to only the social or entertainment aspect. This means making sure all of your guests know before the auction and during the auction exactly where the money is going. So if you are focusing on a school auction and you want to get more scholarships or start a computer technology lab at the school it is critical that you have signage, that your board members are capable of talking about your new project, and that you have your auctioneer and the people who make remarks from the stage tell the crowd where their funds are going to make such a difference in the school.

 The second “R” is people. How do you attract and retain and engage people of means and influence who care about your cause? This in my estimation is one of the most overlooked areas because you can have great items but if people don’t have the capacity to bid on them and support you generously you won’t be maximizing your opportunity at the event.

 The third “R” is your great high yield auction items and by this I mean items that are matched to your audience for their wants and needs. So as opposed to going out and getting any old kind of items think strategically about who is coming to your event and exactly what they want. Here are some examples of good auction items that sell well. People love unique adventure, experiences, travel, dining, wine (if it is legal in your state), and sold out concerts. You have got to engage your top donors and your sponsors and your top bidders from previous years and ask them and study your data. So that is a little bit about getting the right item.

 The next “R” is the right auctioneer. Now, all auctioneers are not created equal. Auctioneers who specialize in fundraising are professional benefit auctioneers and they are uniquely trained to work with you ahead of time, to help you understand how to maximize fundraising as well as to be able to run an exciting profitable auction that utilizes all of the different revenue streams that we need in a modern fundraising economy. The right auctioneer doesn’t cost you any money; you only make money with a professional benefit auctioneer.

 The next “R” is auction logistics and planning and design. Having the right audiovisual equipment. Having the right lighting. Making sure that you communicate with the caterer about the schedule of the evening and when your food is coming out. Making sure that you have the right timeline. Many people are leaving earlier in this economy than they ever have at auctions so positioning your timeline so it is exciting and it has momentum and the fundraising is earlier than you would ever expect will ensure your success.

 The last “R” is the right fun. Do you know that 92% of people who go to auctions in the United States go for a number one reason, and that is fun? That is from the Morpace study that was done by our National Auctioneers Foundation. People who are having fun at auctions who are engaged in the cause give generously. So make sure that you add in those revenue enhancers that are fun and interactive and really keep the spirit alive and the energy.

 When focus on fundraising, people, items, auctioneer, logistics, and fun are all merged that is the recipe for a record-breaking fundraising auction!

Posted in Charity Auctioneer, Do I Hear A Million?, non profit auctions | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments