Auction Success in a Down Economy

3. Ask!
And do not stop asking; be unabashedly explicit about raising money and where you need the funds. In many cases the economy has had incredibly challenging effects on the people you serve. Now is the time to communicate how much your donors' investments will positively affect your cause.

Because of the tough economy, it’s crucial to tell donors that you need their support now more than ever. Be specific in explaining how your organization is making a difference and how donors are part of the solution.

Make sure every single donor in your database knows what you are doing and why his or her involvement is so critical to your continued success.

4. Embrace best practices.
This is no time for your auction to be an amateur event. Stack the deck in your favor by employing benefit auction best practices such as focusing on audience development to increase the level of guests who have the means and influence to bid higher to support your cause; soliciting premium items that your guests really want; designing your auction with momentum and exciting timing; and using the latest in online auctions and benefit auction technology.

Now, more than ever, a professional auctioneer who specializes in benefit auctions will maximize your fundraising efforts and create an entertaining, successful evening that takes the risk out of fundraising.



So chart your course and deeply explore each of these four strategic directions. By branding your mission, deepening personal connections with your auction guests, explicitly asking for investment in your cause and using auction best practices, you can have a record-breaking fundraising auction in any economy.

Kathy Kingston is president of the Hampton, N.H.-based fundraising auctions business Kingston Auction Company.