If you are thinking about hiring a professional auctioneer for your fundraising event, do it! The investment is well worth it, says Taylor Beveridge, Director of Philanthropy at Carlsbad Educational Foundation. “I fully subscribe to hiring a professional auctioneer.”
Anyone who has attended fundraising events has probably witnessed the performance of an amateur, “volunteer” auctioneer - tapped from within the organization itself to sell items to the highest bidders in the audience. But Beveridge advises fellow nonprofit professionals: “Don’t hire the volunteer. It is not going to benefit your organization in the same way.”
Likening auctioneering to the tricky task of delivering a best man or maid of honor speech, Beveridge says, “You know it’s coming, and you’re kind of ready to wince a little bit.”
Beveridge continues: “As nonprofit professionals, we’re always trying to think of how to cut costs; how we can maximize these donations. It feels like it would be easy to get a volunteer to come run your auction.”
As tempting as it sounds to conserve funds by pressing a volunteer into service, however, Beveridge has seen how essential professional experience is to the energy and success of an event. Professional auctioneers, like KLM Auctions founder Keith McLane, have the background and knowledge to read and lead a room. A well-intentioned but underskilled volunteer might cause a crowd to cringe and feel uncomfortable, demotivating them to donate.
After considering five or six auctioneers for their event, Beveridge’s organization decided to go with “the best… somebody with credibility,” because at the end of the day, “It’s one of the most critical pieces of your event. You’re investing in the professional, because it matters so much.”
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This clip is from Episode 1 of KLM Auctions’ new video podcast Friends with Benefit Auctions, featuring an expert conversation with Taylor Beveridge, Director of Philanthropy at Carlsbad Educational Foundation, Kristi Maryman, Senior Manager at the Sacramento SPCA, and Rachel Schmidt, the Director of Marketing at English in Action. Watch the full discussion on KLM Auctions’ Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@KLMAuctions
Hosted by KLM Auctions Founder and Lead Auctioneer Keith McLane, “Friends With Benefit Auctions” is a new video-podcast featuring conversations with experts in the nonprofit development, educational, fundraising, and live event spaces from around the country, talking all things auction, benefit fundraising and live charity events. This dynamic series explores insider tips, tricks, and juicy details regarding the exciting benefit auction and professional fundraising space, focusing on what it takes to make an event really pop.
KLM Auctions is the nation’s premier provider of event-based fundraising advisory services and professional charity/benefit auctioneers. Get in touch with us about your next electric fundraising event here: https://www.klmauctions.com/contact-us
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