Successful fundraising events require an emcee who can entertain, engage and encourage your audience to open their wallets. Who are you going to pick for the job? A volunteer? A local celebrity? A member of your organization?
Many Nonprofits assume the job of hosting is simple - any outgoing person who isn’t afraid of public speaking can surely do it, right? This assumption can hurt an organization's chances for success. It may be time to reconsider and look at hiring a professional benefit auctioneer.
The most common reason Nonprofits avoid hiring a professional charity auctioneer is the expense. This rational is short sighted because these professionals offer more than just gravitas when it comes to running a successful fundraiser.
Whether you are expecting 30 guests or 300, paying for a professional benefit auctioneer to run your event is an essential part of hosting a successful fundraiser. Here’s why...
1. Benefit Auctioneers Are Fundraising Specialists
Auctioneers can specialize in any number of trades or industries - everything from selling cars to trading cattle - so it makes sense that some auctioneers are more qualified than others for work with charity events.
Auctioneers who have earned the Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designation from the National Auctioneers Association have completed advanced training to learn how to make charity auctions successful. Their expertise goes beyond the act of chanting items at your live auction. BAS auctioneers are specialists with years of event fundraising experience who will help you throughout the entire process of planning and executing your event.
2. Benefit Auctioneers Are Consultants
Let’s face it – you’re not going to be able to anticipate every issue that comes up during your planning process. This is where a benefit auctioneer can be invaluable.
Auctioneers don’t just show up on the night of the event, chant the auction and then leave. The good ones will offer you consultation and guidance throughout the event planning process.
Have a question about your auction items? Issues with procurement? How about entertainment? Ask a benefit auctioneer. Many have worked on hundreds of events just like yours so they will have a plethora of first-hand experience to draw from and offer suggestions.
3. Benefit Auctioneers are Crowd Pleasers
Even if you have an enthusiastic, outgoing volunteer who is willing to emcee your event, the chances are pretty slim he or she knows how to captivate an audience. Auctioneers, on the other hand, know how to keep audience members entertained and engaged in between agenda items. This will have a direct impact on your bottom line because happy guests are bidding guests!
An experienced benefit auctioneer will even take the time to learn about your audience beforehand so they can utilize the right strategy to maximize participation, enjoyment and bidding.
4. Benefit Auctioneers Raise More Money
In addition to the intangible benefits already listed, professional auctioneers will simply raise more money. Auctioneers have built their career on being able to work a crowd and coax every last dollar out of those who want to spend. They know when to be funny and when to be sentimental. When to soft sell and when to be bullish.
This isn't limited to live auctions, either. Professional auctioneers know how and when to direct people to the silent auction tables, and how to involve the audience in a quick mini-game between agenda items to raise a few extra hundred dollars. They will be dedicated to maximizing your fundraising efforts not only because they do this for a living, but because they also want you to hire them again in the future!
If you have a fundraising event on the horizon that includes a benefit auction, improve your chances for success by hiring a professional benefit auctioneer to run the event and consult with you in the planning process.
To find a Benefit Auction Specialist in your area, visit http://naaauction.com/find-auctioneer and select "Benefit & Charity".
Winspire also works with a network of trusted benefit auctioneers across North America. We would be happy to provide free referrals in your area.
