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NonProfit Network

NonProfit Network

By NonProfit Network

A podcast focused on benefit auctions and fundraising events in the Nonprofit community. We aim to bring value by discussing trends in the industry, sharing authentic insights, and adapting our years of experience to today's fundraising efforts. This podcast is powered by Stokes Auction Group, a group of fundraising professionals that specialize in raising funds to improve communities of all sizes.
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Auction team best practicies

NonProfit NetworkMay 09, 2024

00:00
32:43
Auction team best practicies

Auction team best practicies

Today we talk about on-site team best practices for auctioneers and bid spotters.  Keeping an accurate timeline of the event can be very effective and helps coordinators and auction chairs plan for next years event. 

May 09, 202432:43
Navigating ego

Navigating ego

Today we discuss how to deal with bidders with an ego who don't want to honor their bids, as well as donors who may put a very high value on the items they donate. 

May 02, 202428:05
United Together: The art of community building

United Together: The art of community building

In this episode we talk about uniting a community around the Easter Holiday and how a simple activity can help build support for local businesses and fundraisers.  

Apr 04, 202417:48
Staying on script

Staying on script

Today we discuss the importance of the team sticking to the script for the event. Going off script can be useful but always know you have to get back on track to insure a smooth outcome.

Mar 28, 202430:44
Tempering expectations

Tempering expectations

Today we talk about setting realistic expectations for your event despite having a stellar year last year.  We also talk a little about doubling up live items during the auction.  

Mar 21, 202419:35
Fundraising 101 : Lend a helping hand

Fundraising 101 : Lend a helping hand

In this episode we talk about how everyone from Bid Spotters to Auctioneers to volunteers and the like can step in night-of to make sure the night is a success.  Just because it is not your job, doesn't mean you can't make a difference and help wherever needed.  

Mar 14, 202415:10
Fundraising event etiquette

Fundraising event etiquette

Today we discuss professionalism in public spaces and how important it is to have good etiquette especially at a fundraising event.  

Mar 07, 202418:15
Knowing your audience.

Knowing your audience.

Audience make-up and knowing the vibe of your room.

Mar 01, 202423:10
Event Sustainability

Event Sustainability

Today we are talking how a sustainable event model can be created that will help establish magic in the ballroom on the night of your event.  

Feb 22, 202422:20
Adjusting to adversity

Adjusting to adversity

Today we talk about the first events of the fundraising season and how best to deal with adversity

Feb 08, 202423:39
Teamwork in the fundraising space

Teamwork in the fundraising space

Today Shelby, Kelly and Paulie talk about how a cohesive team is the key to a successful charity event.

Feb 02, 202426:13
Guest Experience

Guest Experience

Today we welcome our special guest Denise Bradley to discuss 'Guest Experience' from both sides of a charity event.

Jan 26, 202414:24
Our member workshop

Our member workshop

Today we are talking about our member workshop that we did yesterday with our special guest, Mark Drilling.

Jan 18, 202433:51
Fundraising in 2024!

Fundraising in 2024!

Today we open up our podcast by introducing a different format.  We are going to talk about current events, have some laughs, and then dig into what we expect to see in 2024 regarding the fundraising space.

Jan 11, 202418:07
Raising too much money?

Raising too much money?

Today we talk about what can happen if you raise too much money at your fundraiser and the funds are not going towards your mission.  

Dec 21, 202320:27
Festival of Trees Fundraisers

Festival of Trees Fundraisers

In this episode we dive in to Festival of Trees fundraisers and talk about how the story behind the tree can be more important than what is offered in it. We also tell you about some new games to play at your event!

Dec 15, 202322:07
Fundraising in the fall

Fundraising in the fall

Today we talk about our events from this past weekend and how these events in the fall compare to events in the spring.  We also talk about our favorite things from this past Thanksgiving.

Dec 07, 202323:18
Roll with it

Roll with it

Today on our Thanksgiving episode we talk about being able to roll with changes that occur right before the show!  We also talk about how thankful we are to be able to do what we do.

Nov 28, 202324:12
Passion for fundraising

Passion for fundraising

In todays episode we talk about being passionate about fundraising.  We all face daily challenges in our personal and professional lives, but if your a fundraising professional it is important to stay focused on the mission and continue to strive for success. 

Nov 16, 202314:51
Fundraising flexibility

Fundraising flexibility

Shelby and Paul talk about staying flexible when unexpected situations arise during the lead up to your fundraising event.  We also talk a little about Halloween!

Nov 02, 202312:45
Fundraising frustrations!

Fundraising frustrations!

Today we talk about the challenges that we all face in the fundraising world.  Each event is unique and brings difficult challenges that can be frustrating, but keeping a positive attitude and realistic goals can help you navigate through difficult times.  

Oct 28, 202322:50
Fundraising auction items

Fundraising auction items

Today Kelly and Paulie talk about consignment items and whether they are a good fit for your event.  We also pay tribute to our auction Godfather Larry Stokes who recently passed away.  

Oct 23, 202323:04
A little bit of everything!

A little bit of everything!

Today we talk about Shelby's trip to the dentist, changing your live auction items and ask a critical question about AI in the fundraising world.  

Oct 19, 202327:16
Thank your fundraising supporters

Thank your fundraising supporters

In this episode we talk about thanking your supporters properly as well as consider removing items that you have sold for many years.

Oct 05, 202319:51
Fundraising auctioneer styles

Fundraising auctioneer styles

Today we discuss the different types and styles of fundraising auctioneers and how that may affect the outcome of your event.  We also talk about the 'Guest Experience' and how it is the most important aspect of fundraising.  

Sep 28, 202331:35
Social Media Event Marketing

Social Media Event Marketing

Today we talk with a social media marketing professional who specializes in pre and post event marketing.  Katya Peterson joins us to help us better understand how to use social media to promote our events. 

Sep 21, 202317:36
Maintaining sponsorships

Maintaining sponsorships

Today we talk about a new twist on a live auction item and dive into maintaining your sponsorships year after year.  

Sep 14, 202320:46
Fundraiser or friend-raiser?

Fundraiser or friend-raiser?

Today we talk about allowing bidding on peoples phone during the live auction and discuss what type of event do you want to have. 

Sep 14, 202325:37
Profile of a donor.

Profile of a donor.

Today we discuss the three most significant attributes of a charity donor, and how you can best leverage that knowledge to build your event.

Aug 31, 202325:56
What is trending?

What is trending?

Today we talk about what type of dinner service would be best for your event as well as ideas regarding negotiating with your vendors.  

Aug 17, 202327:36
Bidder recognition

Bidder recognition

Today we build a bidders list in a very unique way and talk about how important acknowledging bidders by name is.  

Aug 10, 202320:52
Why have a live fundraising auction?

Why have a live fundraising auction?

In this episode we discuss reasons why you should have a live fundraising auction rather than a simple capital campaign.

Aug 03, 202319:29
Favorite movies!

Favorite movies!

Today we are going to find out what our favorite movies are!  We also talk about why Barbie is the latest thing.  

Jul 27, 202322:35
Freshen it up!

Freshen it up!

Today we discuss how we are going to approach the upcoming fall fundraising season and how we can freshen up our approach.  

Jul 24, 202320:24
Unusual inquiries

Unusual inquiries

This episode has Shelby asking Kelly and Paulie some more unusual questions about being an entertainer/auctioneer.

Jul 13, 202323:39
Intriguing Questions

Intriguing Questions

Today it is Paulies turn to as Kelly and Shelby some strange and intriguing questions that you may not expect!

Jul 06, 202321:32
Curious inquiries: Unleashing the unusual

Curious inquiries: Unleashing the unusual

Today Kelly asks the boys some strange and unusual questions about some funny topics!

Jun 22, 202320:25
Awkward situations

Awkward situations

On todays episode we discuss ways to navigate through sticky situations when at a fundraising event.  

Jun 18, 202335:12
What sets us apart?

What sets us apart?

Today Kelly asks the guys questions about what sets us apart from other auction companies.  We also talked about our favorite moments from this last spring event season.  

Jun 08, 202330:48
What do you do if this happens?

What do you do if this happens?

Today we address difficult situations that may occur during a fundraising event like how do you handle an audience that is not focused on raising money.  Or how do you recover from a fund a need that gets off to a rocky start?

Jun 03, 202337:19
Fundraising auction strategies

Fundraising auction strategies

Today we continue our auctioneer Q&A session by asking some tougher questions that ultimately lead to a successful audience experience, and a positive environment for fundraising.  

May 18, 202335:30
FAQ's with 2 charity auctioneers

FAQ's with 2 charity auctioneers

Today Kelly asks Shelby and Paulie some common questions we get regarding fundraising events.  Like what is your favorite game to play at an event, how effective are sound bumps, what are some good characteristics of an MC and how many live items should we have.

May 11, 202330:05
Talking fundraising

Talking fundraising

Today we talked about our events from last weekend and how lucky we are to be a part of the fundraising world. 

May 04, 202327:59
Reach into the grab bag!

Reach into the grab bag!

Today we talked about all kinds of different subjects like what Kelly made us for lunch, a new fun game for your event, selling calendars at your live auction and focusing on rebuilding community relationships

Apr 27, 202330:57
April Q&A

April Q&A

During today's Q&A we talked about a new twist on the Heads and Tails game, fun ways to recognize your sponsors and a unique way to show your audience you appreciate them.

Apr 20, 202323:54
Trust in the system

Trust in the system

In this episode we talk about trusting in the systems that are in place in order to present a successful event.  There are many aspects of an event and many different roles that all come together on the night of.  We also talk about the role of a Bid Spotter and Auction Consultants.  

Apr 20, 202322:23
Be effective and inspire joy

Be effective and inspire joy

Today we talk about ways to inspire your attendees and convey your message effectively.

Apr 20, 202319:32
Growing your fundraising event.

Growing your fundraising event.

In this episode we talk about how to grow your event by building a solid leadership team and educating your audience about what you expect from them. #stokesauctiongroup #fundraisingevent #fundraiserfanatics .30 - Intro 2:02 - Last weekend in review 17:50 - Todays topic - Growing your event 19:30 - Putting together the right team 23:16 - Train your audience 25:35 - Funny story from Kelly's event Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StokesAuctionGroup

Youtube (Video Version): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGTYqj5FSHcdIR-OuzQxu0Q

Email: Auction@StokesAuctionGroup.com

Sign up for our Live Q&A!


Intro music

Brighter Days Ahead by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com"""

Apr 03, 202331:23
Fundraising Auction Audience Development part 2!

Fundraising Auction Audience Development part 2!

Today we are taking a deeper dive into developing your audience.  Expanding your reach in the community continues to be an important aspect in building your event, but also keep in mind offering items that fit your audience is equally important for a successful fundraiser. #fundraisingevent #stokesauctiongroup #fundraiserfanatics

15 - Intro 

2:56 - Events this past weekend 

16:45 - Reach out to the right people who can support your event.  

18:06 - Focus on growing your audience and offer items they want.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StokesAuctionGroup

Youtube (Video Version): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGTYqj5FSHcdIR-OuzQxu0Q

Email: Auction@StokesAuctionGroup.com

Sign up for our Live Q&A!

Intro music

Brighter Days Ahead by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Mar 16, 202328:56
Fundraising Auction Adversity

Fundraising Auction Adversity

Today we are talking about how to handle unexpected situations that may occur at your event.  Dealing with a medical emergency during your event can change the feel of the evening.  Having a plan can help you navigate this and other situations like losing power or having your mobile bidding site go down.  #fundraiserfanatics #fundraisingevent #stokesauctiongroup  

.30 - Introduction 

2:40 - Week in review 

6:42 - Dealing with an emergency during the event 

12:12 -Reconnecting after a situation 

13:52 - Other unexpected problems 

19:18 - Have a backup plan 

21:40 - When should you move on? 

25:26 - Bonus topic - What should you do if...


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StokesAuctionGroup

Youtube (Video Version): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGTYqj5FSHcdIR-OuzQxu0Q

Email: Auction@StokesAuctionGroup.com

Sign up for our Live Q&A!

Intro music

Brighter Days Ahead by Mixaund | https://mixaund.bandcamp.com

Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Mar 09, 202331:29