Above the Crowd Noise

    Recently, I met with a client in a crowded restaurant in Baltimore.  We were discussing how to approach his Charity Auction in regard to ticket sales.

    While talking to him, I could barely hear a word and had to ask him to speak a little louder even though he was sitting directly across from me.

Suddenly, it hit me.  I asked him if he could pick out just one conversation that was going on around us.  He looked back at me asking why was I asking so I told him the following.

    Currently there are 104 Million Charities in the U.S., all hosting fundraising events.  Every single person in the U.S. gets hounded by all of these charities wanting them to attend their fundraiser.  The same with businesses, all of the same charities are seeking donations. 

    The sound of all of these charities to each individual person is like the crowd noise in the restaurant.  There are so many charities asking, their voices are drowned out by the other charities.  Every where you go today, people are being approached by Charities.  For instance, just yesterday, during check out at a local store, there was this sign supporting the Children's Miracle Network.  Evidently, if the cashier does ask you to donate to CMN, you receive a free bottle of soda.

    So my client said he couldn't determine one, in fact, you could barely pick out a single word anyone was saying.  The same is true with Charities today.  Either on TV, Magazines, billboards, signs, Radio etc.  Charities are trying to get the word out while trying to gain support.

    How do you think the HUGE Charities host tremendous fundraising events?  Because people attend to be a part of the event, not always to support the charity.  Everyone loves to have a great time and especially have a great meal and to enjoy themselves.  The key is build the event!!!  Plan a fantastic event and invest your time to build it.  Make the event about the event itself.  Everyone wants to see people and be seen.  Work on the event, leading with that and then hosted by your charity. 

    Remember the crowd noise?  Some of the most important things to build are the Venue, the meal and most especially the items available to bid on.   People will be drawn to all three of those and also tell their friends.  By following this method, you will soon see how your event becomes the place to be. 

    The items available to bid on incredibly important - be different, be unique and present people with items they do not normally see, other then the normal donated items (i.e. Gift Baskets, Gift Certificates).

Be different, be unique....build it, and they will come!!!  If you would like more tips that bring people to your event, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.  We would love to help.