Archive for November, 2009
Internet Turns 40
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On October 29th 1969, the first transmission between two computers took place between the University Of California and the Stanford Research Institute. After this amazing occasion, however, it wasn’t until the mid 1970’s that engineers developed a way to link networks together to create the internet. Today the internet is accessed by more than a billion users and that’s only the beginning of the facts. Did you know 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met via social media? If Facebook were a country, it would be the world’s 4th largest between the United States and Indonesia (note that Facebook is now creeping up – recently announced 300 million users). One out of 6 higher education students are enrolled in online curriculum. 80% of Twitter usage is accomplished without a personal computer. People update their Twitter anywhere, anytime. Imagine what that means for bad customer experiences. There are over 200,000,000 blogs. 24 of the 25 largest newspapers are experiencing record declines in circulation because we no longer search for the news, the news finds us. The facts are staggering.
Some feel that the internet is as important as food, water, air, or even life itself. In fact Finland has just become the first country in the world to declare broadband Internet access a legal right, not a privilege mind you, but a legal right for all its citizens.
The internet is vital to your success, whether you are an auctioneer or a nonprofit organization. If you are in the world of business and are not using all that the internet has to offer — blogs, social networks and all the other streams — because you feel it takes up too much time or it is just used for socializing, you are not maybe losing revenue you are losing revenue. Hire someone that can connect you to these online opportunities if you do not have the time yourself. Are you ready for the revolution?
Jay Leno’s Ratings Are Sinking Despite All the Marketing, Hype and New Time Slot
Posted by: | CommentsDespite the new look, Jay Leno’s new show’s viewer ratings are dropping. Some say it’s because he changed his comedy writers. Others are saying it’s his time slot. But one thing is for sure, if his show continues to lose viewers, his show will not be on very long.
The news comes as Leno’s ratings continue to soften. Six weeks since his 10 p.m. debut of “The Leno Show”, he hit a series low (1.2) on Friday. Then episodes on Monday (1.4) and Wednesday (1.5) were the lowest yet for those respective nights, with Tuesday (1.8) matching its low.
Hosting a fundraising event is very similar.
The time slot of your event is important. You might have people accustomed to a Friday night and switching to what appears to be a better time slot, like a Saturday, could have negative effects. Just like Jay Leno switching his time slot. However, hosting an auction on a Saturday is traditionally the best day for an event and usually brings in larger groups of potential donors. Although having a better time slot (like Jay Leno) is not the only thing to rely on.
Jay Leno’s comedy writers and their group meetings are a lot like the planners and committees of well-ran profitable fundraising events.
Planning the time the auction starts, when to have the food, scheduling entertainment that adds and not distracts from the event, and when the event will end. The list goes on and on. (For a free detailed list of how to plan a successful charity auction, contact us.)
By the time the television show starts and is live on the air, there is little that can be done to affect the show just like an auction. It’s the time and hard work spent before the event that will make the night a success.
To have an event filled with energy and guests that aren’t just following the mundane motions of going to a fundraising auction but are involved, excited, and emotionally connected to the charity auction, takes the commitment and professionalism of a group of knowledgeable people ready for the curtain call.
Taylor Mitchell, 19-Year-Old Canadian Folk Singer, Killed by Coyotes
Posted by: | CommentsTaylor Mitchell showed signs of being a great success in the folk music industry at the young age of 19. Her new album, “For Your Consideration”, was well-liked and led her nomination for the Canadian Folk Music Award for young performer of the year!
Tragedy struck while hiking Tuesday in the highlands of Nova Scotia, when she was attacked by two coyotes. A group of hikers scared the coyotes away and she was taken to the hospital and air lifted to Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. Tragically the injuries were so severe that she did not recover. This bright rising star died October 28th 2009.
As a benefit and charity auctioneer, I hope her legacy and mind for the arts lives on not only through her music and followers, but through some form of foundation.
It’s sad that many folks make an impact in our life and we don’t carry on their legacy. It should be our goal to continue their positive impact in the world. This reminds me of the story of the butterfly effect or the way the ripple of a wave can have an impact across the globe. It’s the positive impact, like Taylor Mitchell’s life, that needs to be planted so it lives on.
These are the minds that need to continue to affect and inspire us and also get people to believe in something bigger than ourselves.
Think of someone that has affected your life or an organization that has made an impact. Help that voice continue to be heard and you will have thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, backing you saying, “I am here to stand up and be counted for the cause!”
