The Auctioneer America’s Oldest, Greatest and Most Misunderstood Profession

1. The Auctioneer America’s Oldest, Greatest and Most Misunderstood Profession

2. Why become an Auctioneer? • Auctions were introduced over 2,000 years ago and the industry continues to grow every year • In 2008, $268.5 billion in goods and services were sold at live auction in the U.S. An increase of 5.3% from 2007. • Anything and everything is sold at auction • Automobile - $83.1 billion (2008) • Real Estate - $58.6 billion (2008) • Art, antiques, collectibles & personal property - $21.6 billion (2008) • Heavy machinery & equipment - $31.2 billion (2008)

3. Auctioneer is… • Asset disposition expert • Marketing specialist • Advertising expert • Professional problem solver • Entrepreneur • Business manager

4. Auctioneers… • Take responsibility for helping their clients receive the highest dollar value for their assets • Turn their clients assets into cash efficiently and effectively in a short period of time • Work with individuals and businesses everyday • Are educated and well-trained sales professionals

5. The advantages of being an Auctioneer • Be your own boss • Opportunity to help people and businesses • Travel • New opportunities and challenges every day • Interaction with all types of people • Work in an exciting, fun, and fast-paced career

6. What Consumers Think of Auctioneers(2004 Harris Interactive Survey) • Consumers have a favorable impression of Auctioneers 92% • Auctions are FUN 97% • Auctions offer great values 83%

7. Getting Started in the Auction Business

8. Getting StartedInvestments and Business Expenses

9. Market Your New Auction Business and Grow Your Business • Advertising • Web Site • Direct Mail • Business Cards • Billboards

10. Build a Business Plan • What are your goals, mission and vision? • Where do you want your career and business to be in…. • 1 year • 5 years • 10 years

11. You Will Need a Team! • Employ staff who share your vision • Employees must be committed to serving both your clients and your customers • Employees must understand your business goals and objectives • Your employees must share your energy and passion for auctions!

12. Get Organized • To be a successful Auctioneer you must pay attention to the details and be organized. • Establish a system to manage each and every auction from consigning the items you are charged with selling, to paying your customers once the item sells. • Always maintain an open and positive line of communication with your clients and customers.

13. Stay Up To Speed in the Profession and Industry • The auction industry is changing every day. • Be a constant student and always seek more information. • Continue to seek out information about your areas of specialty and changes in the industry. • Always aim to be “the expert” in your specialty • Never be satisfied with the knowledge you already possess. It isn’t enough. • Join your national and state association and stay connected to the profession and your fellow Auctioneers. • There is no such thing as TOO MUCH INFORMATION and TOO MUCH NETWORKING in the auction profession

14. Are you SOLD on Auctioneering? To learn more about the auction profession and industry visit the National Auctioneers Association at www.auctioneers.org