honesty & integrity in the southwest auction industry

1. Honesty & Integrity in the Southwest Auction Industryby Deb Weidenhamer,President & CEO

2. Honest & Integrity Are you a regular attendee of Southwest auctions or an owner or employee of an auction company? Are you concerned with honesty and integrity in the Southwest auction industry? Then you have come to the right place.

3. Doing What is Right When No One is Looking My seven-year-old nephew Baylor recently received a gift of marbles. He had never played marbles before so he asked his uncle to teach him how to play. The technique of thumb placement and proper marble shooting were reviewed and it was decided that for every three chances Baylor took at the game his uncle would take one. The game progressed nicely and Baylor began to master art of shooting of marbles. Baylor insisted that it was now time for the two to compete as equals taking alternating turns. He didn't need any extra help to win the game. When the game was over, Baylor asked his grandmother for three pieces of candy and was told he could only have two. With a look of disappointment on his face he took his two candies and walked away. Trying to be a hero, I slipped him an extra candy when his grandmother wasn't looking. He quietly walked back to the candy dish, lifted the lid and replaced the extra candy. There was no fanfare, he didn't explain his actions or make sure someone was watching him do the right thing -- he just returned what wasn't rightfully his. As I watched the process it reminded me that integrity isn't something we talk about it is something we do even when no one else is looking.

4. Integrity in the Southwest Auction Industry As auctioneers, we often tell our clients about our honesty and integrity. We even reference it in our advertising. But the question comes; do we do the right thing when no one is watching? Does integrity come to us as naturally as it came to this little boy?

5. Integrity in the Southwest Auction Industry With the beginning of a new year and changing times in our world, it is time to reexamine our Southwest auction practice and remind ourselves to anchor our businesses on virtue and honor. When we make a proposal to a Southwest auction client, we may be able to offer better service, a larger buyer base for merchandise and technological advantages - but does any of it matter if we don't conduct a Southwest auction with integrity?

6. Choose a Reputable Southwest Auction House My seven-year-old nephew, Baylor reminded me that it is not about who may be watching you it is about keeping an eye on yourself. May our future be full of challenges that we all meet head-on, in a manner that would make a seven-year-old proud. If you are considering conducting business with a Southwest auction house, be sure to choose a Southwest auction house that values honesty and integrity and will do the right thing when no one is watching.

7. About the Author Deb Weidenhamer is President of Auctions Systems Auctioneers & Appraisers, Inc., based in Phoenix, Arizona. They specialize in auctions and professional appraisals. Visit us at http://www.auctionandappraise.com/auctions.html or call 800-801-8880 for more information about our Southwest auction company.