I was asked years ago to be the auctioneer for a gala. “Great!”, I thought. “I love the microphone and I love sales! Afterall, I hold a degree in News Reporting and Editing and I had a radio show for several years. I’ll be doing them a favor.” WRONG! That gala raised tens of thousands of dollars and I know now after paid training and mentoring from the country’s best and years of experience; they should have paid a professional. Now I know what I didn’t know.
- Professionally Trained at a Recognized Auction School, ask to see diploma.
- The Benefit Auctioneer Specialist (BAS) designation means they understand NPO’s.
- Only the National Auctioneer’s Association assigns the BAS designation.
- She understands your audience is made up of precious donors, not ATM’s.
- Your BAS WILL NEVER touch your money, only you will.
- Their pitch and clarity should match what your audience will understand. Ask for a demo.(Not a car or cattle auction sound!)
- They know your crowd is there to be first and foremost respected and not “sold” to.
- They can help with endeavors beyond the Auction to raise money for your cause.
- Their training should enable them to look at your timeline and help you maximize your results.
- If they are good, they can read the room and perform at will for maximum results.
- She/He knows the difference between auction options, lineup, and timing.
- He/ She will likely raise 10X of what they charged you.
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