When I started my business, a friend advised me to hire a coach who was no more than five years further along in their business than I was. That way, the coach would still remember the challenges and fears relevant to someone like me. The coach would be able to share tools and strategies appropriate for me -- a solopreneur -- instead of techniques more appropriate for someone operating a business with several employees. Similarly, when planning your auction gala, it doesn't make sense to ... Read On >
Other
Election Day – My simple political platform
When COVID-19 arrived in March, the advertisements and emails landing in my in-box started to change. Most companies and organizations addressed what was dominating the news cycle -- coronavirus. They expressed concern for those who were ill, those working on the front lines, and those who lost their jobs. But not Wayfair. Wayfair pounded my inbox with a steady stream of emails each week, advertising cheap ottomans, discounted lighting, trendy decor, and more. Their inattention to the ... Read On >
Wine is the new (coronavirus-safe) auction consignment package
Last Thursday a big box arrived on my doorstep. Unlike so many of the packages I receive, I had to sign for this one. I didn’t know what was in it. After the UPS truck pulled off, I investigated. I couldn’t remember ordering anything that would require such a large box. Plus, it was heavy. I cut the tape to see what was inside. I saw two Styrofoam containers. And then I removed the lid of the Styrofoam container. Aha! I immediately remembered a call I’d received from a consignor who ... Read On >
Should you cancel? Coronavirus (COVID-19) and your auction
I was going to share some thoughts about school class art projects today. But that was before one of my Kansas City readers asked a question about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). "I'm curious," she wrote, "if you have any events canceling or postponing because of the coronavirus? What are their contingency plans?" =============================== When news of COVID-19 broke, I initially thought I'd not write anything publicly. Focused attention on any subject allows it to gain ... Read On >
Perspective matters: 3 stories about school auctions
This past weekend I shared some work stories with a friend who knows nothing about school auctions. She thought they were interesting. Maybe you will, too. The underlying theme is perspective, and how and where you live influences your school auction. ============================ The influx of wealth from China is shaping school auctions At one of my big-city school auctions two years ago, a one-week stay in Greece sold for $25k. The buyer was a student's grandparent. The woman ... Read On >