Keeping up with this fast changing industry

I hear a lot.... how has the economy changed your business. Sad to say it has helped. Prices are down and quantity is up. I have been back in the industry for 8 years and I'm floored every day how things change. To keep up.... That is probably one of the most difficult things we as auctioneers and company's face. As Julie Carter said last week stay on the cutting edge not the bleeding edge. That was a big wake up call. Our company was usually teetering on that edge now we just fight to keep up. I really enjoyed meeting so many people last week at CAI (certified auction institute). The guys from Rasmus Online Auctioneers were a real treat. To hear from a company that mainly focuses on online sales was great.

So here we sit in a difficult generation gap of bid callers and online auctioneers. Where is the auction industry heading. It has been a big debate for a few months. Just keep in mind the next generation will not be doing as much manual labor. We can get much more done with our fingers on the Internet than with our backs in the trenches. Just ask your self one question how would I want to buy this next time you market an item. Believe me you can get a lot more creative online and with a camera than you can behind an auction block. Don't get me wrong 98% of the auctions I do are live and with no online bidding and I feel that I'm missing out on a big opportunity.

Thank You for reading.
Jack Christy Jr.,CAI,BAS,ATS,PRI


Weston and I at the Indians game that was rained out

Weston at his first baseball game

Family owned auction businesses.

    As if the auction industry isn't hard enough a lot of company's are a family owned and operated. Most of these company's are very successful and stay on the cutting edge. This is coming from experience the more family involved the harder it gets. You will start to feel like you are walking on thin ice. It's hard to say no or your wrong to a family member. On the other hand it's great to praise them. I believe in business it should be the opposite and you should be able to give constructive criticism. Also remember that it will come back and embrace it. Once you do embrace it that is a rewarding feeling because you will have the thoughts of I didn't think of that.

    There will always be one family member that is the "go to person" that is great. Every company needs a leader. Just ensure everyone is on the same page. Regular meeting with all members are important. Ensure meetings are about the company and everyone is still on track. Here is one of the most important things that nobody like talking about. Keep feelings aside and business the front runner. Ensuring that everyone is where they want and need to be in the company. There are a lot of company's out here that have owners or employees that do not want to be there. They will plateau the business and will not let it grow by staying at idle. The need to improve and keep up with the times should be everyone's number one priority.

    So in closing. I believe to have a successful family owned business you need trust. Trust each other to do their part and not to micro manage them. I'm always amazed by the way employees will do things if their empowered. Just give them a job and remember that they will not do it as you would but expect it to be completed as if you have done it.

Thank you all for reading and check back soon for another blog.

Jack L Christy Jr., CAI,BAS,ATS,PRI


Melissa Davis and I the evening she took over Indiana Auctioneer Association presidency.