People often ask me, "Why did you become an auctioneer?" The simple answer is that I saw it as another way to advance my speaking career ... after all, isn't auctioneering just very fast speaking? (It's actually much more, but I'm sure you can see the appeal for someone who enjoys being on a public platform, sharing with and motivating those around me.)
The more complex answer is that it became an extension of my desire to be an entrepreneur in a unique field where women are not typically encountered. When I started, I knew training and licensing would be involved. I thought I could manage that without any problem. Until I received my first assignment. I was asked to learn to chant, very, very quickly, and with feeling: "Betty Botter bought some butter. But, said she, this butter's bitter. If I put it in my batter, it will make my batter bitter. But a bit of better butter will but make my batter better. Then she bought a bit of butter better than the bitter butter, made her bitter batter better." And, of course, when I first encountered them, these weren't just words on a page. They were on a CD being chanted flawlessy by a master at auctioneering. My first response was, "No way. I can't do this. I'm in over my head."
As is often the case, though, when we set difficult goals and take risks, I made it through. I had some "failures" along the way . . . though I prefer to think of them as great learning experiences and new "speech" material. I use them in my presentations and discussions as I work with others to identify the risks they are willing to take to achieve their own goals.
When I first envisioned myself as an auctioneer, I didn't understand how many auction companies across the country are 2nd and 3rd generation, family owned and run businesses. It was difficult to begin working and find clients because folks are loyal to those families. I have worked hard to find a niche that doesn't conflict with them and to build my own reputation and business. I have focused on auctioning real estate and helping non-profits raise much needed funds for important services.
I now provide local and global auction services, specializing in real estate and benefit/fundraising auctions. I hold the CAI designation as a graduate of the prestigious Certified Auctioneer Institute, the three-year premiere business and professional management program for Auctioneers. I also hold the AARE (Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate) and BAS (Benefit Auctioneer Specialist) designations, all part of the National Auctioneers Association. And I am graduate of the Missouri Auction School, Certified Appraisers Guild of America (CAGA), and holds a Pennsylvania real estate license.
I have sold multiple high-value properties and have assisted colleagues across the country do the same. From spider-infested, hidey-holes to priceless antiques, I have seen and handled it all. It's a wondrous world filled with unique, beautiful, intriguing, and historic collections and homes.
I am filled with joy over what I, with the help of family, friends and clients, have experienced. I feel extraordinarily blessed to do what I do. I believe all of us can achieve the same feelings of joy if we set our sights on finding a path that allows us to do what we love and be who we are . . . even if that path is sprinkled with a few risks and scary moments along the way.
Tammy Miller, CAI, AARE, BAS
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