Corey Sekura Chief Execu ve Officer and President
The 10 Most Promising Online Auction & Bidding Companies
Transforming Industries
Revolu onizing Retail Through Social Commerce and Online Auc ons
Online Auc on How the Internet and Technology are Changing Auc ons?
Managing Editor
Bhushan Bhad
Whatdoesyourmindpictureinstantaneouslyas
youhearthewords“auction”and“bidding”?
Mostofushaveanideaabouthowauctionsare conductedintheworldofcinema.We’veseenauctioneers describeanitemandthenprospectivebuyersraisetheir paddlestoplaceabiddingpriceonthem.Forthemostpart, auctionstakeplacethesameway,obviouslywithamuch lessflareofdramaticsandsuspensethathappensinthe films.
Likemanyglobalbusinessespivotedtoonlinemodeduring thepandemic,theauctionandbiddingspacealsofollowed thetrailandonlineauctioningbecameamuchmore commonphenomenonduringthisperiod.Therecame numerousadvantagesinthesectorwithmostofthe auctioningbusinesshappeningonline,frommorebuyers comingtobidapromisingpriceonaparticularcommodity orservicebecauseoftheaccessibilityfactororcosteffectivityofthebusinessactivityduetoitsonlinemode.
Onlineauctionandbiddinghaveundoubtedlyreachedafar greateraudienceduringthistimeandrecognizingthis growthmanycompanieshaveleveragedtheopportunityto makeoptimumofit.Thesecompaniesareprovidinga fittingplatformforpotentialbuyersandsellerstoconduct auctionsonlinewithmucheaseandefficiency.
,, Online auction and Bidding platforms is the future proof road map that is advancing the industry to its deserving success.
Torecognizesuchproficientplatforms,weatInsights Successhavecomeupwithaneditioncalled“The10Most PromisingOnlineAuction&BiddingCompanies”.The coverofthiseditionfeaturesTeamAuctionswhichisa completeAuctionCenterforRealEstate,Equipment,and ConsignmentAuctions.
Linedupinthelistaremoresuchdisruptiveplatformsthat aretrailblazingtheauctionandbiddingspace.Flipthrough thepagesofthiseditiontoknowtheirstoriesandget enlightenedonthelatestinsightsfromtheindustrygivenby theindustryexpertsthemselves.Also,makesuretoreadthe articleswrittenbyourdedicatedin-houseeditorialteam.
Haveaninterestingread!
- Trishika Rokade
Editor-in-Chief Mary D’souza
Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Art & Design Head
Co-designer
Anish Miller
Bhushan Bhad
Art & Design Assistant Visualiser David King
Business Development Manager
Rohil Shinganapurkar
Paul
Revati Badkas
Sherin Rodricks
Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Business Development Executives
Kelly, David
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants Prachi, Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executive Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
sales@insightssuccess.com
April, 2022
Auctim auctim.com
AuctionHouseLondon auctionhouselondon.co.uk
BertolamiFineArt bertolamifineart.com
BVAAuctions bva-auctions.com
ClassicCarAuctions classiccar-auctions.com
ChristopheMoyersoen CEOandFounder
Auctimisaninternationalauctionhousenetwork.Itisthelargest onlineauctionplatformconnectingbuyersandsellersinover160 countries.
MaxSold maxsold.com
AndrewBinstock DirectorandAuctioner
AuctionHouseLondonhasresidentialandcommercialproperty auctioneersservicingLondonandtherestoftheUK.
Proppy proppy.co.nz
ShipshewanaAuction &FleaMarket shipshewanatrading place.com
Spink&Son spink.com
TeamAuctions teamauctions.com
ScarlettMatassi SocialMediaManager
TacoValk BidderMarketing Manager
MaxVanDerPluijm OnlineMarketeer
BarryGordon Founder
AtBertolamiFineArt,peopletakepartinauctionswheretheycan bid,buyandcollectmodernorcontemporaryart,oldmasters, jewelry,antiquities,watches,coins,andmedals.
BVAAuctionsisaEuropeanmarketplaceine-commerce.Ithas 140,000onlinelotseverymonthwithdormantinventory, returns,overstockandbusinessclosures.
ClassicCarAuctionsismakingauctioningspecialtyinvehicles since2010.Throughitspersonaland‘fullservice’approach, auctioningandbiddingonclassiccarsgoteasier
MaxSoldconnectssellerstoanexistingpoolofinterested biddersandbuyers.
HannahWalker Co-Founder
BrianLambright BusinessDevelopment Director
MiraAdusei-Poku COO
Proppyisasmarterwaytobuyandsellrealestateonline.The companyoffersonlinepropertyauctions,negotiations,tender, signingoflegalagreementsdigitally,andstreamliningthe propertytransactiononline.
ShipshewanaTradingPlace/ShipshewanaAuctionInc.isa destinationinIndiana’sAmishCountryfamousforhostingthe ShipshewanaFleaMarket.ItistheMidwest’sLargestFlea Marketwithover700vendors.
Spink&Sonareanauctionandcollectiblescompanyknown principallyfortheirsalesofcoins,banknotes,stockandbond certificatesandmedals.
CoreySekura CEOandPresident
TeamAuctionsservesWesternCanada'sindustrialand constructionequipment,farmsales,realestateandauction industrieshandlingalltypesofsales.
Execu ve
and President
Equipment – Real Estate - Consignment
It’s ever-expanding buyer population and easy-to-execute consignment and buying experience will continue to grow this company in the future.
The21st-centuryisblessedwithinnovationsand
digitization.Aclearshiftcanbeseenfromthe industrialrevolutiontotheneweconomic dominationofinformationtechnology
Today,digitaltechnologieshaveemergedasamajorplayer inshapingthefuture.Anexcellentexampleofthesameis thephenomenoncallede-auctionportals.
Theonlineauctionplatformshavemadeeverything possibleandeasierforpeopletoday,fromreachingoutto themostbuyerstosellingdifferentassetsforthebestprices intheshortesttime.
Thisedition, The 10 Most Promising Online Auction and Bidding Companies,emphasizesthecompaniesthathave leveragedthecapabilitiesofinnovationtodeliver fascinatingnewwaysofauctioning.Aprominentname amongthosecompaniesisTeamAuctions
TeamAuctions,alsoknownas Sekura Auctions,isoneof thefastest-growingauctioncompaniesinCanada,servicing off-siteandon-site,real-estate,industrial,andfarm auctions.Thiscompanyhasbeenoperatingforover60 yearswithgreatachievements.
Inthefollowinginterviewwith Insights Success,Corey Sekura,ChiefExecutiveOfficerandPresidentatTeam Auctions,briefedusaboutthecompany'sglobalascension, hisopinionsonthepresent,andhisvisionforthefuture.
TeamAuctionsisanoriginalfamily-owned'liveandonline' auctionhousethatcurrentlyintensivelyservicesWestern
Team Auctions is one of the fastest-growing auction companies in Canada.
Canada.TeamAuctionswasfoundedbyCorey'sparents–WendellandHeleneSekura,in1958andisnowownedand operatedbyCoreySekura,hiswifeLorenaSekura,and theirdaughterTiffanyLaRose.
TeamAuctionsstartedasafarmequipment,realestate,and cattleauctioncompany.Overthepast60years,Team Auctionsgrew,expandinglivestocksalestothreelocations andsellingover250,000headsannually Thelivestock divisionsweresold,andthefocuswasputonRealEstate andEquipmentAuctions.
Since1965,TeamAuctionshashadlocationsthroughout WesternCanada,withtheheadofficeremaininginDrayton Valley(approximatelyanhourwestofEdmonton,AB). Forover20years,TeamAuctionshaspromotedonline biddingand,sincethestartoftheCOVID-19pandemic,has convertedallRealEstateandEquipmentAuctionstoan onlinetimedformat.TeamAuctionscandesignanauction proposaltofitanyclient'sneedsandisnotboundbyarigid structure(whichdoesn'tworkforallsellers).This
flexibility,alongwiththecompany'sintensivemarketing, procedures,andservicemodel,makesTeamAuctionsvery successfulintheindustry.
CoreySekuragrewupinafamilyofauctioneers.His parents–WendellandHeleneSekura,histhreebrothers–Tim,Ron,andTravis,andtwosisters–CherryandTania, arealllicensedauctioneersorhaveworkedintheauction business.
CoreygainedhisAuctionLicenseattheageof15,being theyoungestinhisgraduatingclasstodoso.Hisentirelife hasbeenworkinginauctionsbeforeworkinghiswayupto managethem.
In2003,CoreyandhiswifeLorenapurchasedSekura Auctionsfromhisparents,becomingproudownersof Team Auctions.
Corey'shonesty,transparency,integrity,andadaptability, alongwithhisworkethic,leadershipskills,andintense marketingknowledgehavevastlycontributedtothesuccess ofTeamAuctions.
Sharinghismotto,Coreysays,"Wearefirstandforemost moreofamarketingcompanyandsecondlyanauction companybecauseifnooneknowswhatyouareselling,it won'tsellwell."
Afterhighschool,CoreyreceivedhisdegreeinBusiness andMarketing(asdidhisdaughterTiffany)andhasused hiseducationandexperience,alongwithhisfortitudeand commonsense,tosurroundhimselfwithagreatteamof employeesthatarealargepartofthecompany'ssuccess.
Today,Corey'sdaughterTiffanyLaRoserunsthecompany alongwithastrongmanagementteamwhoallhavealotof experienceintheauctionindustry.Intotal,TeamAuctions hasapproximatelythirty-sevenemployees,allofwhomare dedicatedandkeenondoingalltheycantohelpinthe company'songoingsuccess.
Inthepast,TeamAuctionshasprovided'SubjecttoOwners' and'Reserved'Auctions.However,thebusinessmodelnow focuseson'Unreserved'Auctionswhichallowsforstronger buyerparticipationand,therefore,improvedresultsforour sellers.
Whiletechnologyhaspavedthewayforfewerhands-on approachesinalotofindustries,TeamAuctionsbelieves thatwhenliquidatingassets,customersdeserve'bootson theground'andtheabilityforhumaninteraction,makingit amorepersonalservicethatisbecomingincreasinglyrare thesedays.
Ÿ TalkingaboutuniqueofferingsofTeamAuction,Corey SekuraelaboratedthatTeamSekuraAuctions'continued growthcomesfromthreeaspects:
Ÿ Experience-Withover60yearsofexperienceinthe auctionbusiness,Team Auctions'stabilityand reliabilityinrepresentingassetsprovidetheircustomers withatrustthatnotallauctionhousescanprovide.
Ÿ Continuedadvancement–TeamAuctionspridesitself onbeingaleaderintheindustry.Frombeingoneofthe firstmodern-eraauctioncompaniestosellingrealestate
Ÿ viaauctionsinthelate50s,TeamAuctionshas transitionedfromlivebiddingtoallonlinebidding,and broadcastingtechnologyrecognizingtheimportanceof beingaleaderinallfacetsofmarketing.
Ÿ Adaptability-TeamAuctions'willingnesstoadaptto anysituationaswellasitssolidbusinessmodel,allows ustodesignandexecutesuccessfulauctions.Thiscan beanyscenariofromsellinguniqueassets,realestate, andlivestocktolocationchallenges,onandoff-site auctions,leases,andmanymore.
Sharinghisvisiononhowtheinclusionoftechnologyinthe auctionworldisimpactingallthestakeholdersofthe market,Coreysays, “Technology has absolutely changed the auctions industry and Team Auctions has led the auction industry in technological advancement with online bidding, marketing, and logistics.”
“The presence of COVID-19 has really forced consumers to join the world of technology regardless of experience or preference in all facets of life. The combination of Team Auctions' already being technologically advanced and consumers becoming more engaged in online purchasing has exploded the size of audiences attending each auction and altered how each transaction is completed,” Corey Sekuraadded.
TeamSekuraAuctionshasadaptedtomanychallengesin thepastandwillcontinuetoadaptinthefuture.Whetherit beauctionlegislativechanges,livestockdisease(suchas B.S.Edisease–commonlyknownasMadCowDisease), technology,andnowCOVID-19,TeamAuctionshave alwaysandwillcontinuetousecommonsense, adaptability,andenduranceasitskeystodealwithany situation.
Whenaskedabouthisadvicetobuddingentrepreneurswho aspiretoventureintotheauctionandbiddingindustry, Coreysaid,“TeamAuctionscurrentlysitsonvarious auctionassociationsandcommittees,andIseealotofnew onlineauctioncompaniespoppingupeverywhere.
Currently,theauctionindustryistryingtoadaptlive auctionlegislationsintoonlinelawsthatcurrentlydon't exist.”
“My advice to young auction entrepreneurs would be to learn the industry through experience, be well-versed in the rules and regulations of our industry, and most importantly, always operate with honesty and an incredibly hard work ethic. This industry can be exhausting and stressful, but it can also be exhilarating. Manage yourself well,”hestated.
WeaskedCoreyhowheenvisionsscalinghiscompany's operationsandofferingin2022andbeyond,towhichhe said, “Team Auctions continues to apply our auction model to our incredible growth in the auction industry. The company's growth across Canada is based on building and adding experienced team members, more locations, and acquisitions of smaller 'similar minded' auction companies.”
“Team Auctions' latest acquisition has been Lambert Premier Auctions and Precision Auctions in British Columbia, an elite real estate auction company that will increase the quality of Team Sekura Auctions real estate division and expand its market share in all auction asset liquidations in British Columbia and Western Canada.”
“Team Auctions is one of the fastest-growing auction companies in Canada. Its ever-expanding buyer population and easy to execute consignment and buying experience will continue to grow this company in the future,” he concluded.
Team Auc ons conducts full-scale, broad-based adver sing campaigns and is proud to have won various awards in the past for excellence in adver sing as well as 'Best Marke ng Website.' It is also apprecia ve of the following tes monials from just a few of many sa sfied customers:
“I wanted to send out a huge thank you to Team Auc ons for the awesome job they did on Saturday with the complete dispersal of Cor-Ex Vacuum Services. Their professionalism and the marke ng team was out of this world.”
Cordell
Skinner, Drayton Valley, AB
"Thank you, Team Auc ons! From the first discussion of my farm sale to se lement day, excellent adver sing, machinery knowledge with set up and display, everything went well. Sale day far exceeded my expecta ons as to financial results achieved in a mely fashion. From start day to se lement day, thank you Corey and your team of professionals. All the best to you all in the future. "—Marc Beland, GATORS Lawn Care, High Level, AB
"The Team Auc on crew were efficient throughout the auc on prepara on, and they showed great respect for dad's equipment, tools, and other items. They were sincere and understanding with the family, and our concerns and specific details were addressed right away. The pace they set during the auc on gave the results we wanted. They did their job with the communica on and exper se we needed and were looking for. Great job and highly recommended!"—Audrey Nikiforuk and family Dwayne, Cindy, Terry, and Cliff
oday,forabusinesstobeatthecompetitionand achievegreatsuccess,e-auctionandbiddingplaya vitalrole.Itbenefitsboth,buyersaswellas suppliersbystreamliningtheprocurementprocess.Italso savestimeandallowssmallerbusinessestocompeteinthe process.
Theavailabilitiesoftheinternetamongpeoplehaveclearly givenagreatadvantagetothee-auctionportals.Asaresult, onlineauctionplatformshavemadeeverythingpossible suchasreachingouttothemostnumberofbuyerstoselling differentassetsforthebestpricesintheshortesttime.
Theseplatformsarealwaysrequiredtostandatthe forefronttoofferfull-fledgedsolutionstotheirclients besidestrust,reliability,integrity,transparency,and satisfaction.
Onesuchleadingplatformintheonlineauctionandbidding spaceisMaxSold.Withanambitiontoempowerbuyers
shops, antique stores, estate buyers, and many 'estate sale' companies use MaxSold regularly to sell extra products thereby providing a mix of options for buyers and sellers.
andsellerstoextendthelifeofthingsfornewgenerations tolove,BarryGordonfoundedMaxSold.
MaxSoldisevolvedfroma50-yearauctionlegacy.Itfirmly believesthatsellersdeservetransparency,easeofuse,and profitability Thecompanyalsohasapointofviewthat sellersshouldnothavetobeatechnologyexpert,marketing expert,orlogisticsexperttoselltheirgoods.
Eventually,consignmentshops,antiquestores,estate buyers,andmany'estatesale'companiesuseMaxSold regularlytosellextraproducts,therebyprovidingamixof optionsforbuyersandsellers.
Inthefollowinginterviewwith Insights Success, Barry Gordon,theFounder,shedslightonthecompany'sjourney, thecurrentindustryscenario,andhisvisionforthe company'sfuture.
PleasedescribeMaxSoldindetail.
MaxSold'spurposeistoempowerbuyersandsellersto extendthelifeofthingsfornewgenerationstolove.
MaxSoldsolutionsleveragetechnologytobringthebenefits ofanauctionmarketplacetohomeownerswhentheygoto downsizeorhaveanestatetosettle.
Asthevalueofhouseholdcontentsdeclinedandthecostof providingprofessionalsolutionsincreased,homeowners facedpooralternativestoclearthegoodsthatoftenmissed outonvalue,pushedtoomuchintolandfills,andwere vulnerabletosecurityissues.
Byreinventingbothauctionsandestatesaleswithatechenabledplatform,anyonewithavolumeofgoodstoclear canenjoyacompetitive,transparent,safe,andfinitewayto capturesomethingforeverythingandvirtuallyavoidthe costofdisposalpersonallyandtotheenvironment.
Tellusaboutthefeaturedperson(s)andshedsomelight ontheirprofessionaljourneyintheauctionandbidding niche.
BarryGordon,theFounder,isasecond-generation auctioneerwith45yearsofevolvingindustryexperience sellingeverythingfromlivestocktohousesandeverything inbetween.Hisexperiencealsoincludedbeingonthe NationalAuctioneersAssociationandAuctionMarketing Instituteboardsandgettingtoknowprofessionals throughouttheindustry
Knowingwhatothersdid,helpedrevealwhattheydidnot. Therewasasignificantgrowinggapinthemarketplace whereaverageestatedownsizehomeownerswerebeing abandonedbytheauctionindustryforeconomicreasons.
5%ofestateshavethekindofmerchandisemost auctioneerscanaffordtoserveotherthanafewvaluable pieces.Theother95%needarelevantsolutionthatwill gladlyselleverythingintheirhome-andthatiswhy MaxSoldexists.
WhatweretheinitialchallengesthatMaxSoldhadto overcome,andhowdidyoupivotthose?
Thechallengefromthebeginningwastofigureouthowto deliverthebenefitsofonlineauctionatscale,soitwouldbe economicalenoughforeverybodywithavolumeofgoodsa bitoftimetouse.Eventauctionsgenerallyrequireahigh dollarvaluethresholdtofinancetheworkthattakesplace. BuildingforandatscalemakesMaxSoldapractical solutionforthelargestportionofthemarketplace. Atthesametime,everysellerwantstheirgoodstohavea goodbiddingaudience,soinvestinginbuyermarketing needstoleadtotheactualincomeobtainablethrough commissionsandfees.
Auctioneersalwaysfacedthechallengeofattractingboth buyersandsellersbutbuildingasolidproductacrosswide geographywithverytightmarginsmeantselectingmarkets, buildingmomentuminthosemarkets,simplysayingnoto someuntillater.MaxSoldwillserveeverymarketinNorth Americaeventually,butthejourneyrequiresthediscipline tobuildonaschedule.
Whatwasyourinspirationbehindventuringintothe auctionandbiddingspace?
MaxSoldevolvedfroma50-yearauctionlegacythat startedattheliveauctionandaftertestingallthehybrid optionsbeforesettlingintothemostrelevantwayforestate anddownsizedclientstocleartheirgoods.
Onlineauctions,almostexclusively,beganasitemauctions –likeeBay,wherepeoplesoldoneitematatimeand shippedittothebuyer Asbandwidthincreased,live auctions–wheremost'realauction'merchandisewassold begantopartnerwithonlinesolocalmerchandisecouldbe soldinfrontofalivebiddingaudienceandsimultaneously throughinternetbidding.
Andwhilethisprocessremainsprevalent,itreallydoesn't helptheaveragehomeowner.Thebestbuyerforyour grandmother'steakdiningsetprobablylivesdownthestreet ratherthanacrossthecountry Wewantedtobuildaproduct thatsimplyallowedeveryonetosellalltheirhomecontents fairlyandquickly,sothehousecouldbeemptywhenthe buyermovesin.Everything,fromthelawnmowertothe sterlingsilver,tothosecollectibles,canandissolddaily throughMaxSold.
Whatisthecurrentscenariooftheauctionandbidding market?
Peoplegainmorecomfortinonlineshoppingandthewide rangeofalternativeplatformseveryday.Thistrendwill continueforeverykindofmerchandise.Buyersgain
confidenceandpreferenceinoneormorebrandsbasedon therelevanceofthatbrandtothecustomer'sneeds,andthe brand'sabilitytoevolvewithdemandforfrictionless commercefromtheirpreferredbrands.
MaxSoldconnectspreviouslyenjoyeditemsdirectlyfrom theclient'shometothebuyer,atthebuyer'sprice!As MaxSoldbuildsoutamarketplace,buyersbecomesellers too.
COVIDhasacceleratedtheonlinemarketplacebyforcing peopletoshopmorefromhome.Onlineauctionseasily evolvedintosaferpickupprotocolsthanliveeventswhile allowingcontentstoflowintothecommunitythroughout ourrobusthousingmarkets.Asaresult,onlineauctions havebecomeubiquitousacrossNorthAmerica,ifnotthe globe.
Whatcanequipmentbuyersdotoensureproper preparationforbiddingatanauction?
WhileMaxSoldhasaverysmallfootprintintheequipment world,allauctionbuyerswantgoodreliablephotosand descriptionscommensuratewiththevalueoftheproduct. Everyauctionplatformneedstocultivatearelationship wherebuyerscanbecomecomfortablewiththedescriptions sotheycandecideconfidentlyhowmuchtheyareprepared topay.
Whatisyouropinionontheadoptionofmodern technologiesintheauctionandbiddingsector,andhow isyourcompanyleveragingthesemoderntechnologies?
Techevolvesdaily,andonlineauctionsmustremaincurrent intheracetobringeaseofexperiencetocustomersand clientsalike.MaxSoldenjoysdiverseinvestorsupportanda boardandCEOwithbroadexpertiseinonlinecommerce, sounderstandingwhat'snextandbeingabletofundthe appropriatedevelopmentandintegrationsarealwaysonthe radar
Bigtechcompaniesarecontinuallyraisingthebaron customerconvenience,whichrequiresallplayerstobe engagedincreatingagreatcustomerexperience.
Whatwouldyouliketoadvisethebuddingaspirants whoarewillingtoentertheauctionandbiddingniche?
Specializeinsomethingandservethecustomersand marketplacewell.Productexpertscaneasilytaketheir knowledgeonlineandusetheplatformtodeveloptheirown marketplace.
Beingethicalandcommittedtotransparencyarestaplesin anunregulatedindustry Theyalsoneedtounderstandthat theauctioneermustalwaysattractbothsellersandbuyersin ordertobesuccessful.
Inthebusinessworld,Retailplaysavitalrolein increasingthesalesandavailabilityofproducts.Afew yearsago,thesupplychainlogisticprocessoperated frommanufacturertodistributorandretailertoend consumers,whichwaslengthy Theconventionalmethodof sellingtheproducthaschangednow.Ithasarrivedon socialmediaplatformsandismitigatingtheroleofthe intermediaries.
Asweknow,Retailistheoldestindustrythatbringsthe productstotheend-users;sometimes,consumersbuythe productstofulfilltheirdesireoroutofnecessityfromthe retailstores.Buttheindustryhasconstantlybeenchanging andadaptingtotechnologicaladvancements.Amazonis oneoftheretailgiants,leadingthegrowthofe-commerce andconvertingtheconsumer'spreferencefromshoppingin retailstorestoonline.
Withinnovativetechnologies,industriesandcorporatesare revolutionizingthemselves.Itinnatesthechangesthatlead toglobaldevelopment,andmostofthesocialcommerce growthhasbeenwitnessedbycountrieslikeIndiaand Brazil.
AccordingtoAccenture'srecentreport,by2025,the shoppingonsocialmediaplatformswillbeexpectedto reachupto$1.2trillionglobally,whichisthreetimesmore growthfromthetraditionale-commerce.
Itisexpectedthattheretailindustrywillbearmorechanges thatwillresultinthegrowthofsocialcommerce,wherethe consumersformagrouptoreceivediscountsfromthe suppliers.
Thiswillprovetobeaviabletendencytouseonline auctionstodiscoverthelowestbidderstoaccomplish garments,shoes,andothermerchandiseorders.
Theretailindustryevolvedinthe18thand19thcenturies whentherewasariseinmetropolitancoveredmarkets, specialtyshops,anddepartmentalstores.Bythelate1800s, catalogsbroughtanopportunitytobuyremotely,facilitating ahassle-freeshoppingexperience.
Asthetelephonewasinvented,MontgomeryWard acknowledgedthewrittenordersthroughtheirmail-order catalogsandstartledthenormofshoppingfromhome. Rollingtheballinthecomputerage,thelate90s'witnessed theinternettoviewandbuyproductsonline.Bytheearly 2000'sretailcombatdepressedbrick-and-mortarshops againstonlinestores.
Butnow,theretailersarealsoadoptingnewstrategiesto reachouttothecustomerbyprovidingonlineandoffline services.Today,theretailershaveadvancedtothismark, wherethecustomerscan'tperceivethedifferencebetween onlineandofflineshopping.Shoppingisthemostloving thingthatpeopleliketodo;becausetheycanbuyanything fromanywhereandcompletethetransactionfromtheir mobilephonesduetoeasyaccesstotheevolvedretail market.
Peoplearenolongerdependentoncatalogsorsales associatestobuythegoods,astheycanselecttheproducts oftheirchoice,checkthefeaturesorreviewsbeforebuying
them,andretailerscanlisttheirproductstomillionsof peoplewithretailapps.
Everyretailercanuseonlineauctionsandsocialcommerce fortheirbusinessesbyspeculatingthattheyhaveaplatform withappropriatetechnology.Let'sdiscussafewonline commerceplatformswhichcantransformtheretail industry.
WeallknowthatGoogleisasearchengine,butitisnot onlyasearchengine;itisalsoanonlinemarketplace.The retailersgetcustomersontheirwebsitethroughGoogle's organicandpaidsearchservices.Ifyouwantmassiveweb trafficonyourwebsite,youcanalsopayGoogleandbenefit fromitspaidsearchoption.
Ifyourproductbrandisrenownedinthemarket,andthe customersaresearchingforyourproductsoryourwebsite onGoogle,itwillincreasetherankofyourwebsite,which isknownasorganicsearch.
TheretailermustoptimizeGoogleshoppingandbringmore onlinevisibilitytotheproduct.
• SocialMedia
Everyoneusessocialmediaplatformstoconnectandshare messagesandpictureswithrelatives,friends,andmany more.Butduetotechnologicaladvancement,socialmedia platformsarealsogettingadvancedandusingitfortheir businesspurpose.
SomesocialmediaplatformslikeFacebook,YouTube, Instagram,andmanymoremakeitaccessibletoshopthe productdirectlyfromtheadposts.
• Chatbots
AchatbotisoneofthebestAItoolswhichhelpsin increasingrevenue.Itisspecificallymadetosolvethe customers'queries,whichsavestheemployeetime.
Chatbotengagesmorecustomersonthelandingpageofthe websites,findingcustomers'requirements.Italsoimproves thecompany'ssalesandcustomerengagement,retainsthe existingcustomer,andbooststheshoppingexperience.
• UtilizemoreARandVR
Manypeoplestillhesitatetoshoponline;oneofthemain reasonsisthattheycannotanticipateaproductaccordingto theirdesirewhichisabigchallengeforonlineretailersto sellapparel,furniture,andotheraccessoriesonline.
So,theutilizationofAugmentedReality(AR)andVirtual Reality(VR)isanewsocialcommercetrendthatsetsthe demand-supplyatthecustomers'might,wherethecustomer cantryorchoosetheproducts.
Astechnologyisupgradingeveryday,variousindustries areadoptingtechnologicaladvancements,providingtheir customerswiththebestgoodsandservices.
Withthehelpofonlineauctioningandsocialcommerce,the customersaregettingavarietyofchoiceswhileshopping.It alsohelpsonlineretailerstoretaintheircustomersby presentingtheirproductstotheglobalmarketusingsocial commerceandonlineauctions.
Everyindividualonthisplanethasdreamtabout
buyingahouseorpropertysometimeortheother
Theideaandtheprocessofbuyingpropertyare challenging.Itincludessavingmoney,findingasuitable propertyasperrequirements,contactingtheownersor realtors,negotiatingthebudget,andfinalizingthe paperwork.
Allthisold-schoolworkhasbecomeeasywith digitalization,whereeverythingisdoneonline.Eventhe auctionsandbiddingforpropertiesaredoneonlinewith zerochaosandaccessiblefromanyplacethathasInternet.
Manycompaniesandagentsassociatedwiththerealestate industryhelppeoplebuyandsellpropertiesthroughonline andofflineservices.Proppy.co.nz.isonesuchwebsite basedinNewZealand,wherepeoplecanbuyandselltheir propertysmoothly Theyhavereducedalltheunnecessary coststhathelptheirclientssaveatruckloadofmoneywith transparency
HannahWalker,Co-founderofProppy.co.nz.shared withushowherorganizationoperatesandhowhelpfulitis torunabusinessonline. Belowarethehighlightsofaninterview:
PleasedescribeProppy.co.nz.
Proppy.co.nzisaNewZealand-ownedrealestateagency establishedin2015.Proppyhaseliminatedtheneedforthe traditionalbrick-and-mortaroffices,allowingustoreduce ourcostsandpassonthesavingstoourclients.
Proppy.co.nzissmartenoughtobuyandsellrealestate.We haveasafeandsecureonlineplatformthatallowspeopleto negotiate,signsaleandpurchaseagreementsonline,and holdonlineauctions.Andtheicingonthecakeisthatwe onlycharge1.75%+GSTcommissioncomparedto competingagentswhochargeyouapprox.3.95%.
Proppy.co.nzisnotonlyawebsitebutalsoarealestate platformallowingsellersandbuyerstotransactrealestate inasafeandsecuremannerwiththeassistanceoflicenced realestateprofessionals.Assuch,wehaveincorporated rigoroussystemsandprocessesintheplatform,allowing forthetransactiontooccuraccordingtocurrentRealEstate Authorityrules,REINZbestpractice,andthelaw.Our platformisinnovative,andwebelieveweareoneofthe onlycompaniesinNZoreventheworldwhichallowsyou tolistapropertyonlineandthensellpropertyonline.
Hannah,tellouraudienceaboutyouandshedsome lightonyourprofessionaljourneyintheauctionand biddingniche.
MynameisHannahWalker,andIwearmanyhats!Mum, businessowner,friend,teacher,nurse,referee,IT professional,wife,chauffeur,cleaner,laundrymaid,and salesweapon-justtonameoffewofmydailyhats!
Mybusiness(mythirdchild)Proppy.co.nzwasborninan
auctionroominAucklandwhenmyhusbandandIwere tryingtoupgradeourhouseandmoveintosomething biggerbeforethearrivalofourfirstchild.Asmostpeople haveexperienced,buyingapropertyisastressfultime.As theauctionwasinfullswingwithmyhusband(Tyson) bidding,Iwentintolabour
Weknewtherehadtobeabetterway,andsowegot thinking.Wedidawholebunchofresearch,lookedatwhat washappeningoverseas,spoketosomesuper-smartpeople, andrealisedthatthisold-schoolwayofdoingbusiness could,infact,betakenonlineandcouldsaveeveryonea wholelotoftimeandmoney
Andso,in2016,justoneyearafteroursonarrived(forthe record-notinanauctionroom!),Proppywasborn. BeforeIstartedProppy.co.nzIhaddifferentsalesjobs involvingtechnologyandhavealwaysbeeninterestedin newandinnovativethings.CreatingthefirstNZonline auctionrealestateplatformhasbeenchallengingbut rewarding,knowingthatwearemakingadifferencein people'slives.
WhatweretheinitialchallengesthatProppy.co.nzhad toovercome,andhowdidyoupivotthose?
Whenwestartedthebusiness,wethoughtoureasy-to-use onlineplatformmightappealmainlytothepeoplemore familiarwithonlinetransactionsandyoungercustomers.As ourmarketingstrategydevelopedandfeedbackfromour customersstartedcomingin,werealisedthatweappeal moretomaturecustomers,especiallypeoplewhohave boughtandsoldpropertiesalready.Itwasachallenge educatingthemonthenewwaytobuyandsellproperty, butwehaveovercomethisnow,showingthemhow technologyandinnovativewaysofsellingcangetthem greatsaleprices.
Ourmaincustomerbase,atpresent,isfirsthomebuyers andbabyboomers.Ourmarketingandbrandingare uniquelydesignedtoengagewiththatsegmentofthe population.Weusetheusualmarketingmaterialslikeall otherrealestateagenciessuchassigns,brochures, maildrops,TV,Radio,etc.However,wehaveabigfocuson socialmediawherewecantargetandretargetcustomers andcreateinnovativecampaignstohelpusexcel.
Anotherchallengewhenwestartedwastryingtogetsellers tobelieveinourtechnologywhichwasearlyforNZ'ers. Theyhadtotakeariskandtrustthatwecouldgetthebest pricefortheirhouseusingonlineauctiontechnology.Hard workandperseverancegotusthrough.Weheldourheads highandbelievedinourtechnology,andareproudofwhat wehaveachieved.
Whatwasyourinspirationbehindventuringintothe auctionandbiddingspace?
Mypersonalexperienceinbuyingandsellingproperty inspiredme,andIrealisedthattherealestateindustry neededa"shakeup".MyhusbandandItriedtobuy numerouspropertiesinAucklandandfailedtobesuccessful throughthetraditionalauctionmethod.Therewasno transparencyintheindustry.Thiswassomethingwewanted tochange.Aftergoingintolabourinanauction,wedecided onlineauctionswerethewayforward,andwestartedour journeyintolaunchingproppy.co.nz.
Whatisthecurrentscenariooftheauctionandbidding market?
TherealestatemarketisstartingtochangeinNZcurrently, anditisbecomingmoreofa"buyer'smarket".Thereare morelistings,andthebankshavetightenedupontheir lending.Becausetheseauctionsarenotaspopularinthe currentmarketastobuyatanonlineauction,yourbuyers
needtobeunconditional(escrow)tobidandbuyproperty. ThisisbecomingharderinthisNZmarket.It'scyclical, though,andthiswillchangeagain.
Whatcanequipmentbuyersdotoensureproper preparationforbiddingatanauction?
Allourbuyersareeducatedaboutonlineauctions,thebest strategiesonbidding,andhowtobesuccessfulatsecuring ahouse.Weteachthemhowtousetheauto-bid functionalityandhowimportantitistobidstrongtosecure thehouseoftheirdreams!How-tovideosandlive demonstrationsareprovidedbytheagentssellingthehouse sothatbuyersarepreparedandknowwhattododuringa liveonlineauction.
Wealsoensurethatourvendorsareprotectedbyensuring thatthebuyerscreatealoginatproppy.co.nzandthen verifytheiridentityonlinetomakesureweknowwhois bidding.
Ÿ HowisProppy.co.nzleveragingmoderntechnologies forauctionandbidding?
Ÿ
Ÿ Allusersoftheplatform(BuyersandSellers)arevetted andhavetheiridentitiesconfirmedaccordingtotheAnti MoneyLaunderingLegislationthroughanintegrated third-partyprovider-www.cloudcheck.co.nz.Thisis streamlinedandinnovative.
Ÿ Onceverified,clientscanparticipateinlistingtheir propertyorpurchasingaproperty.
Ÿ Alldocuments,includingListingAgreementsandSale andPurchasedAgreements,aresignedelectronically onlinethroughanotherintegratedpartner,Secured Signing.
Ÿ Third-partyauditorsperformourAntiMoney Launderingauditsonaregularbasis.
Ÿ AlltransactionaldepositsareheldaccordingtoREA requirementswithPublicTrust-NZRealEstateTrust, independentlyauditedbythirdparty
Ÿ Ourday-to-dayaccountsandperformancearemonitored throughXero,withadedicatedlocalaccountant responsibleforourbusiness.
Ÿ Ouronlineauctionprocessisuniqueandinnovative.
Whatwouldyouliketoadvisethebuddingaspirants whoarewillingtoentertheauctionandbiddingniche?
It'satoughroadwhenstartinganewcompany,butatthe sametime,itisrewarding.Onlineauctiontechnologyis exciting,andtechnologyisalwayschanging.So,it's importanttokeepontopof"new"thingscomingtothe marketandbeingabletoadapt.
Proppy.co.nz - Winners of the 2019 Digital & Technology Innova on Award (Westpac Tauranga Business Awards) Finalist in the Outstanding in Innova on Award for Ignite Wanaka Business Awards.
Monte M. Wya CEO AddingZEROS
Leadershipandmanagementare termsfrequentlyinterchanged withintheworkplace.Both conceptsareinterconnected,butthey donotmeanthesamething.By understandingthedifferencesbetween them,youwilllearntheimportanceof leadershipinmanagementandhow leadershipdevelopmentwillallowyou tobeabettermanageroverall.
"Leadership is not about position. It's about action." – Pulling Profits out of a Hat
Asabusinessexecutive,management ishandedtoyoualongwithyourjob title.Amanager'sjobistoplan, organizeandcoordinate.Leadership, however,isaresponsibilitywhere managersinnovate,challenge,and inspiretheiremployees.Youmanage processes;youleadpeople.
Inbusiness,weneedbothleaders andmanagers:
"Leadership creates passionate and focused people, management oversees processes, so the team is competent and productive." – Pulling Profits out of a Hat
Withinabusiness,weneedboth leadersandmanagers.Leadersinspire peopletotakeaction.Managershold peopleaccountableforthoseactions.
Anyoneintheorganizationhasthe potentialtobecomealeader,but
managers must beleaders.Aleader whocannotmanagehasavisionof wheretheywanttogobutnoideaon howtogetthere.Amanagerwho cannotleadisnotabletobuildtrust andcreateengagementwithinan organizationtogettowheretheyneed togo.
Tobetterunderstandthedifferences betweenmanagementandleadership, thinkaboutthedailyroutinesofthe managersandleadersinyour organization.Managersfacilitate1-on1'swiththeirdirectreports,creating clearexpectationsandholdingtheir teamaccountableformeetingthem. Managersalsoholdteammeetingsfor directionandcommunication, revisitingandtrackingprogress towardsquarterlygoals.Lastly,a managerreviewstheactionsand resultsofeachindividualandteamto determinetheirperformance.
Aleader'sdailyroutineisdifferent–theyfocusonthebigpictureofthe company,helpingtoinspireothers throughsupportandconsistency A leadershowsappreciationtoteam members,givesawardsandaccolades whendeserved.Aleaderalsofocuses onthepersonaldevelopmentofeach individualandteam,workingtofoster thecommunicationandfeedback neededtomaketheorganization stronger.
Behindeveryinnovativecompanylies acharismaticleaderwhopushesand
inspireshisorheremployeestobethe best.AsSteveJobswastoAppleand JackWelchtoGE,greatCEOsare knownformorethantheir managementskills.Theyoffera differentapproachoutsidethenorm andmotivatetheirfollowerstoexecute theirvisiontoreachtheirbusiness goals.
Executiveleadersinstillacorporate cultureintheirorganizationsthat encourageemployeestostayengaged intheirwork.Employeesaregiven recognitionandareshown appreciation.Byfocusingon employeesaswellastheoverallbig picture,executiveleadershelptheir peopleplaytotheirstrengthstoreach theirorganizationalgoals.
Asamanager,areyoualeader? Leadershipcanbelearned,andyou shouldcontinuetogrowasaleader througheducationandcoaching.Asan executive,youspendalotoftimeand valuableresourcestrainingyourstaff onhowtobemanagers.Itisimportant toalsoteachexecutiveshowtobe leaders.
Allgrowthcompaniesmustbetraining anddevelopmentcompanies.Every personinyourorganizationshould haveapersonaldevelopmentplan, includingyourself!
Onlineauctionshaveemergedtobeapopulartrend inthebusinessworld.
Wehaveseentheauctionsprimarilyinthemovies,where theartistsellshisarttothehighestbidder.Insuchmovies, weseeamanstandingonthestageandaskingforhighpricedbidstoselltheproducts,whichmightbeuniqueart, crickettournaments,andmuchmore.
Buttechnologyortheinternetneversegregatesanything;it pervadeseveryindustryfrommanufacturingtomarketing. Moreover,theauctionhousehaschangedmomentouslyand resultedinthetechnologicalpotentialoftheinternet bidding.
Anonlineandnewscastauctionbroughtanewandexciting journeyforthebiddersorauctioneersinthehouse,butit hasafewupsanddownswhentechnologychanges.
TherecentTrend-OnlineAuction!
Onlineauctionisnothingbutbiddingonlineforthepriceof products,artmaterialslikepaintings,houses,orantique showpieces.
So,wheredoyoufindaccesstothesewebsitesconducting theseauctions?
E-baywasthefirstplayerinonlineauctioning,andithas setthemindsetofthepeopleforonlineauctions.Other websiteslikeWordPressprovidetheWooAuctionsoftware forsellersandbuyerstobidonproducts,wheremany biddersusethetraditionalbiddingapproach,likewaiting
tillthelastminutetobid.Butnow,themethodisnot preferred,sothosewhousetheconventionalsystemare knownas"snipperbidders."
Snipperbidderwastheonewhohadtheagileinternet,or elsetheysenttwoormorebidssimultaneously
TheParticipantsObjective!
Asthetradeobjecthasadiversecontextforauctioning,this segmentwillshedlightontheparticipants'motives.
• ToCo-ordinateMechanism
Theparticipantsco-ordinatewithamechanismto increasetheefficiencyforestablishinganequilibrium priceofanythingtheyarebiddingon.Itincludes automationauctionsamongthesoftwareagents,auctions onpower,andtheauctionforallocating telecommunicationbandwidthworldwide.
• SocialMechanismtoDetermineaPrice
Thethingsthatarerandomlyavailableinthecountry, rareortraditionalheritage,mayinitiatetheauctionand fascinatepotentialbuyers.Theseauctionscatertolarger audiences,bringingmoreexposuretothesellersor buyers.
• TheHighlyVisibleDistributionMechanism
Thisauctionisquitedifferentfromothers,providing variousofferstograbtheattentionofthebuyers.Itis probablyforthosecustomerswholikebargainingwhile shoppingorwhohavegamblingpreferences.
Theonlineauctionhasincreasedthedemandandsupplyof
Nowadays,thebuyerordersanythingfromtheonline shoppingsites,andtheproductsaredeliveredtotheir doorsteps;ifyouareaseller,youmustbeawareofthe onlinesellingprocess.Apartfromonlineshopping,have youevertriedonlineauctioning?Ifnot,youshouldknow thebenefitsofonlineauctioningbecauseithasbeen recognizedgloballyasmanycorporatesutilizedigital platforms.
Ifyouarenotsureaboutonlineauctioning,thesebenefits mayhelpyouclearyourdoubtsabouttheonlineauction.
• FreefromGeographicalRestrictions
Onlinebiddingcompletelyeradicatedtraditional auctioning.Inclassicmode,anindividualhadto physicallybepresentwheretheauctionhadbeen conducted,andsometimesthebuyerdidn'tknowwhether theywouldbuyanythingintheauction.
Theonlineauctionprovidesopportunitiesforthesellers tobringtheirproductsandservicestomillionsof prospectsworldwide.Thesellercanlistouttheirproducts andservicesfromonecorneroftheworld,andthebuyer canprevailtheproductsandservicesfromanother.
• CaptivatingDealfromAllAroundthe
Theonlineauctionreceivedanexcellentresponse worldwide,andithasinevitableandalluringdealsfrom allovertheworld.Youmayfeelblisswhenyougetto knowthattheout-of-budgetitemyoudesireisnow availableatameagerprice.Thecostofanitemreduces becausetherearenomiddlemen,agents,suppliers,or brokersinvolvedtoincreasethecostoftheitems.
Onlineauctionalsopreventsthebuyerfromundue exploitationandfeaturestheaspectsofequalityand decency.
• QuickFeedbackwithOnlineAuctions
Traditionally,wheneverthesellerputsanofferonany item,thesellerhastowaitfortheleadtogivethe feedback,andsometimestheprocessofwaitingtakes time.Butwiththehelpoftheinternetandtechnology, onlineauctionssurpassedthetraditionalapproach.
However,onlineauctioninghelpsthesellertogetinstant feedback,andwiththehelpofit,theycanmakechangesin thebidorthepricesaccordingly,withoutwaitingfor monthsaltogether
Asweallknow,theinternetandtechnologyarechanging theworldrapidly;today,wecanseetechnologyinevery industry,whetheritiseducation,manufacturing,marketing, orauctioning.
Facilitatinganexcellentplatformforthebuyerstobargain forthelistedproducts,thesellersalsoreceivethebenefit fromonlineauctioning.Thishasreducedthecumbersome processoftheclassicalmodelandprovidedanopportunity forremote-basedauctioning,providingahassle-free experiencewhilecateringtotheglobalaudience.
- Madhu Guleria
Jane Peyton Founder School of Booze
Iamanaccidentalentrepreneurwhobuiltoneofthe world’smostuniquecompaniesbynotfollowingthe rulesofbusiness.Havingmyowncompanywasnot somethingIthoughtaboutwhenIenteredthejobmarket aftergraduatingfromuniversity.Severalcareerslaterasa PRexecutive,TVproducer,andjournalistIfeltdissatisfied thatIwasspendingsomuchofmylifeworkingreallyhard forthebenefitofacorporationandthatIwasnotreally doingwhatIwantedtodo.SowhatdidIwanttodo? I wantedtoworkatsomethingthatgavemegreatsatisfaction andthatIexcelledat,whereIcouldusemypersonalas wellasprofessionalskillsinajobwhereeachdaywouldbe different,butmorethananythingIwantedtoworkinan organisationthattreatedemployeeswithkindness,offered flexibleworkinghours,caredabouttheissuesthatIdid,and hadacompanycultureofconsiderationforothers.A companythattickedthoseboxesdidnotexistinreallifeso insteadofjustdreamingaboutthismythicalbusinessentity, Ifoundedit!SchoolofBoozeoffersevents,education, consultancy,speeches,copywriting,London(UK)pub toursandsoithasmultipleincomestreams.Thisdiversified offeringwasasaviourduringthepandemicwhenallmyinpersongroupeventsandtrainingceased.
Asanaccidentalentrepreneur,Ihavedonethingsmyway infoundingSchoolofBoozetosuithowIwanttowork, andhowIwanttoworkwithothers.Ihavecreatedaniche andsucceededinit.Nascententrepreneurs,andpeople consideringstartingtheirowncompanybutthinkingthey havetoconformtobusinessnormsmightbeinterestedin whatworksforme.
Graduatesofbusinessschoolmayholdtheirhandsupin horroriftheylookedathowIrunthebusinessandmy motivations,buthappiness,integrityandrespectforthe peopleIworkwithismoreimportanttomethanrelentless profits.Ipurposelykeepthecompanystructureandmyway ofworkingflexible,includingnothavingemployees,but insteadhiringpeopleonaproject-by-projectbasiswiththe expertiseIneed. Theyarecontenttoworkascontractorsas itgivesthemflexibilitytoo.Myjobhasneverbeen9-5and neitheristhescheduleofthepeopleIhire.Unlessthereisa specificdeadline,theydotheworkinthehoursthatsuits theirpersonalcommitments.
Ioftenthinkaboutthetyrannyofthe9-5modelofworking andwonderwhenpeoplewhoworkthatwaymanagetoget tothedentist,dotheshopping,andothernecessary activities.Thereissomethingelseabout9-5working. Withinthosehourspeoplemaynotbeproductiveorattheir peakwhenanemployerexpectsthemtobe.Some employeesmayflourishatothertimesofthedaylikeIdomymostproductiveworkhoursarebetween2pmand9pm. Iftheiremployerpermitsthemtodotheworkinthehours thatsuitsthemthentheemployeeislikelytobemore productive. Irealisethatnotalljobsandcompaniescanbe flexibleand9-5mightbenon-negotiableinmanycases,but aslongastheworkgetsdone,theemployerthatcanoffer thatflexibilityandtreatstheirstaffashumanswithlives outsideoftheirjobwillhaveahappierworkforce.
NotonlydoInothaveemployees,butIdonothaveaboard ofdirectorsorstockholderseithersoIcanmakedecisions
quickly,acceptordecline opportunities,usemyinstinctasto whatisbestforthecompany,and operateinawaythatistruetomy principles.Lookawaynowifprofitand year-on-yeargrowthisthemostimportant factorinbusinessbecauseitisnotforme. Beingkind,havingfun,andofferingthe bestexperiencepossibleforthestaffand clientsIworkwithiswhatmotivatesme.
Formekindness,empathy,andconsiderationare essentialqualitiesinbusiness. Asthesayinggoesyou getfurtherwithhoneythanvinegar.Ipayabovethemarket rateforstaff(andIpaystudentinternsalthoughmany companiesdonot)becausethemarketdoesnotgivevalue tothoseintangibleandpricelessaspectsofapersonthat cannotbemonetised–theirpersonality,theiressenceasa human,theirloyalty.IappreciatewhatthestaffIhiredo, howtheydoit,theirskills,theirreliability,andthepleasure itistoworkwiththem.Inanycasemostpeopledeserveto bepaidmorethantheyalreadyare!Ialsoensurethat invoicesaresettledwithinadayofreceivingthem. Companies(usuallybigcorporations)thatrefusetopay invoicesformonthsforgoodsandservicesalready providedareusingsupplierstosubsidisetheirbusinesses andthatispureexploitation. Imagineifthatpersonwho enforcesthedelayedpaymentofinvoicespaidforamealin arestaurantbutdidnotreceivethefoodformonths?
Myfirstemployeraftergraduatingfromuniversitywas highlyunpredictable,wouldregularlyshout,andacted unreasonably. Itwassuchastressfulatmospheretoworkin butIthoughtthatmustbewhatahigh-poweredjob entailed.Backthenanemployee’smentalhealthwasnota consideration,itisnow,andrightlyso.Nojobshouldmake apersonfeelill. ItwasonlywhenIleftandfoundother employmentwhereallwascalmthatIrealiseditwasnot normaltofeelhighlystressedintheofficesoImadethe pledgenevertoworkinnerve-janglingsituationsagainand thisinformsthewayIdobusinesstoday.Ihaveseenhow friendsemployedbycorporationshavebecomestressedby thecompanyculture,theinflexiblehours,thepressureto reachtargets,andiftheydoreachthem,thetargetsare increasedthefollowingyear. AsabusinessownerIam fortunatetohavenoneofthat,butitwasanactivechoiceI made.Mostpeoplespendthemajorityoftheirwaking hourscommutingandbeinginworksoitshouldgivethem enjoyment.
Beingasmall-businessownerdoesnotsuiteveryone, neitherdoesmyattitudetodoingbusiness,butforanyone consideringstartingtheirownenterpriseIsaydoit! And doitinthewayyouwantittobe. Inventinganicheandnot followingthetraditionalmethodsofrunningacompanyhas notstoppedmefrombeingrecognisedandrewardedformy businessacumen.SinceIfoundedSchoolofBoozein2008 Ihavewonnumerousawards,buttwoinparticularstand outforme.In2021IwasafinalistintheGreatBritish EntrepreneurAwards,andinanothercompetitionSchoolof BoozewasincludedintheTop100Small&Medium EnterprisesinLondon&South-EastEngland. Startingmy businesswasagainstalloddsandthenewlygraduatedme lookingintothefutureatthematuremeandseeingthe accoladeswouldnotbelieveit.Buildingandexpanding SchoolofBoozegivesmesomuchjoyandknowingthatI amdoingitinawaythatmatchesmyvaluesmakesmevery content.
JanePeytonisanaward-winningdrinkseducator,writer, broadcaster,pubexpert,andpublicspeaker.Sheisthe founderoftheSchoolofBooze–atraining,education, eventscompany,andconsultancyspecializinginalcoholic drinks.
JanewastheUK’sfirstaccreditedPommelier(cider sommelier)andBritain'sfirstBeerSommelieroftheYear. SheisaformerImbibeMagazineDrinksEducatorofthe Year.ForherbeerworkshewasawardedaLifetime AchievementfromBritain’sParliamentaryBeerGroup,and haswonseveralotherprofessionalawards.
Janeistheauthorofseveralnon-fictionbooksincluding ‘Drink: ATippler’sMiscellany’,‘Beero’Clock’,‘The PhilosophyofGin’and‘ThePhilosophyofBeer’.
