I'm an auctioneer for Christie's. Here's how I landed the job at 24. - Business Insider

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I’m a Christie's auctioneer who’s raised half a billion dollars for charity at black-tie events. I nailed my audition to land the job at 24 — here's what it takes to make it in the world of luxury auctions

in New York City. It was a winter auction for a nonprofit based in Kansas City, but even arctic weather couldn't put a damper on the fact that I was going on my first official business trip. An all-expense-paid trip to anywhere sounded like a dream at that point in my life.

But as requests increased, the company needed a larger pool to choose from, so they decided any employee who'd worked at Christie's for at least a year could try out. When most people picture an auctioneer, they often conjure up images like the older British gentleman that were selected. I know I always did, so much so that for the first five years I took auctions, I seemed to be playing the part of a distinguished British gentleman. I was formal, polite, and detailed when presenting auction lots.

The results were in the numbers. The auctions I took began earning 20%, 30%, even 40% more than in previous years and I began receiving more requests to take auctions than ever before. Even senior executives at the company started recommending me to their clients. There are lots of moving parts when it comes to planning events. I typically meet with the nonprofit and their gala committee to ensure the auction is placed correctly in the evening and to review the auction lots, and be careful to put them in the best order to get people bidding. Most live auctions last 30 minutes.

At the last live auction I took for an event honoring actor Alan Cummings, I accidentally mispronounced his last name, leaving off the 's.' He called me on it in front of a thousand people, and I made up a joke on the spot. Despite experiences like this, the good heavily outweighs the bad and even the awkward.

 

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