Meet Seth Weiner | Your Rocktioneer® – Fundraising Auctioneer Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Seth Weiner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Seth, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance and Boundaries, two principles I live by. i am fortunate that I love the work I do, it doesn’t feel like work as it’s so rewarding. That being said, it is still important to balance my work with other life such as going for long runs, yoga, reading a good book, enjoying a nice meal, and taking time uninterrupted time for my son and self. I’ve always had a decent balance when it comes to work and pleasure. However, over the last few years I’ve taken more time to do things like going to a 6 mile afternoon run, or in the Summer taking the afternoon to enjoy a swim and reading a book at the pool. My mind and body need these things, I can literally feel this need and when it’s not balanced.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The way I see it is every fundraising event should be fun and innovative. My take is that every person who supports the NPO organization is a Rockstar and should be treated that way. I believe the tools I provide my empower my clients for success and bring passion back into the planning process.

AND THE REASON I BELIEVE THIS IS….

I was the most outgoing kid in elementary school and my love for music led to a pastime of booking bands, being the hype man , and running a successful volunteer program for music festivals the likes of Coachella and Bonnaroo, but found out auctioneering by chance (on stage with a volunteer trying to sell and I ended up -spur of the moment- jumping in to help out and raised more than the org ever had).

I made the career jump from the music business to full time benefit auctioneer about 2 years before the pandemic hit. One could say I drank the cool-aid as I am all in when it comes to this new profession by getting involved with the National and State Auctioneer Associations, taking advantage of all the additional education offerings, coaching programs, and relationships with industry colleagues. I currently hold the coveted BAS, a Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation, as deemed by the National Auctioneer Association. What does that mean? Less than 200 people in the nation hold this prestigious title, opening me up to a vast network of tools and resources. Additionally I am enrolled in my 2nd year of the Certified Auctioneer Institute 3 year program, which is the most revered professional designation an Auctioneer can acquire with less than 2% of auctioneers WORLD WIDE holding it.

The benefit auction industry is so different than the music industry as colleagues are more open to sharing ideas. What works for one may work for another, which ultimately is helping the non-profit organizations raise more money for good causes. It’s so refreshing! When I come across a challenge, I am not alone and can overcome it from others experiences.

COVID forced my industry to shut down and then quickly PIVOT to Virtual Events. Those of us that didn’t want to sit around became pioneers of producing Virtual Gala. There was so much to learn and invent and it was so great to be able to help our clients continue to raise funds, virtually. Never a dull moment in this business. That’s the thing, this is WORK, but every time I do my job I am in some way helping make the World a better place. It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, which makes it fun to do.

All of this education and work continues to evolve what I am able to offer my clients. Often people hear the word auctioneer and think “Oh you can talk real fast.” Sure, but what I really do is consulting! That’s were I am able to poke holes in an event and see where there revenue potential is and help guide them how we can get there, together. It’s a beautiful process to watch come to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG so much to do…

Restaurants: Kitchen 6, Kimball House, Brick Store Pub, and more…

We’d take a run at the Chattahoochee and Mason Mill Park (PATH), ride bikes on the Beltline, catch a sunset at Arabia Mountain. Catch a concert at The Eastern, Terminal West, and/or The Variety Playhouse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a Shoutout to Jennelle Taylor, my auctioneer coach. Jennelle has been so helpful in my transition into the fundraising world. Her unique coaching style has helped opened me up to my potential and continues to grow my business by the value I add.

Website: yourrocktioneer.com

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