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We asked successful female auctioneer Angela Limanis, based in Melbourne, why she thinks so few women take up auctioneering, what we can do to encourage more to give it a go, and the point of difference a female auctioneer can bring to a sale under the hammer.
Angela Limanis of Ray White Cheltenham, has conducted over 250 auctions.
“I was immersed in the auction space from the start of my real estate career in 1997,” Angela said. “So transitioning into it was a natural step for me.”
“As a sales person I was always the penciller and the person talking to buyers so I was very familiar with the dialogue of an auctioneer and absorbed it very quickly.
“In my early days I watched videos on YouTube and Gavl (online livestream platform) and various styles and techniques, and from there I resonated with a couple of people.
“In addition to empathy, less ego, and some pizazz, a female auctioneer can often bring a different perspective and a better ability to connect on a more personal level.”
“I believe we definitely bring a fresh approach to style and presentation, more often than not surprising the crowd when we step out, and blending professionalism with a personable touch that resonates well with diverse audiences.”
“I’ve often been told my style is different to males in my area, where I am more personable and approachable, making buyers feel more comfortable in that space.”
“I believe that many would like to get into the auctioneering space but self-doubt and their fears are stronger than their desire to do so - which is understandable. This was me in the early days.”
“If the drive becomes stronger, it takes passion, a lot of practice and knowing that all auctioneers started at the same place, nobody was born an auctioneer.”
Angela says her experience among male auctioneers left her:
Feeling judged
Lacking in confidence and self belief
Scared of making mistakes
With a mindset of second guessing herself about her ability to add/count the numbers/bids, keep the call going, disturbing the flow and adding filler words to keep up momentum
Comparing herself to auctioneers who are years in the business
“In the early days I had all these thoughts, plus more, but my desire and passion to get into the auction space was greater than my fear,” she said.
“I didn’t step out into the arena until I felt I was ready, and that wasn't until my 40s. It took me quite some time but it was worth the wait.”
Angela would like to see auction training run for and by women, and make sure women are represented and present at annual training sessions run by Ray White. Providing a woman-only training, Angela says, might encourage ladies to come out of their shell.
“It would show prospective auctioneers that these lady auctioneers have been in their shoes, running teams, and running families,” she said.
“Or, at the very least, to show that it's not just males that have seen success in the field.”
