The initial installment of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers’ Business Development and Growth Seminar Series is scheduled for noon to 4:00 pm on May 8, 2021. The Series is a business focused webinar series developed specifically for gem and jewelry appraisers and will consist of four separate sessions concentrating on how to form, structure, market and grow a successful appraisal practice. To register through PayPal for the first session, Key Considerations to Business, click here. The cost per seminar is $25 for NAJA members and $50 for non-members.
Once registered, you will receive an email from NAJA confirming your registration. Within 48 hours, you will receive an email from LK Audio Production with the zoom link for the seminar.
Saturday, May 8, 2021
Noon: Three Appraisal Marketing Myths That Are Killing Your Profits, Wasting Your Valuable Time, and Giving Business to Your Unqualified Competition – Brian Kathenes
The ability to effectively market and promote your personal property appraisal services is the most critical skill of any successful appraisal practice. It is not “one of the most” critical factors, it is THE most critical factor to your success. Without a proven marketing strategy and a plan for implementation, an appraiser is doomed to a struggling practice that is far less profitable and only marginally successful. This lively and interactive session will identify the three appraisal marketing myths that hold appraisers back. It will provide you with six marketing techniques that will not cost you a penny, but can instantly change your business life for the better.
Brian Kathenes, ISA-CAPP, S-CAPP, is a certified appraiser, published author, adjunct university professor, and a radio & TV personality. Brian is the Managing Partner of National Appraisal Consultants, a firm specializing in personal property appraisal consulting, appraisal theory, litigation support, and appraisal practice education. He served as the expert witness and litigation support consultant in the Watergate Presidential Papers Trial: “Richard Nixon vs. the United States of America.”
1:00 PM: Introduction to Business Law – Amy Lonergan
Basic legal concepts such as formation questions, LLCs vs. S-Corps, why to form, what to form, other business law basics like EIN numbers, how to run business, basics of when contract might be needed, red flags, etc., part of the presentation will be to answer common questions.
Amy Lonergan’s first job was as the office manager for her Dad’s small business. She was 12. From there, she went to law school, and then she realized most lawyers do not know how to run a business, they just know how to do legal stuff. From there she developed specific business skills as a small business owner and an attorney, and Amy hopes to spread her knowledge to as many small businesses as possible. Small business owners need to be aware of the basics of the law to avoid many common issues.
2:00 PM: Make Your Social Media Count – Kate Donovan
Grow a greater understanding of top social media platforms and how to develop these essential tools to expand your professional outreach. In this session, you will:
- discover the strengths of various social media platforms
- identify the social site(s) that best suit your goals and/or needs
- gain knowledge and gather tips to navigate, plan and develop content
- plus, receive recommendations how to advance skills in creating posts and effective engagements that deliver your professional message, while growing your followers and optimizing your online presence to make your social media count.
Kate Donovan, GIA GG, earned her Graduate Gemologist diploma at GIA’s Santa Monica campus in 1989. She has spent her diversified gem and jewelry industry career dedicated as an ambassador to promoting jewelry and gemological education, sales, service and development. Her career has led to travel and growing relationships around the globe, connecting individuals and opportunities across jewelry, gemstones, minerals, education & research, museums and personal collectors. Kate is a visible presence at industry tradeshows, conferences and events worldwide and has studied with Gem-A. She is a member of Accredited Gemologists Association, Gemmological Association of Great Britain, GIA Alumni Association, Scottish Gemmological Association, Women’s Jewelry Association and 24K Club of Southern California – serving on a variety of these association boards for more than 25 years.
3:00 PM: Forty Years as an Appraiser – Ted Irwin
If you wish to become a fine jewelry appraiser, improve your existing business and see how others have dealt with their challenges, spend an hour with a seasoned veteran of the appraisal wars. Northwest Gemological Laboratory (NGL) was one the very first independent jewelry appraisal companies and Ted Irwin will share insights from over forty years there – as a greenhorn employee, though his stages of ownership and changing the business direction and clientele.
Some things that will examined:
- The learning curve to become a successful appraiser
- Building resources and growing your support network
- Dealing with vendors, jewelers and consumers
- When to say no and when (and how) to expand your expertise
Ted Irwin, GIA GG, ICGA, belongs to several industry associations including the Accredited Gemologists Association and the National Association of Jewelry Appraiser. He does not buy, sell or broker. He appraises a broad range of antique to contemporary jewelry for consumers directly and through a handful of independent jewelers. His scope includes insurance, estate, dissolution assignments with an occasional store audit or fraud case thrown in.
Ted also teaches gemology to the consumer and trade, has provided corporate training and (pre-COVID) hosted the annual Northwest Jewelry Conference for estate jewelry enthusiasts.
The program is live so that you may ask relevant questions to the presenters – time permitting. The webinar will be recorded and available to review and enjoy for the entire week ending on May 15th at midnight – you will receive the link for the recording within 24 hours after the seminar ends.
Learn more about the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers at www.NAJAappraisers.com.
