We've advertised abroad in several publications, both in English and in German. Great distributions, great marketing, great for making your sellers happy about the extra exposure - but for us, no results (unless you consider calls from other international publications results). International business is about relationships and trust, as I've mentioned before. Remember Florida swampland sales? That's what people from other countries are afraid of.
Joining - and participating in - the CIPS groups, the international section, and FIABCI are ways of making contacts, but it's not just joining, it's really getting involved. Trade shows can lead to relationships and business, but not by going just once. They don't know you seeing you once. Go back to exhibit at the same trade shows year after year after year.
Locally, join an International Trade Council. And again, don't just join, participate. Work on the committees, let the other members get to know you, how you work, how you think, what your values are. People need a relationship with you before they refer to you. Like clients, they have to build a relationship with you and trust you - after all, they are putting their own reputation on the line. I've had far more success with referrals from attorneys, bankers, and accountants than I have success from ads. It's not a quick fix, but it's enduring business relationships.
Have you put your listings on world properties? It's a great way to be represented around the world.
Jay and Linnea Hanley
Jay and Linnea - yes, I put all our properties on World Properties. I think it's ironic, though, that we can't click a button to upload them but have to telephone realtor.com to have them make the link.
Sara - I gave myself 5 years after joining the Tampa Bay International Trade Council to measure my success, since relationships are the key in international business. For the first 3 years - nothing, nada, zilch. Lots of time spent, no results. Then it started, and mushroomed from there. I've made lots of connections locally and abroad, and it's a wonderfully rewarding experience. I've since visited several clients in Scotland, England, Sweden, Germany and Italy and have developed some fantastic friendships as well as done a lot of business.
You know, Sharon. I really like this idea. If you live in an area that caters to Foreign Nationals (San Diego is one of them), why not get their business before they cross the border?
I'll be looking for futire posts and blogs about this from you. Thanks for the good idea.