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2011 December Blogging Challenge - Reaching Foreign Clients

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

There are so many things I plan to do in 2012 that will aid me in my business that I don't know where to start, but one incident today confirmed that one of my priorities is right on target.

Advertising, marketing through the Internet, developing a stronger web-presence, calling new leads and past clients and knocking on doors are awesome ways to reach out to others who may end up as potential clients or repeat clients, but one of my priorities this year will be to expand my knowledge of Russian and Spanish. 

There is a growing Russian population in the Shenandoah Valley and the Spanish speaking population has grown tremendously.  So, one of first priorities in 2012 will be to enhance my language skills to increase my market share with these two groups of potential clients. 

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Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Smart move Mike.  I'm sure it is one you will tackle with ease.

Dec 01, 2011 11:21 AM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON
Do you speak either language? Maybe find someone who does to team up willbe helpful.
Dec 01, 2011 11:48 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Cindy.

I do speak a moderate Russian.  I've worked with a Russian tutor on and off for years.  She's a big help.  My wife speaks Spanish.  So, I have a built in tutor.  8=)

Dec 01, 2011 11:55 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Mike, Mastering a new language is a Challenge all within itself. But, if anyone can do it, I know you will be able to do it, and bring in those foreign clients next year.

Dec 01, 2011 12:10 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Jerry.  Hopefully, I won't get too mixed up.  8-)

Dec 01, 2011 12:21 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Wow, those are some challenging goals to help you. That should be a great growth tool in so many ways. Have a great evening.

Cal

Dec 01, 2011 12:59 PM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

Mike: I know Russian is a tough one and I have the utmost respect for every one who is able to master it! And I know what I'm talking about - the Soviet Union was our big brother, thus Russian was mandatory starting in Middle School - English came in second but not until 7th grade and was optional after the first couple years I think? Go figure, that's all reversed nowadays of course. I can still read and understand a little but sadly I don't think I would be able to carry on a conversation anymore. Maybe I'll just have to follow your lead! German doesn't come in handy at all btw..

Dec 01, 2011 01:12 PM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

That sounds quite challenging, but I am sure it will make you stand apart from your competition!

Dec 01, 2011 01:14 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

That's mighty ambitious of you, Mike.  I would love to know HOW you are going to do that :)

Dec 01, 2011 01:18 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Cal, the Russian will help me when I travel into the Ukraine too.  My students speak Russian there. 

Well, if it ever does, Andrea, you're ahead of the game.  You're English is extraordinarily good. 

Hopefully, it will go smoother than I think, Kristi.  I'm not banking on that one though.  8-)

Dec 01, 2011 01:18 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Hey, Mimi.  Fortunatey, I have a head start on Russian. I've been speaking it at a low to moderate level for nearly a decade.  I can read it better than speak it.   Spanish, is something I've been toying with for a year or so.  I always have audios with me when traveling.  My computer is loaded with both language tools.  I have a library of books in Russian and a few in Spanish.  I also have a lot of movies in Russian.  So, the saturation helps me keep the sounds and the flow fresh.  I also have a Russian tutor when I need a little help.  My wife speaks Spanish.  Hopefully, the combination of all these things and friends who speak both languages will be a boost.  We'll see Jan 1, 2013.  8-)

Dec 01, 2011 01:26 PM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Mike,

Good for you, it is a big commitment to learn a new skill, I commend you for challenging yourself to continuous improvement

Dec 01, 2011 01:54 PM
John Novak
Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

That's quite a challenge; the languages are nothing alike. In Las Vegas we can get blank purchase agreements in Spanish from our board. Does your association offer anything like that?

Dec 01, 2011 02:03 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, P & L.  I do have a leg up on this challenge from past experience, but becoming proficient in any language is a life long exercise.  Thanks for commenting.

They're not, John.  I'll have to check on the purchase agreement.  I don't think we have anything like that, but I've never had a reason to check into it, but hopefully, I will now. 

Dec 01, 2011 08:36 PM
Scott Fogleman
New Home Team - Richmond, VA

Mike- Sounds like a daunting task but a very smart move. I have confidence you can and will do it.

Dec 01, 2011 09:43 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Good for you Mike.  Being pro active is much better than being reactive.

Dec 01, 2011 10:40 PM
Cathy Criado
Criado Realty - San Antonio, TX
Making Real Estate Profitable

Wow I'm impressed! My husband was a linguist in the military so he learned a few. I asked why not Russian? That would have been interesting. "It's the hardest language in the world" - even harder than Chinese with a need to memorize 3000 characters that don't are not inter-related or have an alphabet.  I applaud you for that Mike! You're a smart dude!  Do you plan on taking classes or what? Just curious.

 

Dec 01, 2011 11:06 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Hopefully it will be a little easier with my friends who also speak one or other other.  My wife also speaks Spanish.  So, we can do that one at home.  We'll see, Scott.  

So true, Conrad.  We have a growing population of Russian and Spanish speaking residents.  So, it's time to get involved. 

Cathy, I'll probably continue with audios and online work like Rosetta Stone.  I also have friends who speak the languages.  So, that will help.  I do have a Russian tutor who is awesome, and my wife speaks Spanish.  Hopefully, I'll be fluent enough by Dec 31, 2012 to conduct business at a basic level. 

Dec 02, 2011 12:06 AM
Debbie Holmes
John L. Scott - Boise, ID
Gets the job done!

I am impressed!  My middle son tought himself Russian... I think it was to impress a very pretty exchange student... He says he was interested in the language.

Dec 02, 2011 04:23 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Ah, yes, there are some beautiful Russian girls running around.  Good for him!  Motivation is everything!!

Dec 02, 2011 01:20 PM
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