It may feel like we live in our own little bubble sometimes, but on a recent trip to Berlin, a number of Michael Saunders & Company agents experienced first-hand that our bubble is much bigger than we realize. Michael Saunders & Company took its place on the global stage in Germany for the 2015 International Symposium of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) and Luxury Portfolio International. This network of invitation-only real estate brokerages gathered October 11-13 and included representatives from 17 countries. The symposium focused on global real estate trends and the delivery of exceptional real estate services.
Our team at the International Symposium in Berlin. From left to right: Kim and Michael Ogilvie, Beth Afflebach, Drayton Saunders, Michael Saunders, Deborah Beacham, Linda Dickinson, Kelly Quigley
“Each year, we choose a dynamic city where some of the most successful and forward-thinking real estate professionals gather to build productive relationships and engage in a thought-provoking educational program,” comments LeadingRE President/CEO Pam O’Connor. “By coming together, we strengthen our network in ways that solidify our position as a global real estate leader.” We asked our agents and leaders in attendance to share their top takeaways. Read on to see what they had to say:
Investing in Relationships
“In today’s high tech digital world, real facetime often takes a back seat to text email and phone conversations. Networking with over 100 of the best independent luxury brokers highlighted the importance in investing in your relationship in person. We talked to global real estate peers who either had plans, or clients with plans, to visit Sarasota. The common thread was the need to know and trust the local market expert. It was clear from Berlin that technology can never replace the value of personal interaction.” -Drayton Saunders, President
If it isn't broke, fix it anyway.
“The symposium was fantastic. It gave us a very broad perspective on the power of Leading RE. To be amongst the most successful independent luxury agents from all over the world gave us even more confidence in the power of our referral network. Our takeaways include how mobile technology is the future of real estate. We must position ourselves to make it easy for the consumer to find us and our properties. Also, we realized how our company is an acknowledged leader amongst this group in cutting edge technology. We discussed the importance of having the attitude that "if it isn't broke, fix it anyway" in order to stay ahead in innovation. -Kim Ogilvie and Michael Ogilvie, Realtors ®
Social Media Matters
“The technology panels were the highlight for me. Matthew Ferrara talked about critical marketing trends, including the consumer’s interest in the quality of data being the most important when presented on mobile devices; Facebook outpaces YouTube for consumers watching video; in Asia, the average user has 1.7 mobile devices and one out of every 6 minutes is spent in social media; with Instagram, consumers are staying 12 to 14 minutes at a time.” -Deborah Beacham, Realtor ®
Global Reach
“The Dickinson/ Quigley team was honored to attend the Luxury Portfolio Symposium as we now have firsthand appreciation for the global reach this brand and affiliation offers our clients and the Sarasota market. The networking opportunities and ideas shared have helped us sharpen our skill set and the motivational speaker reminded us to rethink our potential and avoid being complacent in our business practices. We are local; we are global!” - Linda Dickinson and Kelly Quigley, Realtors ®
The Necessity of Networking
“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet associates affiliated with Luxury Portfolio and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World in amazing Berlin. It was fun to build relationships and share information with real estate professionals representing so many unique cities and countries. While we all work locally, we are all connected globally. It was a very meaningful experience.” -Beth Afflebach, Realtor ®
By maintaining our worldwide affiliates with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International and additionally Christie's International Real Estate and Mayfair International Realty, Michael Saunders & Company Sarasota homes for sale reach buyers from Sarasota to Sardinia. Comment below with any additional benefits you've experienced from our brokerage alliances.
