GLOBAL DIVERSITY
BUSINESS AROUND THE WORLD
Let’s find out how well-prepared you are for clients from around the
world. (Pick the country that is described in each scenario 1-9):
1. When indicating height, always use the index finger. Only the height
of an animal is shown by using the whole hand.
A) BRAZIL
B) MEXICO
C) IRELAND
2. The left hand is considered unclean. Always use the right hand in
preference to the left.
A) HONDURAS
B) ENGLAND
C) EGYPT
3. The sign for O.K” in the U.S. (a circle of first finger and thumb) is
totally unacceptable in this country. It is considered vulgar.
A) BRAZIL
B) CANADA
C) BELIZE
4. Use your knife (not your fingers) to pick up cheese, and don’t eat any
fruit except grapes or cherries with your hand!
A) CHINA
B) GERMANY
C) ITALY
5. Whoever initiates the meal or drink is expected to pay.
A) GERMANY
B) FRANCE
C) ITALY
6. Never keep the left hand in your pocket while shaking hands with
your right.
A) GERMANY
B) FRANCE
C) ITALY
7. A clear way to indicate “no” is to suck in air through the teeth. This
sound always indicates a problem.
A) KUWAIT
B) INDONESIA C) JAPAN
8. If the person responds, “I’ll consider it,” they may really mean “no.”
A) ESTONIA
B) SUDAN
C) JAPAN
9. Men often walk hand in hand. If someone holds your hand, take it as
a sign of friendship.
A) KUWAIT
B) KAZAKHSTAN C) BOLIVIA
10. How long is 1 foot in centimeters?
A) 0.45 CM
B) 3.38 CM
C) 30.48 CM
11. 92 degrees Fahrenheit equals
A) 27.33° CELSIUS B) 20.99° CELSIUS C) 33.33° CELSIUS
12. 2,500 sqft equals
A) 259.34M²
B) 232.26M²
C) 259.34M²
Answer: 1b 2c 3a 4c 5b 6a
7b
8c
9a
10c
11c
12b
0 - 4: There is a lot for you to learn. Please sign up for the next At Home
with Diversity or CIPS class the Association offers.
5 - 9: You are already doing well, but there are some things you don’t
know. Please sign up for an At Home with Diversity or CIPS Class the
next time it is offered.
10 - 12 = fantastic! You are very well prepared. If you like to know more,
please sign up for an At Home with Diversity or CIPS Class
Source: Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands
Florida is a popular destination for international customers
and investors – particularly our home here on the Southwest
coast. Here at the Royal Palm Coast Realtor® Association,
we have held several advanced trainings for Realtors®
with international customer interest this year. Our At Home
With Diversity (AHWD) class - an NAR certification program
designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real
estate industry – which was planned for September had to be
postponed a few weeks due to Hurricane Irma. However, we
were still able to learn about all the interesting and changing
factors of the diverse markets, cultures, and ways to conduct
business. The course teaches Realtors® how to assess and
understand attributes of diversity in local markets and their
impact on the real estate industry. It also helps students
understand basic competencies to earn the confidence of
potential buyers and sellers, regardless of race, ethnicity,
religion, gender, handicaps, familial status, or national origin.
The CIPS Designation (Certified International Property
Specialist Designation) course was just held in October.
When you become a CIPS designee, you gain immediate
access to business-enhancing products and services that are
offered exclusively to CIPS designees, including a database
of Certified International Property Specialists from around
the globe. In addition to joining the CIPS network and use
of the prestigious and internationally recognized CIPS logo
and brand, you get access to market tools, technology tools,
and networking opportunities to create more international
business. If you have the chance to attend legislative meetings
and the national conference, you have the opportunity to join
the CIPS welcome reception and network with Realtors® from
different parts of the world and build your referral network.
The international real estate market is a big part of conducting
business, as Americans are venturing out to buy second
homes and investment properties overseas. At the same time,
a diverse client base is entering the Southwest Florida market.
In every instance, you should be prepared to deal with other
cultures and how business is conducted.
Here are some more tips:
Measurement: Most countries are using the metric system by
now. Show your international clients that you know it too!
Email: Start and end the email with the proper greeting/
closing. For example, in Germany:
Male: Sehr geehrter Herr + last name
Female: Sehr geehrte Frau + last name
Mit freundlichen Gruessen (Best Regard).
BY BEATE WUNDERER,
MILOFF AUBUCHON REALTY GROUP
RPCRA.ORG | NOV/DEC 2017
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