Global Business Council

2022 - A Great Year for the GBC!

By: Patricia Tan, Realtor®/International Speaker & Instructor, Coldwell Banker, 2022 GBC Chair

This year was certainly a great one for RASM’s Global Business Council (GBC), that definitely ended on a high note! We are very proud to be once again named as one of NAR’s topperforming global councils, achieving

GOLD status in NAR’s Global Achievement

Program. In addition, during NAR’s national convention in Orlando in November, we were recognized for our continuing role as NAR’s Ambassador Association to the Colombian real estate association FEDELONJAS. A group of RASM members traveled to Colombia in August to attend the CILA (Confederación Inmobiliaria de Latinoamérica) regional convention. The trip was open to all RASM members, and those who attended had the opportunity to meet other real estate professionals from many countries in Latin America.

GBC LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

Having said that, smart agents know that you don’t need to travel overseas to do global business. There are many opportunities to make international deals right here in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and your GBC aims to provide members with the knowledge and tools they need to be successful in working with overseas buyers and sellers.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2022:

Country Spotlights on Ireland, Netherlands, Panama, and Colombia. Afternoon seminars and presentations by local and international speakers outlining in detail how the real estate markets of those countries work, how we can build referral networks there, and work successfully with nationals from those countries.

Ask The Expert roundtables gave members opportunities for one-on-one Q&A sessions with experts in international business – from tax to title and money to mortgages, we answered all the tricky questions and highlighted issues that might stop you from getting to closing!

Virtual Trade Missions. From the comfort of home, we helped members take part in events in Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Dubai, Portugal, and The Bahamas.

First Class Education. From short classes on specific subjects to the all-encompassing Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, we made these available in person and online to meet member needs. We also explored aspects of global business in regular articles in RASM’s ELEVATE Magazine.

Networking Opportunities. Relationships are very important in global business, but building those relationships starts at home. We facilitated this by holding regular networking events for our members to build strong bonds locally and globally.

One of my personal favorites was our outreach program to help people in Ukraine. We worked with the Ukrainian community in North Port and collected essential medical and other supplies that were shipped to help Ukrainian refugees and residents.

In closing, I’d like to thank the hard-working members of our Global Business Council Committee for all they did to bring these amazing programs and opportunities to RASM members in 2022. Planning for 2023 is already underway as we create more opportunities for members to grow their businesses here and abroad. We look forward to greeting old friends in the new year and welcoming lots of new GBC members. Watch out for details of our first 2023 event, and prepare to be wowed! •