Advice to my younger self…

3 things I wish I’d known about international brokering when I expanded my business.

When I started brokering international commercial real estate investments, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to progress, expand and enjoy – it was!

Little did I know just how challenging it would prove to be. I learnt a lot during those years not just in skills but also discovering and appreciating the rich fabric that makes up our world.

I was amazed at how different the concepts could be depending on country – and the complete lack of understanding that could occur between parties, not from clever negotiating tactics, but from a genuinely different perspective.

Looking back, there are 3 main things that would have really helped me back then – Maybe you might find them useful:

1. When working internationally, it isn’t just the way of working that can be different, it is the way of thinking, beliefs and values too.
2. You don’t need to like or believe the same thing, you just need to understand, accept and adapt your way of working to theirs for successful, constructive results.
3. Finally, don’t forget: Trust is gained and increased by your depth of listening, by showing that you understand their needs and reasons, not just by speaking the language or offering the best price.