from Idaho
I’ve heard my fellow brokers and agents talk about drinking the Sotheby’s Kool-Aid during this weekend’s Global Networking Event (#GNE2014). It’s kind of like the world drinking Apple’s Kool-Aid during the release of the iPhone 6 and the new Apple watch. Apple is a brand, just like Sotheby’s, and the goal is to create a buzz so that people are talking about it and want to buy the product.
I think the Sotheby’s comparison to Apple is fair. Sotheby’s is global. It has a name that resonates with people around the world – mainly because of our high-end auctions. But Sotheby’s Auctions and Sotheby’s Real Estate go hand in hand. People who are buying art are also buying luxury homes to display it. And that’s where our #GNE2014 comes in.
Every year, Sotheby’s International Realty brings its agents from around the world to one location to network. This year, it is the Fontainebleau Hotel on South Beach. It’s always someplace sunny and fun! We get to know other Sotheby’s real estate agents, listen to some pretty cool speakers like Miami Heat President Pat Riley, and let loose.
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On Tuesday, I sat next to an agent from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho named Claudia. My mom’s entire family is from the same town where Claudia lives and she actually knew all of my cousins. What a small world! But now – if any of my clients just happen to want a second home in Idaho – I know who to call. Same goes for Portugal, Canada, and Belize. Now that I know all of these agents – my clients who are looking for the perfect first, second, or third home don’t have to search for a real estate agent overseas. I have access to the entire Sotheby’s global network.
We have 750 offices worldwide. We sold $60 billion (with a B!) in real estate last year. And we are set to break records this year. Okay. Okay. I might be drinking the Sotheby’s Kool-Aid, but I must admit – it tastes pretty darn good.