<Home <Articles

WHY SOME MULTICULTURAL CLIENTS DON’T WANT AN AGENT FROM THEIR OWN CULTURE

Most agents assume that culturally diverse clients only want to work with an agent from their own culture. In reality, most multicultural clients will work with any agent who shows them patience and understanding.

It’s a little-known fact that some groups deliberately seek out agents who are NOT from their culture. Why would this be?

First, many groups are very private about their financial affairs and fear that if they share this information with someone from their own culture they may spread it to others within the community. While this probably wouldn’t happy it’s a belief that many hold.

Second, some are fearful that the government in their home country may try to tax them or their families if it discovers they have the means to purchase property in this country. If you are not from their culture it’s highly unlikely that you could have connections with the government of Argentina or China.

Third, many new immigrants want to learn the English language and the American culture as quickly as possible. They know that this will only happen if they choose an “American” agent rather than someone from their own background.

So what about the language barrier? If they want to work with you they will find a way to understand such as having an adult child or friend interpret. If necessary, contact your local embassy for referrals to qualified and competent interpreters.

About the Author: Michael “Soon” Lee, MBA, is a nationally recognized
professional speaker and author on negotiating and multicultural marketing. He has negotiated everything from multi-million dollar real estate transactions to major motion picture deals. Michael is President of
EthnoConnect™ the Multicultural Sales Solution and can be reached in the
U.S. at (800) 41-SPEAK or by e-mail at:michael@seminarsunlimited.com.

Copyright© 2006 by Seminars Unlimited - All Rights Reserved

Return to top