Global Network? What does that mean to me?

by Aaron & Virginia Bond

Acquiring good talent was a skill Aaron and I had to develop. In the beginning, we failed miserably, unsure of the best approach. However, with the support of other E&V shops, guidance from Peter Giese, the CEO of Engel & Völkers Florida, and the constant encouragement from our Vice President of Growth, Theo Barber, to refine our value proposition, we started to find our stride. He consistently reported back on what talented professionals in Tampa Bay were asking for—and he needed answers.

Early on, I scheduled a coffee meeting with someone I admire. During my presentation, he bluntly said, “Global network? So what.” His comment struck a nerve as I realized I hadn’t truly explored the full potential of our network. How could I communicate its value when, at that moment, it was nothing more than a tagline that didn’t resonate with me either?

We have over 16,500 advisors worldwide, operating in 35 countries across 5 continents. And yet, I found myself asking, “So what?” This part of my presentation was, quite frankly, lackluster. I have to be authentic and real. So I needed to make a change.

I embarked on a mission to uncover the real benefits of this vast network—for myself, my husband, and our advisors. I decided to approach this journey from a place of service. I began by mastering the E&V CRM and offering assistance to others who needed support with it. Additionally, I started the Women Owners of Florida Engel & Völkers mastermind, which meets monthly, to foster collaboration and community among women leaders within our brand. I wanted to go beyond surface-level connections and truly understand the fabric of our brand—our people.

I’ve started a blog to share this journey with you. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about myself. Being surrounded by overachievers has pushed me to show up as my best self. I’ve reflected on how I performed in my interactions, collaborations, and the support I offered others. I am no longer learning about this mystical network, I am and active part of it.