I learnt one thing very quickly early on in life…
Nothing is secure unless you secure it yourself.
This reality hit home more profoundly than ever on March 23, 2020, when the world officially ground to a halt due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Picture this: For the last seven years, I had thrived as a premium travel consultant, crafting dream holidays and experiences for clients worldwide. Suddenly, my livelihood and sole income vanished with the click of a finger and all I could think was, “What now?”
Like countless others, I found solace in weeks of Netflix and Disney+ marathons. Then, one day, a social media advertisement caught my eye—a property training company offering to teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to start their own property business. Intrigued, I signed up online for £99 and spent the following weekend immersing myself in the world of property investment.
Fast forward, three to four weeks later and armed with newfound knowledge from research, podcasts, books and conversations, I suddenly found myself as CEO of my first company and navigating the conveyancing process, for my first buy-to-let property—a modest 1-bedroom flat. This is my story of going from full-time employee, to full-time in property and my advice on how you can leave your job and fulfil your dreams of being a professional property investor.
They say every investor has that one property where they learn all their invaluable lessons, and my first buy-to-let was certainly mine. This property alone, served as my crash course in purchasing through a company, forging alliances with contractors and planning consultants, and adeptly handling unforeseen challenges, such as installing new chimneys and sewage systems. To say it was a steep learning curve would be an understatement!
Life picked up speed from then on, even as I returned to the grind of full-time employment. However, my unwavering ambition to run my own business and immerse myself in property investment, never faltered. I became adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few tips I'd recommend: browse your favourite property websites like Rightmove, Zoopla and On the Market in the evening, but schedule your emails to agents to be sent out first thing in the morning around 8 a.m. This allows you to follow up with calls during your lunch break at work. Weekends also quickly morphed into my dedicated property days, filled with viewings and meetings.
Fast forward to September 16th, 2022 and after acquiring several more properties, I took the leap to become a full-time property investor. I distinctly remember the first day I no longer received pay checks from my employ er. It was a moment filled with both uncertainty and conviction—I knew, deep down, that this new venture had to work and my only path was to move forward.
As I sit here today and reflect on my journey thus far, I think to myself, what three key insights do I wish I had embraced at the beginning of my entrepreneurial and property investment journey? So please allow me to share what I wish someone had shared with me, in the hope that it inspires you, to navigate your own path towards success.
It's a common misconception among business owners and property investors that we can control every aspect of our ventures. However, reality often teaches us otherwise. I used to believe I could simply pick and choose the investment strategy that appealed to me. Yet, in the realm of property investing, this approach falls short. Instead, success demands starting with the end goal in mind. What outcome are you aiming for? How do you envision your lifestyle to look?
All too often, I've witnessed investors pursuing strategies that don't align with their personal values or lifestyle objectives. For instance, an individual investing in serviced-accommodation units, with the sole intention of receiving passive income and a quiet life, might otherwise find that, as other serviced-accommodation providers will attest to, their personal values and property objectives are misaligned, and as a result, often leads to frustration and eventual abandonment of the investment.
So, ask yourself: What is your primary objective for property investing right now? Are you seeking cashflow to transition away from your full-time job? If so, strategies like rent-to-rent, deal sourcing and property management may be suitable. Alternatively, if you're content with your current job and looking to simply buffer your income, strategies like flips or buy-refurbish-rent-refinance, may be more appropriate. Or perhaps you're aiming to create a legacy, opting for a hands-off investment, like a buy-to-let property, that appreciates over time? After defining your lifestyle objective, the ideal property strategy will naturally present itself, paving the way forward on your journey.
To be completely transparent, this is still a concept I am navigating. As entrepreneurs and business owners, it's all too tempting to fixate on the outcome, as it's ultimately what pays the bills. I found myself trapped in this cycle. I became almost singularly focused on the end result, always chasing ‘the next deal’; ‘the next investor’; ‘the next property’ and so on.
Too often, we forget to pause, look up from our screens and devices and appreciate the people and experiences around us. Life has recently taught me how short and precious it can be. It's essential to relish and celebrate every win, no matter how small, to take leisurely walks with friends and to indulge in life's simple pleasures, because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Becoming a property investor and business owner isn't just about achieving financial wealth; it's also about personal growth and fulfilment. It's crucial to take a holistic approach and ask yourself, “What kind of lifestyle would I like to live?” Additionally, reflecting on your journey and acknowledging how far you've come is essential. In the world of property, setbacks like deals falling through or investors backing out, can make you feel stagnant. Instead, remember where you were a year ago—perhaps you were struggling to analyse deals or lacking connections with investors you now speak to daily. Appreciate the progress you've made and enjoy the journey not just the result.
As most will know, I live by this mantra daily. Consistent daily actions are the pathway from where you are now to where you want to be, even if you improve by just 1% each day. Consider it akin to hitting the gym. If you only went once, you wouldn't see much change, but if you went three times a week for a month, you'd start noticing a difference in your physique and as a result you'd keep going.
Apply this analogy to business and property investing. Attending just one networking event won't yield much result, but if you're committed and attend regularly, you'll see progress and start building relationships in your area, which will lead to results. Similarly, with estate agents, maintaining consistency and nurturing meaningful connections, will lead to tangible outcomes over time. Consistency above everything else is what will accelerate you forward.
So, as I look ahead to the future, I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead. My property portfolio is growing, I am the host of the Dorset Property Network and I am also the creator of the Property Lifestyle Accelerator Programme, which teaches other aspiring investors how to accelerate their property journey, with a simple seven-step blueprint formula. I am also the proud founder and CEO of the Girls in Property Community and Podcast, whose sole mission is to create a supportive community, where women from all corners of the industry can connect, share insights and uplift each other, in the dynamic world of property and construction.
And finally, as most will tell you, I love to chat and always open to helping others, so if you want to get in touch, the best way to find me is on social media at either @athenadobson_offical or @girlsinproperty.
And remember—entrepreneurship, particularly in property, is no easy path. It is NOT a get rich quick scheme and demands unwavering dedication, hard work and resilience. However, by staying consistent and true to your values, owning your own property business can offer you the freedom to live life on your terms. I'm deeply grateful that I now experience this freedom every day and if I can do it so you can you!
Remember—YOU are your greatest asset and investment.
Be the one who starts when others stop. Keep Going and Good Luck.
