I Love Running my Own Show

Not everyone wants to be self-employed, be their own boss – they find that far too scary.

People quite rightly, worry about regular money coming in every month and the advantages that come with being in a ‘safe’ job. However what counts as safe these days! The concept of a ‘job for life’ is fast receding.

There are around five million self-employed people in the UK, and at the beginning of 2020, there were 5.94 million small businesses (with 0 – 49 employees). We make up the majority of our economy and we are vital to economic health and recovery. 

However, you have to approach this life with a very large dose of reality and have a clear understanding of what that means, particularly in the early stages of your business. 

Four years ago, I chose to join that community of people, and started my own property management and block management business: and I love it!

Remind yourself what block management and property management actually is 

Five things I love about running my own show.

1. I have a passion for what I do, and I get to do it MY WAY – I have worked in the property industry since 2007.  I am in control of my business, to run it the way that I want, without any bureaucratic decisions being made that I don’t agree with. Ultimately, all decisions are mine, and I accept that responsibility. Obviously, where relevant, I involve other members of my staff in decision-making. However, if fundamental mistakes are made, then I can’t blame anyone else but myself.

2. I get to work the hours which suit me - running the business means I have some control over the hours I work. With a growing business, sometimes, I don’t take the time I should, but again, it is down to me to ensure I take time for family-time, with my husband and young child. Working for someone else, I would have to take holidays when it fitted in with their schedule. I’m in charge of the schedule, so it is my choice when I take time off. However, a word of warning, this doesn’t mean not working hard. It’s actually the opposite. You will work harder than ever. However, when you work will often be your choice and you can flex around the other claims on your time.

3. Excellent customer service - has always been something I’ve been passionate about in property management and block management. Sometimes though it’s been sadly lacking. Often residents can feel they are a part of a process, system or treadmill and their individual needs or questions simply do not matter. This was one major reason why I wanted to do things my way. Being able to do those extra little things that I think are important for my clients, yet a larger organisation would probably deem them not to be cost effective, is important to me. Considering the needs of my clients and residents is an area I love to be involved in. Remembering the flats and properties we look after, are peoples ‘homes’ and not just commodities or numbers on a spreadsheet. This isn’t about counting beans for me – it’s about helping people.  I can choose for my business to give a more personal touch.

4. The choice of where I work is mine – currently my business manages properties in Gloucestershire, Bristol, London and the South West, communities which are relatively close to me. When I want to expand, I can also choose which areas to move into. I don’t have to wait for a face-less board of directors to give me the
go-ahead, and suddenly be told I need to move to the other end of the country. I can plan how I expand my business and who joins me to support that growth.

5. Giving back – this is very important to me in my business. Certain charities are very close to my heart, and because it is my show, I can make choices about who the business supports. Because of this, I have ensured that the business is an Alzheimer’s Friendly Business – my grandmother has dementia and my mother cares for her so this is a charity very close to my heart. I also support charities linked to anti-bullying, because, again, it is something incredibly personal to me.

Overall my business means more to me than a business. It means deciding my own future, it means educating my daughter about working hard, being committed, being passionate and getting back up when things go wrong.

It means serving people in my sector and serving them well so that when they work with me they see the value above the price. A good property management and block management provider, like mine, is worth its weight in gold to give time back and reduce stress to the property developers and owners – and also supports residents who know my team will take their needs seriously.

It means being the master of my own fate where all rests on my shoulders so it really matters to share my messages of doing business in block management and property management in an ethical, transparent, efficient and caring manner.