Remember Why You Started

“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.”?

―?Simon Sinek

It was Summer 2020. Lockdown was only just beginning to ease.?

I took the plunge and set?up my estate agency. Not ideal timing but it had been a dream of mine for some time and i felt more inspired than ever before.

I had one simple business aim:

To help make it easier and less stressful for people to sell their house and move home

Nearly three years later, this is still the reason why I do what I do. A 5-star Google Review from a vendor today acted as a reminder that if you put the client at the centre of everything you do and not your own business interests, then everything else falls into place, and your business flourishes even more.

It wasn't easy getting to this point.?Post-lockdown, I was concerned that?my job was at risk. In spite of reassurances to the contrary two days before, I was made redundant -?by email.?

In the preceding years, employers had told me I was now too old for the industry, and it was a young man’s game. Sexist and ageist all in one go! I was told one needed youthful energy and a commitment to sales to succeed in the property world.

Rather than deter me, this?inspired?me. I planned to?set up my own business, staying true to my own values and continuing to prove that I have the blend of experience and passion that it takes to be successful.?Age doesn't come into it.

When I affiliated myself with Keller Williams, I underwent a lot of training and development, which I thoroughly enjoyed.?And I'm still learning every single day.?

I run my business with state-of-the-art systems and industry-leading technology. But also with the support of global and national experts in our field. And most importantly, with my personal values at the forefront.??

I now find myself enjoying my work life more than at any time in 30 years. If you enjoy what you do and look after your clients, then the results will come.

I ensure that the business remains up-to-date and current. I utilise processes that are slick and swift. I keep my finger on the pulse and share important industry updates via my podcast. And I'm constantly looking to evolve and improve the business.?

Opening up a new office in Truro is the next exciting phase for me.

I grew up in Truro, and it has always held a special place in my heart, so it feels significant and evocative to be returning.?

I'll share more about this new phase in an upcoming blog. Watch this space!

Whilst working for yourself is not for everybody and has its challenges, the personal rewards are something I have never felt before when I was employed.

Thank you to all my clients, friends and family who have supported me throughout. Also, my colleagues at Keller Williams, the professionals I work with and the members of my team?

And if ever I need a boost of inspiration, remembering that I am "too old for all of this" is just the motivation I need!

Have you ever found success whilst defying someone's stereotype of you? I'd love to hear your story too.