When I first started investing in property, my education came from magazines and TV shows. I had no formal training, and I certainly didn’t think there was a whole world of personal development and property investment waiting for me just around the corner. But that all changed when I attended a free event—one that opened a door I didn’t even know existed.
As a young journalist, I had no idea this kind of world was out there. But once I stepped through that door, I discovered a whole new side to property investment. This blog is about how that discovery shaped my journey, how I embraced networking despite being an introvert, and the lessons I learned along the way.
“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser
Opening the Secret Door: From Magazines to Real People
In the beginning, my knowledge came from magazines and TV shows like Property Ladder. These were great resources, but they were missing something. I was absorbing information, but I wasn’t connecting with real people who were actually doing it. Then came that free event—a moment that felt like I’d stumbled across a secret door into a world I’d never imagined.
At the event, I realised property investing wasn’t just for people on TV. It was for people like me. I started attending more courses, learning everything I could, and meeting all sorts of people—people who would go on to become mentors, friends, and peers. These were people who understood the journey I was on.
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” — Arthur C. Clarke
Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone: Networking as an Introvert
Here’s the thing: I’m not a natural networker. I’m probably an introvert at heart. The idea of mingling with strangers at events didn’t exactly thrill me. But I was determined to hit my goals, and I knew that connecting with people who were doing what I wanted to do was essential.
I quickly found that networking is a bit like dating—you’re looking for common ground, something you can build on. I met people who became part of my peer group, and together we navigated the ups and downs of property investment. I suddenly had people in my phone who I could call when I had questions—and believe me, I had plenty.
“Your network is your net worth.” — Porter Gale
I also learned an important lesson: the people you meet at networking events aren’t always what they seem. Some may come across as overconfident, but behind that bravado, they’re often just like you—navigating the challenges of property investment, trying to figure it all out. That’s why following up after networking is so important. It’s where the real connections are made.
The Power of Focus: Moving to Northamptonshire to Build My Portfolio
As much as networking helped me, there came a point when I realised I needed to shut out the world and focus. After I moved to Northamptonshire, I dedicated myself fully to building my property portfolio. I stayed in touch with the contacts I had made, but I knew that to reach my goals, I needed time and space to get the work done.
Over a two-year period, I bought and renovated seven properties, all while raising the money to make it happen. It was a time of intense focus, and looking back, I know that the reason I succeeded was that I kept my eye on the prize.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer
Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
After that intense two-year period, I went on a networking trip—a skiing trip—hoping to reconnect and expand my circle. And while it was nice to meet new people, I quickly realised something important: I had become busy, but not necessarily productive. Networking is valuable, but only if it doesn’t distract you from what really matters—building your portfolio and achieving your goals.
That skiing trip reminded me of one of the most important lessons I’ve learned: always keep the main thing the main thing. It’s easy to get caught up in networking, courses, and other activities, but at the end of the day, your focus needs to be on what will actually move the needle in your property journey.
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” — Scott Belsky
Why Networking is Like Dating: Building Real Relationships
Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or making quick connections. It’s about building relationships. A lot like dating, you’re looking for that common ground to form a solid foundation. When you meet the right people, they become more than just contacts—they become your support system, your peers, and even your friends.
One of the greatest benefits of networking is that I now have a group of people I can turn to whenever I face a challenge in my property journey. The more you connect with people who share your goals, the easier it becomes to learn, grow, and achieve what you set out to do.
But just like dating, it’s important to find balance. Don’t get swept up in the excitement and forget why you’re there in the first place. Networking is a tool to help you reach your goals—not a distraction from them.
My Advice: Find Your Balance
Networking is a powerful tool, but it’s just that—a tool. It’s not the end goal. The end goal is building a successful property portfolio, and for that, you need focus, discipline, and a clear vision of what you want to achieve.
My advice? Get out there and meet people. Find your tribe, make those connections, and build a support network. But remember, the real work happens when you put your head down and focus on your goals. Networking can open doors, but it’s up to you to walk through them and stay on course.
“Success doesn’t come from being busy—it comes from staying focused on the right things.” – anonymous
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
Networking played a crucial role in my property journey. It opened doors, connected me with mentors and peers, and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals. But at the end of the day, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to stay focused. Your portfolio won’t build itself, and distractions—no matter how well-intentioned—can derail you if you’re not careful.
If you’re serious about property investment, my advice is simple: keep the main thing the main thing. Stay focused on your goals, build your network, but don’t let anything pull you away from what really matters—building the life you want through property investment.
What next?
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Kelly Lemon
