PART 1
This may seem like a strange way to start, but I recently bought a basil plant from the supermarket. While putting it on my windowsill, I noticed one of the stems was sagging. It was barely holding up, and I had a choice: I could either remove it or try to revive it.
I decided to intertwine the weak stem with the others, letting the stronger ones support it. And guess what? In a few days, the sagging stem stood tall again. That’s when it hit me—this is just like life. Whether we realise it or not, we’re all interconnected, and sometimes we need support from others to lift us when we’re struggling.
I’ve experienced this time and time again in my property investment journey. I started investing in property when I was 18, and while I’ve built a substantial portfolio and raised over £10 million in private finance, I never did it alone. Like the basil plant, I had my moments of weakness and doubt, but with the right people around me, I was able to keep growing.
In property investing—like in life—there are times when things get tough. But with a strong support network, you realise that strength lies in unity. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and in fact, trying to do so can slow you down. Here’s what I mean, and why collaboration is key to achieving success in property investment.
The Parable of the Falling Tree
In a dense forest, there was a young tree growing among several older, taller trees. One season, fierce winds battered the forest, causing the young tree to lean dangerously. It felt like it would collapse at any moment. But something interesting happened. Instead of falling, the neighbouring trees spread their roots and branches out to support it. Over time, the wind passed, and the young tree regained its strength, standing tall once again.
Years later, that once fragile tree had grown just as strong as its neighbours, and when the next storm came, it was ready to return the favour and support the younger trees growing around it.
This is exactly what strength in unity looks like in life and business—and especially in property investment. When things get hard, the people around you can help you through, and in turn, you can offer support when someone else is struggling. It’s about building resilience together.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller
Collaboration vs. Isolation in Property Investment
I think we can all relate to this: there are moments when we think we’ve got to handle everything ourselves. This is particularly common in property investment, especially for those just starting out. The idea of building a portfolio, finding the right deals, securing finance, and managing properties can feel like an uphill battle, and many investors try to go it alone.
But let’s be honest—going it alone is a fast track to feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Like the tree in the story, without support, you’ll eventually fall under the weight of your struggles. In property investing, this could mean missing out on crucial deals, failing to navigate legal requirements, or simply burning out.
That’s where collaboration becomes key. When I first started investing in property, I realised that I couldn’t do everything on my own.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb
I was learning the ropes, buying my first student HMO while still at university, and dealing with the reality that property investing comes with a lot of compliance and responsibility. Over time, I built a team around me—financial advisors, property sourcers, and mortgage brokers—all of whom have contributed to the success of my portfolio today.
The falling tree didn’t stand back up on its own; it needed the support of the others around it. In the same way, you need to build a team around you in property investing. This team could include financial advisors, property mentors, mortgage brokers, estate agents, and even other investors. These are the people who can help lighten the load. Whether you’re new to property investing or a seasoned pro, having a strong network will get you further.
Join My Community
If you’re serious about building your own property investment portfolio, don’t do it alone! Join my email list, where I share advice, tips, and updates on how to build your portfolio with the right team by your side. Let’s grow together.
Stay Tuned for Part 2
In Part 2, I’ll be diving into the specifics of how to build and maintain a strong support network in property investment. You’ll learn why shared responsibility leads to greater success and how to leverage your connections for maximum results. Don’t miss it!
Kelly Lemon
