We got a call from the police
There has been an incident at a neighbouring property we manage. It is a drug den, and the police can’t find the landlords! It’s landlords like these who are absent that need to face severe fines/ bans.
The tenant at the neighbouring property has smashed up the window in the property we manage, so this has frightened our poor tenants. Our tenants had kept us updated about what was happening, so we did anticipate the call from the police.
This is part of the reality of running a property business…the bits that they don’t tell you at the conferences.
Having a good relationship with tenants is key to everything. We have regular communications and build this into our tenant satisfaction measures. This could be happening in any property on any roads, but as a landlord, the onerous is on you to undertake regular checks.
How to operate with integrity?
Integrity means to stick by your values no matter what. This is hard to do because society is constantly telling you to move to the fast lane, to never be happy, to want more!
We can operate My Landlord Cares LTD through integrity by keeping it small and independent. This means we know our values are being reflected throughout our business. Yes, the temptation to seek investors and to scale is very tempting, but we realise that without strong foundations, no structure will survive. So we don’t work with everybody – if you don’t feel the same about tenants, then we aren’t the right letting agent for you.
This is how we operate with integrity, and it is a slow and steady approach, but we have made this choice. We are not here to change the worl,d but we would like to change the small part that we exist within.
How do you hold on to integrity in your day-to-day life?
What is a values led business?
Integrity means to stick by your values no matter what. This is hard to do because society is constantly telling you to move to the fast lane, to never be happy, to want more!
We can operate My Landlord Cares LTD through integrity by keeping it small and independent. This means we know our values are being reflected throughout our business. Yes, the temptation to seek investors and to scale is very tempting, but we realise that without strong foundations, no structure will survive. So we don’t work with everybody – if you don’t feel the same about tenants, then we aren’t the right letting agent for you.
This is how we operate with integrity, and it is a slow and steady approach, but we have made this choice. We are not here to change the worl,d but we would like to change the small part that we exist within.
How do you hold on to integrity in your day-to-day life?
Changing mindset
Over the last year, I have been fortunate to undertake some amazing transformational ways of thinking with a group called @Newconstellation. Our remit was to re-imagine Sheffield. I was surrounded by some amazing people. I can proudly say that these people have become good friends. What our core values are (taken from @paulcollier)
We have come together from a range of different backgrounds
We are forward-looking
We have a common purpose
What is a common purpose?
Common purpose is when people come together to tackle issues; they leave behind titles. egos and roles at the door. They bring their true self to the table. Amazing, isn’t it? Imagine if we did more of this, how much would change
Abundance mindset
Recently I went to a property network and when it was time to do my pitch. I was honest and told people that we love to support our tenants at My Landlord Cares. That is what excites us. There were a few other letting agencies their as well and one of them stood up and said ‘we are the best letting agents out their’.
Now did this make us feel small and insignificant? Yes my confidence did take a knock. But it didn’t really bother us. This is because we operate from an abundance mind-set. There are plenty of fishes in the sea and what we do is enjoy giving good quality support.
Time management tips
Many people wonder how I can juggle so many different hats and how do I manage my time. I want to share how I do this, and I apologise that there is no magic formula. I am a natural juggler and actually thrive in working this way – which is great when I am managing my own business but not so great when I have to focus on one activity. My brain is constantly thinking ‘there is so much other things that you can do!’
The approach that works for me is having weekly task lists (I adapted this from Stephen Covey’s version – so it is effective!). I categorize things into day-to-day tasks, which require minimal mental effort, and more creative tasks. For example, creating content for social media platforms. In this way, I don’t panic when I haven’t completed my list by the end of the day; I have a week to work around.
Have you got any suggestions? And if you’re struggling, give this a go.
Pushing beyond fear
As humans, we love our comfort zones. It is safe here, and who likes changes! But then it is easy to fall into a rut and blame the whole world. Isn’t it so much easier to blame everyone and their dog for all of our problems…
Acknowledging that we are our worst enemies means we can create the better world that we dream of. The one that makes us feel alive and helps us find our true purpose. That means making challenging choices like moving houses, changing jobs, etc. Ye, it is scary, it is easier to know that tomorrow will be the same as today. But how can you learn to be fulfilled if you do not push yourself? Moving beyond fear is where the true beauty lies. Whether we realize that we are stronger than we thought.
Go on, do something small that is out of your comfort zone, even if this is taking a different route home from work.
Checking out tenants during Covid
pandemic
Are your tenants leaving your property mid-COVID-19? Can't go round to the property to check them out due to Covid worries. Worried about handing back the deposit without doing a check? Consider doing a virtual checkout on a smartphone. This may ease your worries a bit.
Changing ways of working
We have struggled like all other Lettings agents' services in these difficult times. We have had to ramp up our social media and online presence. Trust us, this is no easy feat! Being a traditional service, we relied on our networks to receive referrals and tenants, and this is a way of working we always promote. But this new online world has completely blown our minds with SEO, SERP, and Keywords!! At this rate, we will become a marketing agency!
How can we help through Covid-19
We can support you further by working out plans which are bespoke to you. This may mean helping you to understand what government legislation means and how this will affect you. Does your tenant need a repayment plan we can support in these situations. Are their necessary work that needs to take place we can arrange for necessary contractors to undertake this and still maintain physical distancing rules.