In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Kelly Seaton, the owner of The Leasing Network, a property management-only business based on the Central Coast in New South Wales, Australia. Kelly joined us to discuss the importance of networking in the property management industry and shared her recent experience of being hacked on social media.

The Leasing Network: A Home-Based Property Management Business

Kelly has been in the real estate industry for a while, managing portfolios in different areas. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found it more convenient and efficient to base her office at home. Her team also works from home on certain days, but they utilize co-working spaces for networking opportunities.

Unlike our office, which is located in a busy cafe strip and attracts walk-ins, Kelly relies more on online leads due to her home-based office. However, a recent hacking incident on her social media accounts affected her ability to connect with leads and engage with the community.

The Impact of Social Media Hacking

The hacking incident had a significant impact on Kelly's ability to generate leads and build her brand. It highlighted the importance of social media in our industry and the need for robust security measures to protect our online presence.

The Power of Networking in Property Management

Transitioning from the hacking incident, our conversation moved to the networking scene in the property management industry. Kelly shared her experience and the value she places on networking with industry colleagues through conferences and events.

About 15 years ago, Kelly started involving herself with other people in the industry to learn from those who are smarter than her. By attending conferences and events, she was able to meet many industry professionals who have now become her friends and colleagues.

The Value of a Strong Network

Kelly emphasized the value of having a network of people to turn to for help and advice. Whenever she has a question or is stuck in a situation, she picks up the phone and calls someone she knows can assist her. She believes that networking with others who have more knowledge and experience is crucial in making her job easier and more enjoyable.

She also highlighted the benefits of networking with other independent property management agencies. By collaborating and helping each other, they can provide better service to their clients.

A Personal Experience: The Power of a Network in Times of Need

Kelly shared a personal experience where she had a house fire and needed immediate assistance. She was able to call someone in her network who provided her with a procedure to follow, enabling her to handle the situation effectively. This experience underscored the value of having a network of trusted individuals in times of need.

The Importance of Mindset and Enjoying Your Career

We both agreed that networking and joining a community of professionals in the industry is essential for making the job easier and more enjoyable. We discussed the importance of mindset and enjoying one's career.

I believe that if you enjoy your career, the problems that arise during the day will be easier to resolve and won't take an emotional toll on you. These issues can be compared to spot fires that can be put out by following a process.

Kelly added that property management is like a sport, and you have to get better at playing the game. There will always be challenges, such as difficult owners or tenants, but it's important to learn how to handle them efficiently without getting drained.

The Value of Conferences and Retreats

We also discussed the value of conferences and retreats, where people can go to better themselves and learn how to handle different situations. Kelly lives by the saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." She highlighted the importance of having a supportive team and enjoying the time spent together at work.

Our conversation with Kelly Seaton underscored the importance of networking in the property management industry. Whether it's learning from others, seeking advice, or collaborating to provide better service, a strong network can make the job easier and more enjoyable.