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Sarah Hannaford

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My journey so far: building two businesses side by side

Sarah Hannaford

CREATED BY SARAH HANNAFORD

Published: 17/06/2026 @ 09:01AM

#PropertyBusiness #OnlinePA #TimeManagement #Focus #Organisation

When I first started building my property business alongside my Online PA business, I knew it would be challenging. Both require time, focus and organisation ...

Building two businesses side by side has been a challenging yet rewarding journey so far!

Building two businesses side by side has been a challenging yet rewarding journey so far!

There have certainly been moments when I have questioned whether I was trying to do too much at once. Looking back now, though, I can honestly say that running the two side by side has taught me far more than either journey would have on its own.

Right now, my Online PA business remains my foundation!

It gives me the opportunity to work with fantastic clients, solve problems, stay organised, and help businesses run more smoothly. It has also given me something equally valuable: the confidence to take the next steps in property investing without feeling I am taking unnecessary risks.

One thing I have learned is that these skills transfer surprisingly well. Managing projects, tracking deadlines, handling paperwork and staying organised are all essential to running an Online PA business. As it turns out, they are also incredibly useful when buying, renovating and managing property projects.

Recently, I reached an exciting milestone by purchasing another property. This property will be renovated and sold to generate funds for reinvestment towards my longer-term goal of building a buy-to-let portfolio. Rather than seeing the property as an end in itself, I see it as a stepping stone towards something bigger.

That mindset shift has been important for me!

In the beginning, property investing felt like a completely separate venture. Now I see it as part of a wider business journey. Every property, every viewing, every conversation and every lesson learned is helping me build knowledge, experience and confidence for the future.

Of course, there is still plenty to learn. Property has a habit of throwing up unexpected challenges, and no project ever seems to go exactly to plan. However, I am becoming more comfortable with that reality.

Progress is not about knowing everything before you start; it is about learning as you go and making better decisions with every new experience.

What excites me most is seeing how the two businesses support one another. My Online PA business gives me the flexibility, structure and income to pursue property opportunities. At the same time, my growing experience in property helps me better understand the challenges many of my clients face.

The journey is still in its early stages, but it feels as though things are starting to come together. One business is helping to build another, and each step forward creates new opportunities. I am looking forward to seeing where the next property project takes me.

And sharing more of the lessons along the way.

Until next time ...

SARAH HANNAFORD

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Would you like to know more?

If anything I've written in my blog post resonates with you and you'd like to discover more of my thoughts about building two businesses side by side, then do feel free to call me on 07434 287603 or connect with me on LinkedIn, and let's see how I can help you.

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#PropertyBusiness #OnlinePA #TimeManagement #Focus #Organisation

About Sarah Hannaford ...

Sarah Hannaford 

What if I could give you time back to do the things you love doing? I have been working in Admin based roles for almost 20 years in various different sectors and levels. My passion for doing paperwork and organizing 'office spaces' makes me a really useful tool for you to have in your corner! 

My goal is to provide the best quality service to all my clients, making their lives easier and giving them back freedom to grow their business.

Let me handle your admin needs so you can thrive! ❤️


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