Michelle Niziol is the successful CEO of 7 businesses along with being a passionate Princes Trust Ambassador for #womensupportingwomen and the proud mother of 2 children Zachary who is 10 and Isabella who is 5.
Can you tell us a little about your background and the company? & How did the idea come to you for the company?
My parents got divorced and the very near repossession of our family home led me to buy my first home at 18 and start my property portfolio. After buying my first home at 18 and not having a great experience doing it, I set out on a mission to change the property industry and to create a group of companies where clients could buy a home and actually enjoy the experience. The IMS Property Group was born.
I became a mortgage broker first and then built a range of companies and services to compliment each other. The whole premise of building all of these businesses was so that the client could just deal with one company for everything, ensuring that the whole house buying process was seamless and stress free!
The estate agency and letting agency were the next businesses to be formed and then a business where we source properties to build a property portfolio for a client wanting to invest in property.
I educate clients in what property can do for them, just as it has done for me, providing security and a financially free life. I have sourced and bought hundreds of properties for clients and because I have done that for them, that has enabled them to retire.
I became a Princes Trust ambassador in 2020, I love to empower women to set up and grow their own business so supporting this charity was a great fit for me.
How did you achieve awareness?
I absolutely love people and meeting new people, so networking has been key to my success, building relationships and spending time with people.
How have you been able to gain funding and grow?
The growth has been organic so I haven’t taken any funding, I have just always ploughed all profits back into the business to grow.
What are the key successes?
Michelle is CEO of 7 businesses. Winner of the Family Business at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2023 . Princes Trust Ambassador Women Supporting Women . Best Mortgage Broker 2021 by Legal & General . Natwest Top 100 Inspirational Women 2021 . Speaker at various events including Oxford University . Appeared on TV programme Property Elevator . Appeared on The Apprentice Season 12 in 2016 . Michelle is recognised as one of the UK’s leading property and finance specialists. Michelle provides regular commentary for The Telegraph, Financial Times, Guardian and Daily Mail. Mortgage advisor expert on Capital FM and BBC Oxford.
What were/are the challenges and how have you overcome these?
There has been plenty of ups and downs through my entrepreneurial journey, the 2007 recession, Brexit, Covid just to name a few, but through each crisis, I go into fight and not flight mode and we came out of the crisis stronger, streamlined and more profitable than ever.
The most recent challenging time was last year, I bought a grade 2 listed building in March 2022, it was derelict and needed refurbishing, it took 4 months for the planning to get agreed and then 6 months for the full refurbishment and in the midst of this, the financial crisis started and no one was selling their house or moving!
We pivoted and looked at other areas in the business we could improve on, the lettings and insurance businesses. Business is tough but I love the daily challenge, I love the excitement of we don’t know what is going to happen today and what crisis we are going to face, I am a fighter and thrive at my best when I am under pressure!
What are your plans now/for the future?
The IMS Property Group is growing from strength to strength, the aim is to open up further high street offices in major cities across the South East of England and to grow the brand.
What would you like to share with others to encourage them to start their own entrepreneurship journey?
Really think about something that you are extremely passionate about, remember you are going to be so invested in this so it needs to be something that you love and could see yourself doing day in and day out.
It is possible to build a business around your lifestyle and family, I have been lucky enough to be able to do this, I put my family and children first, I always drop them off at school and pick them up, I work full time but I have been able to work my business around my home life.
Entrepreneurship has not been the easiest journey however the life lessons I have learnt have been incredible, the people I have met, have been inspirational and many I still call my friends. The opportunities have been endless, I have enjoyed every moment, entrepreneurship is not for the faint hearted however I would not change a thing, I have the life I have always dreamt of, the freedom and satisfaction from running your own business, nothing else compares to that.
Can you share your top tips for entrepreneurial success?
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be challenging, but there are certain tips that can increase your chances of success. Here are some key considerations for a successful entrepreneurial journey:
Passion and Purpose:
Identify a business idea or industry that genuinely excites and interests you.
Align your business with your values and personal mission.
Market Research:
Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competitors, and industry trends.
Identify gaps in the market that your product or service can fill.
Clear Value Proposition:
Clearly define what sets your product or service apart from others in the market.
Communicate your unique value proposition effectively to your target audience.
Business Plan:
Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining your business goals, strategies, financial projections, and growth plans.
Regularly revisit and adjust your business plan as needed.
Financial Management:
Maintain a sound financial strategy and monitor your cash flow carefully.
Budget effectively and be frugal in the early stages of your business.
Build a Strong Team:
Surround yourself with a talented and diverse team.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Adaptability:
Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your business model based on market demands.
Embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Customer Focus:
Prioritise customer satisfaction and actively seek feedback.
Continuously improve your products or services based on customer input.
Effective Marketing:
Develop a solid marketing strategy to reach and engage your target audience.
Leverage both online and offline channels to promote your business.
Networking:
Build a strong professional network within your industry.
Attend events, conferences, and networking opportunities to connect with potential partners, mentors, and customers.
Resilience:
Entrepreneurship often involves facing setbacks. Develop resilience and the ability to bounce back from failures.
Learn from mistakes and view challenges as learning opportunities.
Continuous Learning:
Stay informed about industry trends, new technologies, and changes in the market.
Invest in your own education and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
Legal Compliance:
Understand and comply with local regulations and legal requirements.
Consult with legal professionals to ensure your business is operating within the law.
Time Management:
Prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively.
Delegate responsibilities when necessary and focus on activities that drive the most significant impact.
Celebrate Successes:
Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant milestones.
Recognise the hard work and achievements of your team.
Who are the 5 people who inspire you the most and why?
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey’s inspirational impact is multifaceted, combining her personal journey, professional success, philanthropy, authenticity, and the encouragement she provides for others to overcome challenges and pursue their aspirations.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s leadership inspires because of her authenticity, commitment to important causes, advocacy for education and well-being, resilience in the face of challenges, and her role as a positive role model for a diverse range of individuals. Her impact extends beyond politics, resonating with those who value compassion, inclusivity, and social change.
Steven Bartlett
Steven achieved such huge success at such a young age, he now inspires so many others to become entrepreneur’s with his podcast but also with a great focus on health and well being, this is my personal no.1 podcast that I listen to.
Sara Blakely
Founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely is a self-made billionaire and entrepreneur known for her innovative approach to shaping undergarments. Her story of starting a business with a small investment and turning it into a global brand has inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Richard Branson
Founder of the Virgin Group, Richard Branson has built a diverse business empire, spanning industries such as music, airlines, telecommunications, and space travel. His adventurous spirit, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial resilience are often cited as inspirational. His commitment to his team and culture in his businesses is what inspires me most in business.
What are your favourite inspirational /motivational quotes?
‘Surround yourself only with people who are going to take you higher’
‘Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate to and connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives’
‘Turn your wounds into wisdom’
‘The biggest adventure you can ever take is to the live the life of your dreams’
What are your Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn social handles and also website links so our readers can connect with you?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleniziol/
https://www.facebook.com/IMSBicester
https://www.facebook.com/TheEmpoweringEntrepreneur/
@ims_mortgages_lettings_sales
@the_empowering_entrepreneur
