Episode 23 - Creating a Business by Accident with Want de Rowe Real Estate, Darwin

Self Starter

As Rebecca Want de Rowe says, this was an accidental business. In fact starting a business was the last thing that Rebecca felt comfortable in doing. Having felt the first hand experiences of family business failures as a child, there was a real reluctance to lean toward a world which had previously brought a lot of pain and stress.

Nonetheless life threw a number of surprises at Rebecca which found her long standing reputation as a respected property manager, unexpectedly turning into a magnet for clients wanting to work with her and her only. Now it was just a matter of turning this attraction into a long term relationship.

Enter Want de Rowe Real Estate. A boutique property management agency that looks after small property portfolios focusing on customer service and care. With now being 4 and a half years in, business is going great. In fact, all of Rebecca's clients are 100% word of mouth originating from her reputation of years working in the community.

I sat down with Rebecca to hear more of her story. Her love of property since she was a child, managing a number of changes professionally and personally as well as how Want de Rowe Real Estate accidentally became a business.

What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;

1. A Business Plan makes all the difference – We've touched on this previously in episode 5 with Berry Mountain Cycles, however Rebecca cannot emphasise the importance of a business plan. Having clarity of what you are doing is critical to ensure you are protecting your venture as well as you and your loved ones. Rebecca learnt this the hard way growing up having identified that a lack of business plan hurt her family businesses.

2. Their failures aren't your failures – Despite having some tough memories of hardship due to failed family businesses, Rebecca has been able to push through these deep seeded feelings. I think we all know friends and family members that use their own bad experiences to inform us of how to approach our own goals. It's always good to learn from others however its important to remember that other people's failures are not your failures.

3. Your character is your asset – So simple yet so hard for many. Rebecca's approach to her clients and people in the community over the years gave her a reputation of reliability, care and professionalism. Sure, Rebecca would no doubt be knowledgeable and skilled in what she does however its her character that is her true asset. Be sure to always work on yourself personally. Learn of your personality strengths and weaknesses and harness them for good. You will be amazed at how much this makes or breaks opportunities.

4. Set your standards and learn to say no – There is nothing wrong with saying yes to everything depending on the type of business however the power of saying no is highly underrated. Sometimes we get stuck in the weeds of a cheap product, a high maintenance customer or simply dealing with a situation that is below the standards that we set. There is nothing wrong with saying no to a customer or opportunity if they do not meet your requirements or standards. It's also a case that that prospective customer may actually get a better service/outcome else. Remember though, it's how you say no that counts.

Follow Want De Row Real Estate via Main Website | Facebook |

Location – Darwin, Northern Territory.