An inspiring journey of a woman who turned her dreams into reality. Our guest, Katie Johnson, is a living testament to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. She started her own property management agency from scratch, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

The Leap of Faith

Katie's journey began with a health scare that led her to reevaluate her life and career. Despite having no savings and facing financial constraints, she decided to take the leap of faith and start her own property management agency. This decision was not easy, especially considering the lack of support from her then employer. However, with encouragement from her loved ones and industry professionals like Deniz and Darren, she decided to bet on herself.

The Licensing Journey

Katie had already completed the necessary courses and had some experience in the industry. She only needed to complete a trust accounting module to obtain her license. She encourages property managers to consider getting licensed even if they don't plan on starting their own agency immediately, as it gives them an edge in the industry.

Starting a Business with Limited Resources

Starting a business with limited resources was a daunting task. However, Katie sought help from various sources. She applied for a grant from the local council and received assistance from a government program that provided financial support and a business mentor. Do not be afraid to seek help and explore grant opportunities.

Utilizing Resources and Networking

Katie wisely utilized the grant money for branding her car and investing in marketing. She managed to get a website despite limited funds by reaching out to a friend who helped her with the difficult aspects of website creation at a reduced cost. She also acquired a decommissioned copier and connected with other entrepreneurs who provided guidance and advice. Katie highlights the domino effect of networking and surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who understand the entrepreneurial journey.

The Power of Branding and Marketing

Katie believes in the power of branding and marketing. She mentions how having signage on her car helped create a perception of success, even though she didn't have many properties at the time. She also talks about the power of social media in building her brand and attracting clients. She mentions her presence on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, where she educates investors and tenants, setting herself apart from other agents in her area.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Despite facing self-doubt and setbacks, Katie persevered and continued to push through. She mentions the challenges she faced during the drought and the COVID-19 pandemic but also highlights the positive changes it brought to the industry. She talks about the shift towards cloud-based operations and the convenience it provided, especially for working mothers like herself.

Building Relationships and Expanding Horizons

Building relationships with referral partners and how they can contribute to the growth of her agency was something that was a focus. She shares an example of a referral partnership she developed with a Sydney-based agency. She also talks about how she initially only wanted to focus on her local area but ended up branching out to other towns due to client demands. She advises listeners to look at the demographics and competition in different areas and be strategic in choosing where to focus their business.

The importance of being open to opportunities and being flexible in your business approach. We encourage listeners to consider areas they may not have initially thought of and to be willing to adapt their focus based on where the demand is coming from. We also discuss the importance of building a business based on values and ethics, rather than just taking on any client or property.

Katie's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business. Remember, the universe is always guiding us towards our true path.