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Welcome to the Barter Edge Podcast—your insider guide to smarter business, bigger networks, and better ways to trade.
Whether you're a seasoned member or just getting started, we're here to share real stories, expert tips from different industries, and fresh ideas to help you grow your business using the power of the Bartercard ecosystem.
BC dean keating
Host: [00:00:00] Welcome to the Barter Edge Podcast, your insider guide to smarter business, bigger networks, and better ways to trade. We are here to share real stories, expert tips from different industries and fresh ideas to help you grow your business using the power of barter cart. Well, welcome back to another exciting episode of the Barter Edge podcast.
I'm your host, Jan. Today I'm here with a very special guest, Dean Keating from D 32 Business Networking. Dean, would you like to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about what D 32 is?
Dean: Yeah, great to join you, Jen. So yeah, so I, I'd be one of the founders of D 22. So we launched just over 10 years ago.
So we were looking to launch a networking organization that would be different to what's in, in the marketplace. So. So we've got a three tiered model so we can meet a business owner where they're on their journey, but we have a focus around helping business leaders build better [00:01:00] businesses through connection and through education, across live events and online platforms as well.
Host: Yeah, it's fantastic. Would you be able to share a little bit more about the different levels of membership?
Dean: Yeah, sure. For sure. So like, probably where 75% of our members are involved is at a local level. So they meet every two weeks for connection, for education, for collaboration and lead generation.
Our mid-tier is called Connect. It's kind of designed for. People who are in business a few years, they probably have a number of employees and they're looking for to access a community. And they've got one core event a month, which will have keynote speaker group mentoring facilitate one-to-ones, and open networking.
So, supercharged three hours once a month. And then we have connect premium which is tailored for seven figure plus business leaders. So. The key parts for those guys would be it's once a month. It's a mastermind forum. Facilitate one-to-ones and like, expert speaker on an aspect of business [00:02:00] that would be relevant to them.
But the beauty of the model, Jen, is it's all interconnected. So there's online platforms additional events where members from different locations, whether it's local or interstate and sometimes international can connect. For collaboration and all that good stuff. So the whole model is interconnected which is brilliant from obviously making further connections and building your pipeline.
Host: I love that. Now you have been a member of Barta car for a while now. Yeah. How has it impacted the business and what's success have you experience since joining?
Dean: Yeah, it's like part cart's been brilliant for us. So, we launched as, you know, over east nearly two years ago. So it was like starting a new business because obviously nobody knew myself or Lorraine Ki there was no brand awareness.
So, so to kind of, work with Kart so early on with this two was brilliant. Just getting the support around, even what we call basic stuff, even finding venues get meeting people, getting introductions, and just getting advice, how we [00:03:00] navigate kind of developing DD 32 on the Gold Coast and beyond.
So that was phenomenal. So we've met we've been feel really part of the community of Bartercard and truly that we've met a lot of people who've given us support. We've done collaborations, we've had a lead generation, so it's just been there. It's been a brilliant 12 months for us with, so kind of, I think I kind knew you've met all the team at this stage, so kind of feel part of the family and definitely part of the community across bar card as well.
Host: Well, whenever you are up here on the Gold Coast, we do see your face in our office. It's always great to have you pop in. From your experience in networking, what trends or opportunities should business owners be focusing on at the moment?
Dean: I think like we're, if you're in business, you're in the people business.
So like networking is a great strategy for meeting people, connecting people. So I, I don't think the networking has changed so much. We're all still trying to build relationships. I think probably [00:04:00] where it's changed is, I mean, you've got technology which kind of helps build the relationships for keeping in touch online.
So I, I would use technology myself, whether it's something as simple as texting, ai, CRMs, et cetera. For keeping in touch with connections I've made over the years through networking. But I think if you bring it down, Jen, like networking you're still trying to connect as a human being.
Before anything can take place in terms of introductions or collaborations. So I think that part probably hasn't changed too much over the years. Probably a big change that I just see is as doing it a long time before District three, two, computer a bit more fussy about the food. So I, I suppose when I started 20 years ago, was, here it is. Like it or lump it. So, so, yeah, so the food and the coffees are a big part of the experience I think for people networking these days.
Host: Yes, absolutely. I do love my coffees in the morning. Now you did mention something quite interesting there that I think is [00:05:00] important to highlight and that's people are really craving connection and I think that with the uprising of ai, we cannot hide from AI in business anymore, but getting those personal connections, people wanna do business.
With people that they connect with, and that's how you build trust. Would you agree that connection is vital for business success?
Dean: Yeah, a hundred percent. Shane I think if you kind of reflect even back, because not too many years ago when we had all the lockdowns and I think from a social point of view we realized we as humans we, we do need connection.
And I think when the lockdowns were ended, . Were all reconnecting as family members and friends. And business is no difference with, without connection, without relationship, nothing happens. No matter how good. Your product is no matter how good your service is, unless you people connect with you as an individual.
No. No. Nothing will happen. I think. Yeah, you made a great point in terms of the ai. And I think it's important that we don't come too [00:06:00] reliant sit behind keyboards or relying on bots. And that we still are personable with people working to connect with, collaborate with or even recommend.
So yeah, human connection is still a hundred percent vital.
Host: Yes, absolutely. Now, effective networking. So we've got ineffective networking, which I think is more a coffee catch up. Yep. Yeah. But then there's effective networking and it isn't just about showing up, but it's also about strategy. So what three top tips do you have for our listeners, Dean?
Yes. On how to maximize. Networking effectively.
Dean: Yeah. I think like for me, like with networking, I mean there's so many positives to it. There's motivation, there's inspiration, there's education, but there has to be a business development aspect to it as well. So it's important if you're looking, let's just, if we're focusing, say, on the business development.
So, so what is the plan? So that's the first thing is do, there's no point in just turning up and not having a plan. How am I going [00:07:00] to leverage the group to get introductions or collaboration? Secondly what is your system like? So, I mean, it's great because we're networking events.
You meet people. What, but ask yourself the question what happens next? What is the plan to nurture that relationship? Whether it's in per, it should be a, I suppose, a combination of in person and even like, or automation touch points. And I suppose the third one, and that's T-H-I-R-D, is is like.
What, how are you gonna cement that relationship in terms of personally, like, is it a coffee catch up? Whatcha looking for the relationship as from as well? So I think if you ask those questions to have a plan, have a system, and look for and be looking for an outcome. 'cause otherwise, I think you framed it quite well.
It's just, it comes to social catch up. So, and again, I think if you're doing networking chain and you're struggling with any of that.. . So many business owners who've been doing it a long time and have expertise and can give you some guidance on how to get the outcomes you're looking for from your networking as well, or give me a shout [00:08:00] directly.
Happy to help.
Host: You are always such a generous person with your time and your encouragement. Dean. So I know that the district 32 members all know and love you and Lorraine. Oh yes. The opportunities that you bring for businesses. But why did you partner with Barter card and what benefits have you seen since joining?
Dean: Well, I also, coming back to it, I you mentioned the last question, connection, and, I met Renee first. I got introduced to Renee, and then I met Andrew. And I suppose I connected with them as individuals. I kind of really liked their philosophy on business, their values. And then I've also met extended team, Paul as yourself, Leon.
. Wendy and the rest of the team. So, so I connected initially, I suppose, as an individual, and I suppose they were very giving. I felt the support, so it was kind of, a no brainer to get involved. But I'd experienced the difference, I suppose, before becoming a member. I just, since becoming a member, like we've done collaboration on events, which has been great.
It's a [00:09:00] good endorsement of myself in personally because I'm new to the Gold Coast. And of district 32 we benefit through introductions closed business. So, there's just so many levels. But even, I suppose the knowledge here actually from the team has been super proud as well.
Obviously Andrew is a a such a a long history in business, so it's been invaluable even getting tips from Andrew as well.
Host: Yeah, he's definitely like a business mentor for our clients, that's for sure. Yeah.
Dean: Yeah.
Host: So if a business owner was thinking about joining Dean, what encouragement or advice would you give them
Dean: for to join Bar Cart?
It's re reach out to the team. I think when you deal with I need the members on the bar cart team, like, they're button for you. Like they're looking to see how can they support you and they're they're looking to see what you need. How can they get you to the next level of business?
How can they connect you to relevant partners or for collaboration? . It's such a friendly organization. It's very easy to get out with the team there as [00:10:00] well. So, and I appreciate all the help I've got over the last 12 months or so as well.
Host: Fantastic. Great advice there, Dean.
So, Dean, you've got a massive value ad for not just the members, but for business owners across the country, and that is the D 32 magazine. Can you tell us what that is and how people can access it?
Dean: Yeah, sure. So, Jen, we launched the the magazine almost two years ago.
So the feedback has been phenomenal from, not just from members, but from non-members also. So we get contributions from business leaders across Australia on a wide variety of topics from sales, marketing, branding, financial strategy, mindset to support businesses across Australia. So. So, content is super, but if anyone's keen to contact gimme a show.
But you gonna access the magazine just email me, dina d3 two business network.com au and I'll get you a copy fairly quickly.
Host: Excellent. Thank you so much, Dean, and thank you so much for being here and sharing some [00:11:00] amazing advice with our listeners today.
Dean: Brilliant. So, Jenna, appreciate your time.
Thanks. Again.
Host: Thank you for being with us today and sharing your stories and expertise. If you wanna find out how Barter Card can help your business, or if you wanna be a guest on our future podcast, contact our team at hello@bartercard.com. Make sure you tune in for our next episode of the Barter Edge.