D32 Business Magazine Feb 2025 by District32

District32 Rebrand

Some really exciting stuff …

Have you noticed anything different about us? District32 is now D32 Business Network.

D32 Business Network has recently gone through a rebrand refresh and although it’s subtle, as all our colours and graphics are the same, behind the scenes there was plenty of work to be done.

After 10 years in business, we now have a name that tells everyone exactly what’s in the tin! And why did it come about? Because our recent growth into franchising and talking with brand experts highlighted that we wanted people to recognise, at a glance, ‘who we are and what we do. ’

Of course, we didn’t just jump straight in and rashly change our brand. We got together a focus group and planned a strategy on what was best for the business overall. Costly, time consuming and inconvenient – Yes – but definitely the best option for the business moving forward with its growing list of franchisees and international growth.

We kept the D32 for a number of reasons, but mainly to retain the brand identity and history of what we have created over the last 10 years. We also wanted an ‘easy to remember’ acronym that represents us.

We also kept the tag line, ‘The Power of Connection’ as it has always been what we stand for –knowing that strong connections lead to more referrals, more collaborations, more opportunities, mentors and friendships.

Revolutionising Connections, Learning, and Growth INTRODUCING THE D32 MEMBER APP:

We’re sure most of you would agree that it’s not that easy to connect through our member directory on our website – but the launch of the D32 Member App is about to change … everything!

Developed by Horizon Digital, we are THRILLED for the release of the app.

So, what’s in Version 1?

Seamless connection with all D32 Members in the directory.

Create your personalised profile, showing your expertise, target audiences and quick links to contact details.

Access to ‘learning on the go’ – with tools and resources for business education.

Easy event booking to a variety of our complimentary and paid growth events.

The D32 Member App has been a long-time coming and highlights our dedication and commitment to improving the ways our Members can connect, learn and grow.

The D32 Member App will transform the way we interact with each other, bringing you state-of-the-art technology to enhance your D32 Business Network experience.

As D32 Business Network grows and scales, so will your access to members across Australia … and even the world. (lol … watch this space!)

$1 D32 Membership: Exclusive One-Month Guest Pass!

We know how challenging it can be to demonstrate the difference your business makes … we’ve been there too!

SO - to celebrate our ten years in business, we have an amazing offer.

We are giving 100 business owners the chance to experience a whole month of D32 membership … for just $1.

This voucher entitles you or your friend 1 month membership for just $1!

New Members

CN HOMES

LEAH SAVAGE

Member Testimonials

You know when you are in business and you are feeling alone, misunderstood, overwhelmed and no one gets you! District32 fixes that.

This is more than just a business networking group, it's your team, your cheer squad, it's your family that understands why you spend your time building your legacy through your business.

The compounding effects I have experience in my self development and professional development in 2 months is the fastest I have seen in my growth and development. Thank you to Lorraine and Dean for being the amazing people you are!

Jamie Lee Spencer

Using Referrals to Get More Customers

Let’s get straight to the point; happy customers are your best salespeople! Yes, when you leverage the satisfaction of your current customers to create a thriving referral network, you will drive a continuous and sustainable cycle of growth for your business.

As business owners, we all understand that acquiring new customers can be challenging and costly. While traditional marketing methods are reasonably effective, customers who have used your products, and who know they are going to get good service from you, can create a buzz around your business. So, let’s explore how you can tap into the power of referral marketing to grow your customer base.

Why Customer Referrals Work

Think about the last time you were looking for a new mechanic to service your car, or even just for your next book to read. Chances are, you asked a friend or colleague, who you trust, if they could recommend something or someone. Before we part with our hard-earned cash, we all want to know that someone has received good service before us.

Creating a Referral Ecosystem

If you are part of a network of businesses that refer customers to each other, it can be a powerful way to increase your customer base. The referral ecosystem is often already established as part of the culture within a business community. Within a business networking community, business owners are there to support each other, so giving and receiving of referrals is all part of a 2-way street. In the early stages of building relationships, be prepared to give more than you receive.

When business networking, you can identify potential partners by looking for businesses that serve a similar target market, but don’t compete directly with you. Establish a connection by building relationships with business owners within your networking group or community. Remember, referrals may take a while to first take off, but the more work you do in building a connection, you’ll suddenly discover the referrals coming thick and fast.

You can, of course, develop a program that rewards other businesses for referring customers to you.

Networking Alchemy

Networking is the (not-so) secret sauce for referrals. Attend industry and networking events, including tradeshow, conferences, online networking and webinars, to connect with potential referral partners. And remember to follow-up with anyone you met, either online, via email or social messaging, or perhaps with an old-fashioned telephone call!

Join business growth communities with members who are like-minded, who all want to succeed and grow their businesses.

Amplifying Referrals with Partnerships

There’s no doubt that partnerships can significantly amplify the impact of your referral marketing. By collaborating with complementary businesses, you can tap into each other’s customer base and create mutually beneficial referral programs.

When you form strategic alliances, you partner with complementary businesses to cross-promote each other, or work on joint ventures or specific projects that will be of mutual benefit.

Affiliate marketing is another way to work with other businesses to promote your products or services.

Every Touchpoint Matters

Q. What is the greatest predictor of business success?

A. Customer Experience – how your customers perceive their interactions with your business.

It's a bold claim, yet one that is supported by decades of empirical evidence, gleaned from innumerable research studies by the world's leading academic institutions and management consultancies.

In their dealings with your organisation, customers experience an array of individual touchpoints, every one of which contains the potential to enhance or diminish their future relationship with your business.

A touchpoint, or ‘moment of truth’ as they are sometimes referred to, is ‘any time a customer comes into contact with any PART of your business and uses that touchpoint to judge the quality of your business as a WHOLE.’

As such, every single step, every single touchpoint, along the customer journey matters; a customer journey that is one hundred percent experiential. A journey that is a combination of everything your customer sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches, and how they emotionally connect and respond to your product and/or service offerings.

Visual (sight): So what does your business look like? How do you present your business to the world? What do your premises, people, products, website, brochures and vehicles look like? What font size and style have you chosen for letters, emails, signage, packaging and business cards? What colours do you use?

Auditory (sound): What words do they hear when you answer the telephone? What are customers listening to whilst they are put on hold? How does your staff greet customers? What background music, if any, do you have playing? How often do your customers hear from you? What’s the word on the street about your business – what are your customers saying about you and your business?

Olfactory (smell): What does your business smell like – clean and fresh; or stale and musty? What do your people, your premises and your products smell like? Do you have clearly understood staff hygiene policies in place? Do you have a chosen fragrance for your business? What’s the best smell for your business?

you your empathy, you write? You might jot down something about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes or feeling what someone else feels (which may give you the icks), or even feeling sorry for someone, however, empathy is one of those concepts we think is simple until we tie ourselves up in knots trying to define it. We think we know what it is but we kind of don’t at the same time.

What is Healthy Empathy in Leadership?

Healthy, sustainable empathy is about understanding and connecting with others in a way that is both emotionally intelligent and self-aware. It involves listening deeply, respecting and seeking diverse perspectives, and responding in ways that make others feel heard, valued, visible and safe. Empathetic leaders take the time to listen, act with gratitude and make thoughtful decisions that balance the needs of the individual, the team, the mission and the organisation. This approach generates a culture of trust and well-being, ensuring that healthy empathy remains a powerful, sustainable tool for leadership.

What It’s Not:

Empathy isn’t about being overly soft, burning ourselves out or letting things slide. It doesn’t mean agreeing with everything or avoiding conflict. It’s not a weakness and it’s not something innate and untrainable.

It’s about recognising the perspectives and emotions of others and addressing them in a compassionate, considered way. Healthy empathy in leadership is a learned skill that replaces weakness, fear and indecision with strength, selfreflection and purpose.

Why You Should Care About Empathy

In today’s competitive market, the Empathy Advantage is one that can make all the difference. Empathy is no longer just a “nice-to-have” quality for leaders - it’s an essential skill for building a successful, sustainable business. By understanding, prioritising and cultivating empathy in a healthy way, leaders can create environments where employees feel important, customers feel valued, and businesses thrive.

Boosts Employee Retention and Engagement

Empathetic leadership helps build a culture of trust and reduces psychosocial hazards which, in turn, reduces turnover and increases productivity. Research shows employees who feel they matter are more likely to stay and give their best effort.

Strengthens Customer Loyalty

Understanding customer needs, concerns and emotions allows us to respond in ways that make customers feel heard and appreciated. Customers are more likely to return to businesses where they feel understood and valued.

Increases Profits

By leading with empathy, companies build stronger internal and external relationships, which ultimately contributes to improved reputation and profitability. Prioritising healthy empathy leads to a more sustainable, thriving business.

How to Practice Empathy in Leadership

Empathy might sound like an abstract concept, but it’s quite simple to practice once you know how.

TO AMPLIFY:

The Small Changes that Lead to Big Gains

They say “Life is a Highway”. It’s the prelude to many little aphorisms that typically allude to keeping moving or you’ll get knocked over, staying in your lane, living life in the fast lane, and so on. It’s an apt metaphor. It gets interesting when you ask yourself, are you on this highway with one foot on the accelerator and one hand holding the handbrake? It often feels like it. One step forward, two steps back is another adage worth bringing in when we don’t feel there’s true forward motion in life.

I’ve been there. I’ve pretty big my lap once, and getting through them taught me one thing: it’s not the big grand gestures that move us forward.

Too often, when we’re stuck, we’re tempted to look for dramatic solutions - the kind that promises to fix everything in one fell swoop, but transformation starts with noticing the small things and making them better. It’s the small things that keep the proverbial handbrake engaged.

Facing my biggest hardships and overcoming them taught me that simple, sustainable changes I could commit to forever are the key to big breakthroughs. It’s the simple things we undervalue: eating a little healthier, breathing a little deeper, sleeping a little more, moving mindfully and staying hydrated. These may sound like basics, but that’s the point; they’re foundational. And when you nail the foundations, everything else starts to shift.

Simplify to amplify means fixing your foundations so you have something to springboard from.

Multiply Your Profits with the Power of Your Profit Engine

Every business has the potential for extraordinary growth, but few unlock the full power of their Profit Engine. Businesses that understand and optimise their Profit Engine multiply their profits rather than merely adding to them. At the core of your Profit Engine are six key drivers:

Lead Generation – Attracting potential customers to your business. Conversion Rate – Turning those leads into paying customers.

Average Sale Value – Maximising the revenue from each transaction. Purchase Frequency – Encouraging repeat business.

Gross Margin – Boosting the profitability of your offerings. Expense – Keeping costs under control.

Many business owners focus on results - more revenue, customers or profitbut the real key lies in improving the drivers behind these outcomes. For example:

Want higher profits? Cut expenses or improve gross margins.

Want more revenue? Increase average sale value and purchase frequency. Want more customers? Improve your conversion rate or generate more leads.

The real power of the Profit Engine lies in its multiplier effect. Small, targeted improvements can deliver massive results. Like those in the table - a business with $165,000 in monthly revenue can grow to $241,000. Net profit can skyrocket from $9,000 to an incredible $78,440, a 772% increase!

To start, follow these 5 steps:

Know Your Numbers 1. Choose Key Drivers 2. Set Targets 3 Select Strategies 4. Create an Action Plan 5.

And as a rule of thumb, quick wins will come from cutting expenses or boosting margins, as these directly impact your profits.

Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories of Growth, Triumph, and Life Lessons

Have you read our very first D32 Business Network book release yet? The Power of Connection: Inspiring Business Stories of Growth & Triumph.

You’ve probably seen it in our socials …. Yes, we’ve been banging on about it since it’s release in October 2024 – but that’s because we’re so very proud of it!

We brought together a group of everyday entrepreneurs, who have each taken a leap of faith and took a chance in chasing their dreams to run their own businesses. We asked them to share the story of their ongoing journey towards growth and success, authors have shared surprise and enlighten you.

This collection of stories is from people from all walks of life and leaders in a wide variety of industries, who share the big lessons they have learnt in business ... but also in life.

The stories and the experiences the authors share, will help you to leverage the knowledge, experience and expertise of entrepreneurs who took a leap and persevered through the challenges and triumphs that face all business owners.

We hope these stories demonstrate the perseverance and hard work it takes to become a successful business owner, and that the lessons shared, inspire you to take the step you’ve been longing to take, in business and beyond.

Click here to read a wonderful summary by Kerri Rainsfield.

Owning and operating a business has its challenges; co-owners of District32 attest to this…

In the D32 Anthology, Co-Founder of District32, Dean Keating, wrote…

“Without enthusiasm, the best product or service will never succeed in the marketplace. You must focus on the gift you’re giving to your potential clients, and the impact this will have on them, or how it will make their lives easier.”

“I have closed over $2 billion in sales over 32 years, and the two key strategies have been networking and one-to-one-meetings. The phrase, ‘It’s not what you know; it’s who you know’, has consistently indicated that your network is where your future riches lie.”

In the D32 Anthology, Co-Founder of District32, Lorraine Garvie wrote…

“I was operating from a lack mentality and scarcity thinking, which resulted in a narrow focus, preventing me from seeing opportunities or accessing creativity. After six years of tight cash flow, I’d had enough. Once I realised I would be okay if the business failed, I released the tight grip I had on my financial worries, I just knew I’d be okay either way.

This was a massive shift for me and the business. Ideas and creativity flowed when I let go of the fear, the control, the grip. Where did this knowing come from? The universe gifted it to me. I witnessed an unfolding of circumstances that would propel us into a new level of thinking, growth and opportunities. I also witnessed that belief and faith are contagious. When we believe in ourselves, we not only light our own path, but also become a beacon to others.”

And a beacon they are. Both Lorraine and Dean understand what it takes to run a business, as they have walked the same path as you. D32 Business Network is entirely here to support you in your business journey.

You can purchase your copy directly through our authors or:

For digital copy - go to Amazon. For hard copy - get it from our publisher, KMD Books.

AI Agents Explained

From chatbots to recommendation systems, AI Agents are everywhere. They’re helping businesses automate tasks, make better decisions, and deliver personalised experiences – with little to no human input.

Think of them as digital co-workers who don’t clock out, sleep, or need a coffee break.

But what exactly are AI agents, how do they work, and why is everyone talking about them? Let’s dive in.

What are AI Agents?

AI agents are programs designed to autonomously complete tasks, make decisions, and learn from their actions – all while interacting with their environment.

Unlike traditional software that needs manual input and predefined instructions, AI agents operate independently, continuously adapting to new information and situations.

Real-life examples of AI Agents

You’ve probably encountered AI agents without realising it.

Here’s where they’re making an impact:

Customer service chatbots that handle routine inquiries and resolve issues faster than humans.

Virtual personal assistants like Google Duplex that make calls and schedule appointments for you.

Trading bots in finance, which monitor market conditions and execute trades in milliseconds.

And this is just the beginning – AI agents are branching out into everything from project management to personalised health monitoring.

How do AI Agents work?

AI agents follow a loop of perceiving their environment, making decisions based on their programming or learned experiences, and acting accordingly.

By understanding these differences, businesses can use AI agents strategically to align with their goals and drive smarter, faster outcomes.

Building a Bright Future: A Business Built on Banter and Hard Work

From the get-go, when I launched Level Electrical and Solar, I had one clear priority - take care of the team and the rest will fall into place. After all, happy staff means happy customers, and let’s be honest, they’re the ones who keep the lights on - literally and figuratively. I wasn’t about to follow the usual path of just grinding out jobs. I wanted to flip the script on what a contracting business could look like and prove that a solid culture beats cookie-cutter management every time.

In the world of electrical and solar contracting, things can get pretty intense tight deadlines, long hours and the occasional “What do you mean the parts didn’t arrive?” moment. But I knew if I focused on creating a place where people actually wanted to work, we’d not only get through the chaos but thrive. I’m proud to say that’s exactly what we’ve done.

Our team is like family - but the fun kind, not the awkward Christmas lunch kind. Everyone’s voice matters, whether it’s an apprentice pitching an idea or a seasoned sparkie cracking a joke to lighten the mood. This collaborative and down-to-earth vibe has not only made work enjoyable but also helped us push boundaries and bring fresh ideas to the table.

We also take work-life balance seriously here (well, as seriously as you can take something with “balance” in the title). Contracting is notorious for grueling schedules, but I made sure to create a culture where taking a breather isn’t just okay - it’s encouraged. And honestly, it shows. When people are rested, they bring their A-game, and our clients can tell.

Now, I can’t take all the credit. My wife, Rhiannon, has been my rock patiently listening to my late-night rants and making sure I didn’t live on takeaway during those 90-hour weeks. My parents, Linda and Graham, have been just as crucial, always backing me and offering wisdom (and the occasional reality check). Without their support, this journey wouldn’t have been possible.

Dave's Family @ Christmas Party 2024

The whole Team @ Christmas Party 2024

BUILDING A BUSINESS FORTRESS!

Lay Each Brick with Purpose and Precision!

When people reach out to me about building or revamping a website, one of the first questions they often ask is, "How much will it cost?"

It's a fair question, but it's a bit like asking, "How much is a house?” I love this as a metaphor as people understand this straight away.

And obviously the answer is, it depends. Do you want a 3 bed 2 bath, or 5 bed 3 bath, single story, etc…

While cost is important, the real starting point is understanding what you want to achieve with your website. It's like planning a house; you wouldn't begin laying bricks without a detailed blueprint.

Similarly, we need to talk about your goals, your audience and how your ideal customers interact with your brand.

In my early days, I focused solely on premium websites, but I soon realised we were missing out on helping a lot of people. I'd see clients go for more affordable options elsewhere, only to come back later because their site didn’t deliver results. It was a waste of their time and money, plus massive opportunity cost with failed outcomes. It made me rethink our approach.

That's when we developed a more flexible model, our ‘modulised’ system.

Now, we offer both startup and premium website packages, along with additional modules to enhance your online presence. Think of it like adding features to a house; maybe some SEO here, a splash of social media there, a qualification lift here - each element is crucial in building a strong digital identity.

We decided to keep the core toolset the same for both startup and premium sites. So, when clients are ready to upgrade, it’s a smooth transition without wasting resources. This approach allows business owners’ websites to grow as their business grows and evolves.

If you have an existing website and you don’t get any new business, stop guessing about what’s wrong with your website and let one of our experts analyse your site for you - for FREE.

OR, if you’d like to jump straight into a one to one session, let’s do that -

peter@smarterwebsites com au www.smarterwebsites.com.au

Essential Marketing Tips for 2025 STEERING TOWARDS SUCCESS WITH

A new year brings fresh opportunities, but old habits can hold us back. Many start with resolutions, only to see them fade as the year progresses. Does this sound familiar?

For many business owners, creating a marketing strategy can feel overwhelming. Rather than tackling everything at once, focus on one or two achievable goals to keep your efforts on course.

Here are three essential tips to guide your digital marketing in 2025:

1. Set Your Anchor with a CRM

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps manage customer data, sales pipelines, and leads. Go High Level (GHL) centralises website development, email sequences, and more. www.digitaltides.online

2. Ride the Wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is transforming industries by automating tasks and improving efficiency. For entrepreneurs, this means more time for business growth. Tools like ChatGPT can enhance your content, but they must reflect your brand’s voice. Use AI to support, not replace, your unique identity.

3. Stay Visible - Social Media is Your Lighthouse

Social media is a powerful, free tool to build trust and attract clients. Consistency is key—show up regularly to stay top of mind and build relationships over time. Social media is a long-term strategy that pays off.

Plotting Your Course for Success

Success in 2025 comes from breaking down goals into achievable steps and staying consistent. With the right tools and focus, you can navigate your marketing towards success.

RosemaryHocknell

0487164592

rosemary@socialtides.com.au wwwsocialtidescomau

"I referred Chris to D32 because it’s a great opportunity for him to connect with other driven professionals."

Promote Your Business | Make Connections | Learn How To Get More Referrals

Workers Health and Safety - What YOU MUST Know

What to Expect:

3 -Way Panel Presentation with Brad Raynor, Juan Perez and Chris Morrison; invest in yourself.

Networking opportunities; invest in your network.

Group mentoring discussion.

Light lunch and morning tea/coffee.

MARMION ANGLING AND AQUATIC CLUB

Mental Health Starts with You

with

Andrew Palacios

3 Main Learning and Outcomes:

Mental Health Awareness –Understand the importance of mental well-being and how it impacts both personal and professional life. What is Resilience? – Learn how to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and maintain a strong mindset.