Contents
Effective Strategies to Utilise Excess Stock
Having excess stock or spare capacity can be a challenge for any business. Not only does stock occupy precious storage space, but it also ties up capital It can restrict your ability to invest in necessary items, ultimately hindering your business in the long run.
Costs to Your Business
Storage Costs
Holding a large volume of excess stock requires a significant amount of storage space. Storage warehouses and units are an additional expense for your business, as are higher insurance costs associated with the inventory
Deterioration and Shifts in Demand
The longer you keep your stock sitting there 'gathering dust,' the more likely it is to deteriorate or become obsolete over time. Certain products are perishable, so you may struggle to sell them further down the line. Alternatively, if it's left too long, the product may become obsolete, like some electronic devices.
Funding Capital Growth with Bartercard
Capital growth is an essential component of business expansion and success. However, to achieve it, businesses require a significant amount of funding. You could choose a traditional business bank loan, seek out a venture capitalist or set up a crowdfunding campaign. Or, you could look at alternative lending, such as Bartercard.
Offered as an alternative currency to cash, Bartercard's interest-free trade limit comes without the interest rates associated with a business bank loan. Instead, it is repaid by selling your products and services through the Bartercard community.
The Bartercard interest-free trade limit enables many members to cover the initial costs of starting a business or invest in revenue-generating expenses such as marketing and advertising, interior fit-outs and equipment.
New Members
Mulberry Tree Counselling Service Pty Ltd
Transform Hard Work Into Breakthrough Results
The Four Core Pillars
Every strong business is built on four pillars. Miss even one, and you’re constantly chasing your tail
People: Build a team of superstars. If you don’t have the right people, you do everything yourself. Great businesses are powered by great teams, not just great founders.
Performance: Make more profit. Profit isn’t greedy, it’s survival. It funds growth, stability, and freedom.
Strategy: Charge a premium. If you’re competing on price, you’re on the fast track to burnout. Compete on value instead.
Growth: Win more customers. Growth is engineered, not wished for. Without it, the best-run business still stagnates.
The Eight Symptoms You Can’t Ignore
Most businesses don’t blow up overnight. They erode quietly through warning signs that, at first, seem harmless. But ignore them long enough, and they’ll sink you
Here are the eight I see over and over:
People symptoms
1.The owner is stuck doing everything.
2.The business leans too heavily on a few key staff if they leave, the wheels fall off.
Performance symptoms
1.Financial results jump around unpredictably.
2.Cash flow is always tight.
Strategy symptoms
1.You’re forced to cut prices to win work.
2.Leads have dried up or are unreliable.
Growth symptoms
1.Sales have stalled or plateaued.
2.Customers are unhappy, complaining, or leaving.
These symptoms are the business’s way of waving a red flag. If you see two or three, it’s time to stop, assess, and act.
Want to know exactly where your business stands?
I’ve built the Pain Finder Diagnostic a fast, practical tool designed to help business owners pinpoint which of these eight symptoms are holding them back.
Here’s the difference: you won’t just get a generic score or summary.
You’ll receive a custom-written report prepared by me specifically for you. It outlines where your business is strong and vulnerable and what you should do next
It’s free, straightforward, and designed to help you clarify where to focus. Get your custom Pain Finder report → http://lp.paulclaessen.com.au/pain-finder
You build a business that can thrive without you doing everything. You create freedom, resilience, and real leverage.
Most importantly, you stop running harder on the same spot and start transforming your hard work into breakthrough results.
D32 Business Network's Unique Concept
Strategic, Not Scattergun
Many small businesses fall into the trap of "doing marketing" rather than doing it well. A marketing plan outlines the specific tactics and channels that are most likely to move the needle based on your goals and audience. It helps you make smart, strategic choices rather than defaulting to whatever’s trending this week on Instagram.
Get the Most Out of Your Budget
Let’s face it: small business budgets rarely have room for waste. A wellthought-out marketing plan helps you allocate your resources time, money, and people where they’ll deliver the greatest return You’ll know what to invest in, when to scale back, and how to avoid shiny object syndrome.
Measure What Matters
A marketing plan sets the stage for measurability and accountability. With clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in place, you can track your progress, tweak your tactics, and double down on what works. No more guesswork just data-driven decisions.
Keep Your Team Aligned
Even in a small business, coordination can be a challenge. A marketing plan acts as a shared blueprint that gets everyone pulling in the same direction. It helps align sales, operations, and customer service around the same vision and message because consistency builds trust, and trust builds brands.
Stay Nimble in a Shifting Market
Markets shift. Trends change. Competitors evolve. A marketing plan isn’t static it’s a living document that should be reviewed and adjusted regularly. This agility helps your business stay relevant and responsive, rather than getting left behind.
Attract the Right Attention
Whether you’re looking for investors, strategic partners, or even a future buyer for your business, a comprehensive marketing plan demonstrates professionalism, vision, and control. It’s a signal to others that your business is not just surviving it’s strategically building for the future.
The Power of Intention in Creating Productive and Happy Workplaces
You Can’t Outsource Your Health and Fitness
More Than Numbers: How Financial Mentoring
Transforms Businesses
Optimism Fuels Innovation
Why It Matters More Than
Forging Psychological Resilience
How one simple concept helped reshape my life after Defence and now supports others facing adversity.
No One Can Jump for You
Before every military jump, we were reminded that rank didn’t matter once you were on the ramp Whether you were a Lieutenant Colonel or a Private, the risk was the same.
Military parachuting doesn’t discriminate. That final decision to step out of that aircraft was yours alone That mindset that sense of personal accountability always stuck with me.
Losing Identity and Purpose
When I left the military something I believed would be a lifelong career I felt hopeless, lost, and empty. After 16 years in the Australian Army, I found myself back where I started, only worse for wear. Leaving Defence meant more than just losing a job it felt like losing who I was. I wasn’t ready for that. Along with the uniform went my identity, sense of structure, and purpose. What followed was an emptiness I didn’t know how to face, and a search for meaning I wasn’t prepared for
Mental Health Starts with You
The problem was, I had forgotten the mindset that got me through Special Forces selection. Slowly, I began to apply the same discipline and thinking I had learned in Defence to life on the outside. During that dark period, I was forced to confront a hard truth: mental health starts with me.
Blaming others or waiting for systems to change wasn’t helping. So I took a long, honest look in the mirror and faced my own reality. The shift began the moment I took ownership. That was the turning point. Through the struggle, I gradually found hope, gratitude, direction, and purpose again.
Succession planning involves making decisions about who will lead your business into the future, and who will take ownership of it. By taking charge of this decisionmaking process, you will be able to attract a higher sell price for your business and minimise the tax you pay on the proceeds.
About the Speaker
David has over 20 years of experience as a business, sales, and personal coach, as a facilitator, and in C-suite operational roles.
He helps people and businesses to get clear on their goals, set priorities and actions, and facilitate their progress and accountability.
David's reason for getting up each day is to make a difference, by helping people and businesses to realise their potential.
Take your business to the next level. We are each the sum of the five people we spend most of our time with – who's in your top five? Is it time to increase the quality of your network?
Take your business to the next level We are each the sum of the five people we spend most of our time with – who's in your top five? Is it time to increase the quality of your network?
Connect with Gold Coast’s movers and shakers in this dynamic and unique business growth event, where you'll rub shoulders with like-minded and ambitious business leaders.
D32 provides a business growth platform helping business owners to achieve success and freedom. ✔ Increased Profit
Uncapped Opportunities
Strategic Shortcuts
16 16 2025 2025
GOLF CLUB
The Hidden Risks of AIGenerated Legal Documents
In today’s digital age, AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming increasingly popular for automating business tasks, including drafting legal documents. However, the risks of AI-generated legal documents can be significant, especially when it comes to legally binding contracts such as Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policies, Website Terms of Use, Employment Contracts, and Supply Agreements. While AI has its place, relying on ChatGPT for contracts can be a costly mistake.
Here’s why relying on AI for legal documents can put your business at risk and why working with an experienced commercial lawyer is the smarter choice.
1. AI Lacks Legal Expertise and Context
ChatGPT may be great at processing vast amounts of information, but it doesn’t "understand" the law the way a trained lawyer does.
No legal interpretation – AI lacks the ability to analyse complex legal principles, case law, or industry-specific regulations.
No jurisdictional awareness – Laws vary by state, country, and industry.
AI may not tailor your contract to your specific legal environment.
No negotiation strategy – A lawyer helps you secure better terms based on real-world commercial risks, whereas AI simply generates a generic contract.
A contract isn’t just about words on a page it’s a strategic safeguard. Without professional expertise, you could end up with a document that fails to protect your business.
2. AI-Generated Contracts Lack Customisation
A well-drafted contract should reflect your unique business model, industry, and specific risks. AI-generated contracts are often:
Too generic – AI produces one-size-fits-all contracts that may not suit your business
Missing key clauses – Critical protections like limitation of liability, dispute resolution, warranties, and indemnities could be omitted or incorrectly worded.
Not aligned with business goals – A lawyer ensures your contract supports your commercial interests, rather than just providing basic legal wording.
3. AI Can’t Spot Legal Loopholes or Business Risks
A contract isn’t just about what’s included it’s also about what’s missing. AIgenerated contracts may:
Contain ambiguous or unenforceable clauses that leave you legally exposed.
Overlook contractual loopholes that could be exploited by the other party. Fail to include risk mitigation strategies like structured liability clauses.
For example, if you’re drafting a supply agreement, AI won’t advise you on whether you need:
A liquidated damages clause in case of supplier failure. Performance warranties to protect your business. Adequate force majeure protection for unexpected disruptions.
A lawyer ensures that your contract covers all legal and commercial angles AI does not.
4.No Accountability if Things Go Wrong
If an AI-generated contract fails to protect you, who takes responsibility?
AI doesn’t offer legal advice, so you can’t rely on it as a professional service.
If a dispute arises, AI won’t defend your contract in court.
AI lacks professional indemnity insurance, which law firms provide for added protection.
A lawyer is personally accountable for your contract’s accuracy and compliance, ensuring that you are legally covered
5. AI Can’t Keep Up with Changing Laws
Legal regulations change frequently, especially in areas like:
Privacy laws (e.g., Australia’s Privacy Act, GDPR, US state-specific laws).
Employment law (workplace policies, unfair dismissal risks, and award compliance).
Consumer protection laws (Australian Consumer Law updates, unfair contract terms regulations)
ChatGPT doesn’t update in real time, meaning your contract could be outdated and non-compliant. A lawyer ensures your agreements always meet current legal standards.
6. AI Poses Confidentiality and Data Security Risks
When you enter sensitive business information into an AI tool, where does that data go?
AI models store and process data, which creates privacy concerns.
Your confidential business information could be exposed or used to train future AI models.
AI tools aren’t protected by attorney-client privilege, meaning there’s no legal confidentiality safeguard.
A lawyer provides strict confidentiality, ensuring that your business remains protected.
How Businesses Are Using AI Agents To Drive Real Results
AI Agents in business
AI Agents are already making an impact. Here’s how:
1. Streamlining patient care
In healthcare, AI agents are handling patient management – scheduling appointments, sending medication reminders, and even providing initial consultations. By automating these tasks, healthcare professionals can focus more on patient care, improving efficiency and service quality.
2. Enhancing customer engagement
Online retailers are using AI agents to personalise shopping experiences. These agents analyse customer behavior, recommend products, answer questions in real-time, and assist with purchases. The result? Happier customers, higher conversions, and increased sales.
3. On-site support & troubleshooting
A trainee on a mine site needs to repair machinery but isn’t sure where to start. Instead of waiting for help, they pull out their phone, activate their AI agent, and get instant, step-by-step guidance.
The AI agent identifies the machine, walks them through the repair process, and adjusts instructions in real-time based on their progress. No delays, no guesswork – just expert-level support exactly when and where it’s needed.
4. Automating document review
Law firms are leveraging AI agents to speed up contract analysis and legal research. These agents extract key information, flag potential issues, and even draft standard legal texts – cutting down hours of manual work and reducing errors.
5 Ways To Spot the Best AI Agent Wins for Your Business
AI agents are already delivering real, measurable results for businesses, but how do you know where it can make the biggest impact on yours?
The key is to spot opportunities where AI agents can boost efficiency, automate repetitive tasks and unlock new value. Whether it’s saving resources, improving customer experience, or speeding up decision-making, AI agents can help you work smarter, not harder.
So, where should you be looking? Let’s break it down.
1. Find repetitive, high-volume tasks
AI agents thrive on routine, structured tasks. If a task is repetitive, timeconsuming, and follows a clear process, an AI agent can take over, freeing up your team for higher-value work.
Think about:
Data entry
Customer support inquiries
Invoice processing
Example: If your team spends hours sorting customer emails, an AI-powered email triage agent can instantly categorise messages and direct them to the right department without delay.
2. Look for bottlenecks slowing you down
Where do things get stuck in your workflows? Are employees wasting time pulling reports? Are customers experiencing long wait times? AI agents reduce friction by automating processes, handling data in real-time, and even predicting potential delays before they happen
Example: A shipment tracking AI agent can automatically update customers on delivery statuses, reducing the need for manual follow-ups and improving customer satisfaction.
Crafting Success: How to Build Your Business Machine
As I look back on the journey of creating Smarter Websites, I feel a deep sense of pride and excitement. What started as a simple idea has transformed into an enterprise focused on more than just building web pages - it's about crafting digital experiences that truly resonate with clients and drive business growth.
From the very beginning, I knew that creating a website company was more than just assembling online components. It was about understanding the dynamic digital landscape and leading clients through it with innovation and foresight. The digital world is ever-changing, and staying ahead of the curve has been both a challenge and a cornerstone of our success.
One of our proudest achievements has been developing a strategic approach to website design that focuses on conversion and client engagement. This approach has enabled us to transform businesses by turning their websites into powerful tools that work tirelessly to convert prospects into loyal clients.
Reflecting on this journey, here are some of the biggest lessons I've learned:
1.Adaptability is Key: The digital realm is in constant flux, and adaptability is essential. Embrace change, and let it fuel your innovation.
2.Client-Centric Approach: Always put your clients first. Understanding their needs and delivering solutions that truly benefit them is the heart of success.
3 Continuous Learning: Never stop learning The more you know, the more you grow. Stay curious and open to new ideas.
I’m grateful for the team at Smarter Websites, whose dedication and passion have been instrumental in our success. Together, we've built not only a company but a community that values collaboration and growth.
If your current website isn’t bringing in new business, stop guessing and let one of our experts conduct a FREE analysis
OR, if you’d like to jump straight into a one to one session, let’s do that -
Is Your Business Floating or Thriving? RIDING THE DIGITAL WAVE -
The average person spends over three hours a day on their phone and checks it more than 80 times. It’s often the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we see at night. Our phones follow us everywhere the kitchen, the office, even the loo.
Social media, once a novelty, is now a major force in how we discover and trust businesses. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok are teeming with content and the question isn’t if people are online, but whether you are visible when they are.
Many business owners say, "I don’t need social media I rely on word of mouth." That’s valid But even word of mouth has evolved When someone hears about you, they often look you up. Visibility supports credibility.
Imagine your referrals amplified by a strong digital presence. What if your content reminded someone to reach out? What if it introduced you to someone new? These are the ripple effects of showing up.
But true marketing isn’t just likes and shares. It’s about connection before, during, and after the sale. A good CRM system helps you stay in touch without spamming, turning leads into relationships.
Still, human connection matters most Pick up the phone Reconnect Ask for a warm intro. Technology supports your efforts, but it’s not a substitute.
In business, balance is key online visibility, offline presence, and authentic connection.
Ready to make waves? Learn more at www.socialtides.com.au.
RosemaryHocknell
0487164592
rosemary@socialtides.com.au wwwsocialtidescomau
Why I Love Vehicle Signage
(And Why You Should Too)
Let me tell you one of the most under used, yet super effective, ways to advertise your business is with vehicle signage. I’m talking about turning your everyday car, van, or ute into a mobile billboard. And no, it doesn’t have to be loud or flashy to work. Even a simple, well-designed logo and contact number can work wonders.
I’ve seen it time and time again our clients drive off with fresh signage, and within days, they’re telling us they’ve had people calling or walking in saying, "I saw your van on the road!" That’s the kind of exposure every business needs easy, passive, and local.
Think about it: when you’re stuck in traffic or parked out front of a job, people see you. And not just anyone locals. People in your service area. It’s targeted advertising without needing fancy technology or online tools. Whether you're a plumber, café owner, tradie, real estate agent, or anything in between, your vehicle is a prime spot to show off who you are and what you do.
Plus, vehicle signage works 24/7. Unlike digital ads that disappear with a click or print ads that get tossed, your car is always out there on the job, doing the shopping, school drop-off you name it. You’re building brand awareness without lifting a finger.
At Minuteman Press Canning Vale, we help you design signage that’s clean, professional, and reflects your brand. We make sure it turns heads for the right reasons readable text, strong colours, clear message. And don’t stress if you’re not sure what you want. That’s what we’re here for.
So if you’ve got a vehicle, you’ve got advertising space. Why of it?
Come have a chat I’d love to show you some samples and get your business rolling (literally!).
08 9403 3306
com
Director Raymond Smith (left) and Andrew Ford (right) receiving their 4th HIA award
Podcasting is about building your Brand, both business and personal, so we need to ask, what will our brand be famous for?
Low prices, like Virgin? Expensive like Gucci? Custom solutions?
We need to decide this, because this sets up our image that we want to be consistent with.
Say we want to be perceived as a retailer, then the image we would want to portray would be that of a dominant supplier, dependable, acceptable quality, good pricing, and convenience.
Compare that to someone who is on trend, always leading with the latest and greatest. Then you would want to be perceived as innovative, high performance, state of the art savvy, have high profile people around.
What about if you custom design solutions for people? You would want to show off your team approach, show you are expert and competent and that you have technical credibility.
Now what if you have long term relationships with your customers? Dependability will be at the top of your image criteria, loyalty to your customer above the business rules (yes you’ll break the rules for a good customer). You want to show you are nonbureaucratic, friendly, know your customers business and their needs.
Your image builds your brand, so what image fits you and your business, because you can only choose one? Well maybe you can combine two together, but that is it.
A clear image, gives you a clear brand and that gives you clear results.
Michael Worthington
0412 699 183
michael@101mediagroup.com.au www 101mediagroup com au
Director Raymond Smith (left) and Andrew Ford (right) receiving their 4th HIA award
Ever asked yourself "What the hell am I doing with my life?"
As an inner development coach that has been working with people for 9 years. I help people and business owners develop themselves in a way that cultivates depth, meaning and connection into their busy lives improving personal and business in a way that brings happiness, success and wellbeing back to their lives
If you have ever wanted to:
Know yourself more
Understand how your emotions might be getting in the way of your personal success
Have happier relationships with others
Explore ancient ways to fast track personal development LEAH SAVAGE | 0459 849 988 leahsavage@protonmail.com First 30 min is Free, scan QR code to book now.
“I joined D32 to connect with other business owners who I can enjoy my business journey with and to learn ”
Brasser House is passionate about coffee and education. We provide employment pathways focusing on confidence, connection, inclusion and impact, for all disadvantaged demographics to gain control and independence
We work with at-risk youth, NDIS participants, refugees and everyone in between, who require a path to independence using coffee as a by-product, to navigate and streamline their journey.
We operate from Albany to Kununurra, engaging with demographics of all abilities, tailoring employment pathways to their learning abilities, sourcing Industry mentors, workplace learning providers and government agencies, to connect our program participants with inclusive and impactful employment opportunities.
JAYESH HUGHES | 0439 646 692
JAYESH@BRASSERHOUSE COM AU www brasserhouse com au
"I refer to District32 because when all else fails, connection is your most valuable tool."
