In this episode of The Barter Edge, we sit down with long-time Bartercard team member and powerhouse account manager Victoria. With over 14 years of experience on the trading floor—and even more as a former client—Victoria brings a refreshing, strategic lens to what it means to trade smart.

Whether you’re a startup looking to grow on a budget or an established business ready to think differently, Victoria’s insights will shift the way you see Bartercard.

⏱ Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction to Victoria
[00:40] Victoria’s Bartercard journey: from gym owner to trading expert
[01:30] What kinds of businesses thrive with Bartercard? (Hint: it’s about mindset)
[03:00] Creative use of spare capacity: gyms, hospitality, and fixed-cost services
[04:50] Using trade dollars for lifestyle wins (birthday parties, limos & pizza trucks!)
[06:00] Leveraging trade for marketing, travel, and relationship building
[07:00] How Victoria supports new & existing members across industries
[08:30] Unlocking untapped value inside a client’s business
[10:00] Case study: How one service business fast-tracked their SEO goals with trade
[11:30] Mindset matters: the blinkers business owners wear (and how to lift them)
[12:30] Mother's Day success story: creative hampers + charity donations
[15:00] Hospitality win: elegant gifts & social media buzz to fill more seats
[16:30] Staff competitions, upselling & boosting winter revenue by 20%
[18:00] Why hospitality & tourism are perfect for Bartercard
[20:00] Who makes a successful trader? (Startups, creatives, and open minds)
[21:30] Support, experience, and why your 6.5% fee goes further than you think
[24:00] Final words: Why it’s worth having the Bartercard conversation

💬 “If you don’t change it, then there will be no change.” – Victoria

🚀 Ready to explore smarter ways of doing business? Whether you're in hospitality, tourism, or a service-based industry, this episode is packed with practical stories and real-life inspiration.

📲 Want to chat with our team?
No contracts, just a conversation. Let’s see if Bartercard is the right fit for your business.

The Role of Human Connection in Business Success: Insights from Dean Keating

In this episode of the Barter Edge Podcast, host Jan welcomes Dean Keating, co-founder of D 32 Business Networking, to discuss effective networking strategies, the importance of human connection in business, and the benefits of leveraging the Bartercard network. Dean shares insights on the three-tiered membership model of D 32 and offers actionable tips for maximizing networking effectiveness. He also highlights how Bartercard has positively impacted D 32's expansion and operations, and introduces the value-packed D 32 magazine for business owners across Australia.

00:00 Introduction to the Barter Edge Podcast
00:25 Meet Dean Keating from D 32 Business Networking
01:08 Understanding D 32's Membership Levels
02:24 Impact of Bartercard on D 32
03:35 Networking Trends and Opportunities
06:14 Effective Networking Strategies
08:17 Benefits of Partnering with Bartercard
10:07 Introducing the D 32 Magazine
11:05 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The Barter Edge, we sit down with Darryl Vine, co-founder of Firefly Initiative, to unpack how his organisation is reinventing the volunteer landscape through innovation, impact, and a powerful partnership with Bartercard.

From elevating unseen community heroes to offering new ways for businesses to give back, Darryl shares thought-provoking insights into the “economy of social good,” their unique reward system using ECT tokens, and how barter can bridge the gap between generosity and growth.

If you’re a purpose-driven business owner or curious about how trade dollars can amplify your community impact—this one’s for you.

🕒 Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome & intro to Firefly Initiative
[01:00] Why volunteers are the $1.3 trillion backbone of Australia’s community sector
[02:45] The challenge: Rewarding volunteers & funding not-for-profits
[03:40] The overlooked heroes: A story from the Multiple Birth Association
[04:40] Why the next generation of volunteers needs a new system
[06:00] Why Firefly partnered with Bartercard
[07:30] Local business, local impact: Connecting small business with volunteer consumers
[09:00] Innovating with trade: How Firefly uses Bartercard to fund community experiences
[11:00] From barbecues to boat days—creative ways trade dollars make a difference
[13:00] Using spare capacity to give back: Cinemas, golf courses, motels & more
[14:50] A no-risk opportunity: Free 3-month campaign for Bartercard members
[16:00] Building a circular economy between volunteers and small businesses
[17:00] How to get involved & connect with Firefly Initiative

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Volunteers aren’t just helpers—they’re community powerhouses
• Bartercard provides a bridge between doing good and growing your brand
• Firefly Initiative’s ECT tokens create real value exchange for volunteer time
• Businesses can advertise to Firefly’s audience with zero cash upfront for 3 months