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Service-finding platform builds a sense of community

Announcement posted by Eyes on You Media 31 May 2018

Business to Business

Ray Bartell has been an entrepreneur all his life. So little wonder then, he is hell-bent on kicking Western Australia’s service professionals into the capitalist space.

Not content with watching many SMEs struggle to maintain a stronghold on their business and finances Dr Bartell instigated and established an innovative platform - B2ME Australia - for business owners to be able to offer their services to the wider community, at the scroll of a mouse. 

Initially rolling out in Western Australia, B2ME Australia will, as the name implies, eventually encompass the nation. 

“I had a light bulb moment after renovating our home in Greenwood,” said Dr Bartell. “I wanted a turnkey solution to having to scroll through a crowded space of providers who I didn’t know, or trust.

It dawned on me – why not turn to a community and friends – it makes life so much easier. B2ME Australia is a service-finding, reputation-driven platform that helps you to find, access, connect and engage with service providers through friends, community group associations, as well as the broader marketplace. These are the key points of difference and as a bonus, it’s a community building enterprise.”

With more than 400 professionals on the checklist to date, B2ME is heading for a ’Founders 500’ before July when the final stage of the platform opens for business – servicing users requirements.

“While we are rolling the service providers section out now to encourage more onto the platform, the official launch will take place in early July so those seeking industry services from graphic designers to IT specialists to plumbers and any industry in between, can then access them.”

Business owners from all industries are being encouraged to take a space on the B2ME platform with minimal advertising costs and no sign-up charges

Dr Bartell, who has a background in business, consultancy, education and community development, the latter within remote regions in Papua New Guinea, is adamant that by using a community-based platform there will be enough work for all involved.

“People are investing in the person behind the brand – they want someone they know, like, trust and to tell their network of friends who need a specific service. It’s driven by word of mouth, primarily, said Dr Bartell quoting Dunbar’s Law – of 150 genuine connections each of those have 150 of their own connections. Utilising the skills of people who are local within a community by finding out which friends and community associations are using a specific service provider, is a win-win situation,” explained Dr Bartell.

B2ME has been a year in the making since the first proof of concept and has involved key influencers, including ECU’s – The Link – Office of Research and Innovation during the latter development stages to ensure an easy-to-use, reliable platform.

Ends

Note to editors:

Dr Ray Bartell moved with his wife and three children to work as a director of education and business manager for Baptists Schools in remote communities in Papua New Guinea from 2006-2011.

A move back to Australia in 2012 saw him open his own business consultancy  - Aeikon – providing business support to not-for-profits, carrying out evaluations for international aid and development projects.

Drawing on his work in Papua New Guinea, Dr Bartell has completed his PhD exploring the local governance systems of schools looking in-depth at the foundations for effecting positive change. 

Dr Bartell has served on numerous local and international boards over the course of his career and is currently serving on the board of Alta-1 Australia.