How to Leverage Relationships and Strategic Thinking for Success in the Property Market
In a recent episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, host Aaron Christie-David sits down with Dan Beardall, founder of Both Sides, to explore the power of strategic networking, leveraging relationships, and the mindset needed to succeed in property investment. Dan’s journey from finance to real estate reveals how persistence, smart connections, and taking action can propel you forward, whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career in property. Watch the full episode here.
The Power of Leverage in Building Relationships
Dan’s story begins with an important realisation: at 22, he was too young and inexperienced to network with industry giants by conventional means. Instead of waiting for opportunities, he created them by launching his podcast, Both Sides, which became a tool for building relationships with some of the biggest names in real estate, including Gavin Rubinstein and Simon Cohen. By offering a platform for these industry leaders to share their stories, Dan bridged the gap between himself and the top players in the field, gaining access to exclusive off-market properties and earning referral business. His experience highlights the importance of creatively leveraging what you have—whether it’s a podcast or another platform—to build valuable connections that can open doors in your career.
Taking action was a crucial part of Dan’s success. Aaron emphasised that building relationships isn’t as complicated as people often make it out to be; sometimes, it’s as simple as picking up the phone. Waiting for the right time or a perfect opportunity can leave you behind, whereas being proactive opens up unexpected avenues.
Podcasting as a Strategic Tool for Growth
Initially, Dan didn’t start his podcast with any major commercial goals. However, it quickly evolved into more than just a vehicle for industry conversations—it became a key asset in his business. Through the podcast, Dan was able to establish credibility, build trust with real estate professionals, and get access to off-market deals. The podcast also positioned him as a thought leader, helping him to differentiate his buyers agency from competitors.
Aaron pointed out that to maximise success, it’s essential to understand what resonates with your audience. By fine-tuning elements like SEO, titles, and audience engagement metrics, businesses can amplify their reach and continue to grow. In essence, what gets you started won’t necessarily get you to the next level, and continual adaptation is key.
Learning from the Best: Mentorship as a Game-Changer
Throughout his career, Dan has been guided by the wisdom of mentors. One of his pivotal experiences was meeting a billionaire real estate developer, who advised him to master the art of finding deals before venturing into property development. This advice reshaped Dan’s approach to property, leading him to work with top-tier professionals to learn the practical side of real estate. His mentors helped him not only avoid costly mistakes but also accelerate his growth.
Mentorship plays a vital role in fast-tracking success. Aaron highlighted that surrounding yourself with top talent is essential for anyone aiming to level up in their career. As you mature in your journey, it’s important to change your network to reflect your ambitions. Hanging out with people who challenge you to think bigger and push yourself further is a key component of long-term success.
Balancing Theory with Practical Experience
Dan emphasised the importance of blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on, practical experience. Having started his career in finance, he learned how to structure deals from a lending perspective. But it was his transition into real estate, working with firms like Henderson Advocacy, where he gained practical experience negotiating deals, understanding property markets, and connecting with agents. This combination of theory and real-world application has been instrumental in his success as a buyers agent.
There are no shortcuts to success in property or business. Both Dan and Aaron stressed that success requires a deep understanding of the fundamentals, combined with relentless execution. Whether you’re making cold calls to agents or learning how to structure a deal, mastering the day-to-day work is what sets successful property investors apart from the rest.
Active vs. Passive Property Buyers
Dan drew a clear distinction between active and passive property buyers. Active buyers are those who go out and take action—meeting agents, inspecting properties, and negotiating deals. Passive buyers, on the other hand, tend to browse listings and wait for the perfect opportunity. Dan’s view is that passive buyers risk missing out on the best opportunities because they’re not actively engaging with the market.
Aaron underscored the importance of being proactive. Scrolling through listings without making offers or contacting agents won’t get you ahead in competitive property markets. Success in property investment comes to those who are out there, making moves and taking action, rather than waiting for the right deal to land in their lap.
Personalised Investment Strategies: One Size Does Not Fit All
Dan’s approach to property investment is highly personalised. He believes that each investor’s strategy should be based on their specific circumstances, whether that’s access to capital, risk tolerance, or long-term goals. A cookie-cutter approach won’t work in today’s market. For example, some clients might benefit from active strategies like flipping or renovating, while others might do better with passive buy-and-hold investments in high-growth areas.
Aaron echoed this sentiment, pointing out that investors shouldn’t obsess over finding the “hottest” market or trend without first evaluating their own financial situation and goals. Many young investors, especially, fall into the trap of comparison, but it’s essential to play your own game based on the cards you’re dealt. Assess your capacity, understand your goals, and make informed decisions that align with your long-term vision.
Key Lessons from Dan’s Journey
At just 26, Dan has built a successful buyers agency and a well-regarded podcast, but his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Dan attributes much of his success to being proactive, learning from his mistakes, and continuously seeking guidance from mentors. His story is a reminder that action, combined with perseverance and the right support system, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Persistence and resilience have been core to Dan’s journey. Aaron emphasised that success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a combination of grinding, learning, and improving over time. As Dan shared, there’s immense value in pushing through fear and discomfort to seize opportunities, whether that’s launching a podcast, cold-calling top agents, or negotiating a tough deal.
Leverage, Action, and Mentorship
Dan Beardall’s experience illustrates the importance of leveraging relationships, taking proactive steps, and seeking guidance from the best in the business. His journey—from launching a podcast to building a successful buyer’s agency—highlights the power of action, persistence, and strategic thinking. For those looking to succeed in property investment or any career, Dan and Aaron’s insights provide a roadmap to fast-tracking your growth.
If you’re looking to elevate your property investment journey, be sure to listen to more episodes of the Australian Property Investment Podcast and check out Dan Beardall’s Both Sides podcast for additional insights from industry leaders.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us for expert guidance in navigating the property market, and for tailored mortgage solutions that suit your financial goals. Your journey to homeownership starts here!
