| Bartering for needed business and personal | | | | other party often flakes, and I don't. I don't like |
| services can be a lifesaver! On the other hand, | | | | ending up at the short end of the stick. Outline |
| you cannot pay the rent with massage therapy, | | | | exactly what is included. |
| new logos and make-up. | | | | 4. Remember that receiving bartered business |
| When you do any kind of networking, even | | | | services is considered taxable income, so consult |
| casually through everyday contacts, you will | | | | your tax preparer. |
| eventually be asked to do a trade. I recommend | | | | 5. Treat the client the same as all your other |
| you create a company policy - even if your | | | | clients, and expect the same from them. If you |
| company consists of just you - that you do not | | | | find this difficult, don't barter. You will resent the |
| trade or barter. When you are approached by | | | | client, and that's not fair to either of you. |
| someone with whom you have no interest in | | | | One example of a good barter situation is when |
| doing a trade, you just tell them it is against your | | | | you are starting your business, and you offer a |
| company policy to barter. | | | | business service, like virtual assistant work or |
| You do not need to explain why. | | | | website development. Most businesses will need |
| I have this policy, but since it is my company, I | | | | your services at some point, so you have a good |
| can do whatever I want! Every time I am | | | | shot at getting a quality person to say yes. If you |
| approached, I evaluate the opportunity. If I would | | | | are starting your business on a shoestring and |
| spend money on that product or service anyway, | | | | have no cash to purchase the products and |
| it might be worth it. If I would really like to spend | | | | services you need, bartering could be your savior. |
| my budget on that product or service, I will | | | | When you approach someone, be realistic and |
| seriously consider it and I might say yes. The | | | | business-like. Make sure the graphic designer you |
| vast majority of the time, I say no. If you decide | | | | approach is the one you would pay your |
| to do it, here are some tips I suggest: | | | | hard-earned money to. Set up a coffee meeting |
| 1. Be sure to trade value-for-value, not | | | | to discuss your offer, and be clear on what you |
| hour-for-hour. I have spent many, many hours in | | | | want and what you can offer in exchange. If they |
| school, work and training to become the expert I | | | | say no, just say thank-you and don't take it |
| am - I will not be trading hour-for-hour in | | | | personally. They are in business to make a profit, |
| exchange for babysitting (which I started doing | | | | after all. |
| when I was 11). | | | | Getting fellow business owners to barter with you |
| 2. Attach a deadline by which both products and | | | | could have a very positive side-effect. Once they |
| services must be delivered, if possible. | | | | have experienced your brilliance, they will tell |
| 3. Put the agreement in writing and sign it. One | | | | others how great you are and give you referrals. |
| reason I have a policy against bartering is that the | | | | |