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In today's economy, you have to think outside the box and get creative! Do you trade services?
These days, I usually don't hesitate to propose trading for services if it's something I really need or something I'd "like" to have but can't quite justify the purchase. The key is to make it equitable for all involved.
And after all, we all have overhead to meet. But if it works to the benefit of both parties -- it's a wonderful alternative to both parties NOT having what's needed or desired or passing it by.
It can be a win win situation for all -- so my advice is never hesitate to broach the subject. I've approached my dentist, attorney, car repair garage and more. Some go for it, some don't. But it's always worth a try.
In today's economy, you have to think outside the box and get creative!
- Have you traded services?
- Did it work out for both parties?
- What other "creative" ways have you come up to market yourself or your client?
Would love to hear other opinions or experiences on this.
Views: 5
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Julie Weishaar on -
Hi Christine. Most definitely. I trade services all the time. Even just bouncing ideas off of or asking someone else for their opinion done mutually is beneficial to both parties.
Love your fitness center trading services example. Now if you can figure out a way for ME to lose weight and get healthy by YOUR working out - that is something we can market together :)
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Permalink Reply by Christine on -
That's funny, Julie... if I discover anything amazing in the weight loss side, will let you know. I've been on a quest for that magic bullet ever since I have entered those "almost golden" years. Pounds are so stubborn! I'm resorting to vegetarian for the next 6 weeks and see if it makes a difference. LOL
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Permalink Reply by Julie Weishaar on
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The sad thing is that i am serious! :)
Christine, I have been looking for that "magic bullet" in many areas of my life. Maybe it exists in Shangrila?
Christine said:That's funny, Julie... if I discover anything amazing in the weight loss side, will let you know. I've been on a quest for that magic bullet ever since I have entered those "almost golden" years. Pounds are so stubborn! I'm resorting to vegetarian for the next 6 weeks and see if it makes a difference. LOL
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Permalink Reply by Eli Gatanela on -
Trading for services, or in earlier days called "barter", value for value, makes sense.
What is important in trading services is that it must be fair to both parties, a win-win deal, for their mutual benefit. I've seen similar arrangement where one party was worse off a bit, while the other was enriched. So, in trading services, it is necessary to do a sort of valuation first of the services being traded.
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Permalink Reply by Tonya Heathco on -
I trade service when someone approaches me with a need. I've trades services and even traded personal time and energy for a product or service that was of interest to my business. Yes, that's out of the box action. I make it a point that all parties involved benefit from bartering, even to the point I get the least out of the deal. At times it is a big part of business relationship building. When someone knows you are willing to barter instead of always looking for money, they are more comfortable with you in business.
Bartering always gives me a "leg up" on my competition.
When looking for that "pie in the sky" be careful to not get filling in your eye!
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Permalink Reply by Christine on
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I recently made an arrangement to build a website for an attorney who has none, in exchange for legal services that I was in dire need of. We'll see how it goes. The truth is that I could never have afforded his services so this opportunity came at the most opportune time... not to sound repetitive or anything! LOL
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Permalink Reply by Amber Howell on -
Yes!! I LOVE mutual networking!! I am in the energy services and it is a need for everyone! When I meet someone, especially online, I first try to figure out how I can help them. I am new to network marketing and have truly found out that it is always easier to mutually decide what is beneficial than to try and push my services onto the individual.
My fiance and I helped our insurance agent save money at his office, his home, and even brought him into the business to make money on his own bill!!
The Small Business Network is hosted by Larry Brauner of Online Social Networking and Social Media Director at Gevril Group. Read Larry's articles on business networking and Ning networking.
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