Bartering Is Alive and Well!
By Lisa Reddell(c) 2005
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Bartering is often regarded as an old-time means of exchange
that was replaced because money is far more efficient. After
all, in a monetary system a peach grower who needs shoes simply
has to find a cobbler. In a pure barter system the peach grower
would have to find not just any cobbler but one who happened to
want peaches at that time. Thus in virtually all civilizations,
except the Incas, money came to play an important role.
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Did you know that even in todays fast-paced world of the
Internet, the barter system still exists? Yep, it sure does! In
the online community, bartering is done on a regular basis. For
example... you've written a terrific ebook. You compiled the
ebook yourself, with a eye-catching cover. You need to build a
website to assist you in selling your ebook. The only problem
is, you haven't a clue how to build a website. So what do you
do? You barter. You find someone who has the knowledge to build
you a simple website. You offer them your ebook compiling
expertise in return. That's bartering. You're probably thinking,
"But, creating a website takes a lot more than compiling an
ebook.".
Fair enough. But that's only true to a point.
Side Bar: I've seen many ebooks that were hundreds of pages. Tons
of files can be involved in compiling an ebook, just like
building even a simple website can be time consuming.
Here are some things you need to consider before approaching
someone about bartering for their services:
Be sure the service or product that you are bartering with is of
equal value. In other words, you can't propose a barter for a
product/service that is valued at $50.00 and in return, ask the
other party to do $100 worth of work. You must be fair, otherwise
this person will laugh you right out of their inbox.
Make sure both parties understand what is expected of each. You
don't wish to get half-way through a barter and have one party
back out because of a simply understanding. Get it in writing.
Utilize business forums. By this, I mean there are a lot of very
talented people in every business forum. I'm not saying to spam
the forums. But to establish business relationships with a
variety of people. Establishing these relationships takes time,
but long term, could prove to be very valuable for bartering
purposes.
Another valuable tool would be networking communities. Some of
the online networking communities have thousands of members, with
again, a large variety of skills.
Even business chatrooms and conference rooms could prove to be an
excellent resource. Who knows?? ... but it would be worth a shot.
The bartering system is still alive and kicking. Take your time
and plan a proposal before making initial contacts. You may get
told no, but you may be surprised who might just say yes!
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** About the author **
Lisa A. Reddell is a Freelance writer, owner of
Reddell Marketing and publishes the bi-weekly Ezine,
The Left Handed Times. Lisa has started achieving
dreams of online success & YOU can too!
Read the lastest edition of The Left Handed Times.
Join our family and grow with us.
http://www.lisareddell.com/current.htm
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