For those of you who are still bartering for things in your business (you know who you are) I want to give you a little loving advice:
STOP that!!
Once upon a time someone wise (my own coach) explained it to me this way: money needs to flow. Like water, it needs to circulate—and if it doesn’t, it stagnates. We live in a world that values the exchange of currency. (Not like when we used to trade pigs, and spices, and chickens, right?)
If you are not receiving money for your services and products, and in return giving money for services and products, then that money is not flowing—so why should any MORE of it flow to you?
Besides, there is only so much you can barter for. When is the last time you bartered for your mortgage? 😉
Now, might it make sense to do it once in a blue moon? Yes, maybe in certain unique situations. But as a general rule, please, I beg of you—just say NO!
I know there are some of you who have a habit of doing this on a very regular basis, and honestly, it’s damaging to your business, your bottom line, and dare I say—your psyche.
Perhaps the most insidious thing about it is that by doing it habitually, you are really telling yourself that you don’t value the work that you do, and aren’t confident enough in what you do to charge for it.
The other side of it? Â If you are unwilling to invest in yourself and your business, how can you expect others to ever invest in YOU?
The bottom line is, wealthy people don’t barter, and you will never build wealth yourself by doing so. I truly care about your success and want you to THRIVE, so be assured that I write this blog post in love. 🙂
Now it’s your turn: what are your thoughts on bartering? Â Does this make you think about it in a different way? Â I would love to hear your thoughts.
Photo credit: ddslister
I completely agree, Christine. Bartering should be done on a very limited basis, if at all. I’m just starting out myself, and I knnoow we invest way too much in developing our businesses to barter services…. In limited cases, I’d rather volunteer my services to people I know, or charities, and then ask them for testimonials and reeferrals to clients whom I can charge. That helps me get experience, helps out thee charity and, I hope, results in my learning about other clients whom I wwould charge. Bartering doesn’t seem like it wouldd get anyone anywhere.
Thanks Jen for sharing your thoughts, you make excellent points. Love that you mentioned asking for testimonials, that’s super smart. Appreciate you stopping by!