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  1. Barter Myths: The RIGHT answers

    05.Jun.08, 20:57 EDT
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    I find that a lot of small business owners have confusion and misunderstanding about barter. Here is a barter myth-busters article I just came across. SKB

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    Barter Myths Busted

    Source: Premier Barter

    Too often business owners have preconceived ideas about barter that are not entirely correct. Sometimes it's just what they "hear" from other people who may not be familiar with the way barter groups operate. Barter is a tool to help you grow your business and increase profits. We hope to dispell any misconceptions about barter with the following information.

    MYTH: If I sell to a business who sells a product I can't use, my barter currency is wasted.
    FACT: Barter is a not a one for one exchange. You sell what you have, buy what you need. You accumulate barter currency (retail dollar value) from any network member. Sales can be made online, on the phone, or in person. Thousands of likeminded businesses buy and sell every conceivable product and service on barter, not cash. In fact most of America's Fortune 500 companies utilize barter.

    MYTH: Barter can't pay employees … or can it?
    FACT: Reward employees with a barter paid vacation! Send them to a ball game, the theater, out to dinner or give them a gift certificate. Motivate without using precious cash.

    MYTH: Barter sounds great but I can't pay my mortgage with it.
    FACT: You may not be able to pay your mortgage with Barter currency, but you can pay an attorney, an accountant, utilize advertising, media, PR, marketing services or even acquire office supplies. Barter can free up cash to pay your mortgage.

    MYTH: I'm a service business. All I have is my time.
    FACT: Barter is perfect for a service business. When you aren't working, your time is un-billable. Turn downtime into barter dollar credits.

    MYTH: Barter won't increase my cash flow.
    FACT: Barter will expand your business network. As you increase your customer base through barter, you'll generate more word-of-mouth business. Simply put, barter clients will bring new cash clients.

    MYTH: My business is inventory intense and margins are low. Barter can't help me.
    FACT: Is your inventory outdated? Without barter you would have to keep trying for a retail sale, or else liquidate it at 10% on the dollar. Barter opens opportunities to trade that inventory at full retail value. Use the barter currency on strategies to grow your business. Transform your obsolete or outdated inventory into profit.

    It's Better With Barter.


  2. How Do I Barter Online with the Give 'n Take Barter Exchange?

    11.May.08, 11:41 EDT
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    Go here to view all of the most popular questions about our barter exchange:

    http://giventakenetwork.dobarter.com/faq_popular.asp?


  3. Bartering Basics

    11.May.08, 11:39 EDT
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    What is Bartering?
    To barter means the exchange of resources or services for mutual advantage, and dates back to the beginning of humankind. Bartering certainly pre-dates the use of money. Today individuals, organizations, and governments still use, and often prefer, bartering as a form of exchange of goods and services.
    Bartering is an affordable way to get something you need in exchange for working it off with your service or product valued at the same amount. Even though no cash is exchanged, YOUR TIME is what you are paying with. To help us all create WIN/WIN situations; I'm suggesting these guidelines to assist us when negotiating BARTER deals.

    Before you get started, keep in mind the following:
    • When working on projects for each other our goal should be to MEET AND EXCEED the needs of that person.
    • We all have expertise in various areas and can do incredible things as long as we see eye to eye and are in agreement before we get started.
    • The barter can be considered a short-term partnership. You do your part and I'll do mine. Therefore, take the focus off of "me" and put it on "we".
    • Don't know the person's work? Ask for up to three referrals of past customers. It's up to YOU and no one else to do the research before you come to an agreement.
    • Do Your Best. Your work and attitude is a reflection of you. People make decisions about you based on your work ethics. Always remember, your reputation is your wealth!
    • Be Professional. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
    • Be Responsible. Manage your time and commitments. Confirm meetings a day before. If you are going to be late or can't make a meeting, please be conscious of each other's time. Missing meetings and being irresponsible doesn't sit well with anyone and quite frankly you might not get a second chance! Don't burn your bridges...you never know who can help you.
    • Pay attention, listen and take notes, so that "we" understand what the job entails and "we" can deliver on the services. There may be details that are not included in the agreement.
    • Professionalism, sensitivity, consideration, respect and integrity are key attributes to not only operating within the network, but in business in general. This is especially true for fledgling entrepreneurs as most of us are! It's important to be authentic and be true to our word. The WORD is so important!

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    How Does It Work?
    • Discuss exactly what you are doing for each other. Describe services/products and expectations up front so that there are no surprises in the end.

    •Be clear about what you charge. It's hard to barter with someone who doesn't have a set fee structure or who can't tell you how much they charge for specific services. Barter dollar for dollar. I'll give you $500 worth of work for $500 worth of work. When bartering, keep a list of SPECIFIC deliverables for each barter session.

    •Put all details IN WRITING. What is the monetary value? What are you both delivering? What's the deadline? Have both parties SIGN the agreement. It doesn't have to be filled with legalese that no one understands! Contracts are highly recommended. If you're not paying cash, that does NOT mean that you don't have expectations of deliverables. Bartering is a valid business deal just like any other. If you start putting things down in a contract, the other person is less likely to behave unprofessionally.

    After the Barter is Completed...
    Don't just end it there, keep the relationship going:

    Provide each other with testimonials for your website and/or marketing materials

    Refer clients to one another and offer a finders fee of 10-15%

    Exchange website links

    Offer discounts to each other for future cash paying projects

    Do a Personal Assessment. Provide a survey to them to get feedback on your performance. See where you are doing a great job and where you can use some improvement. You know what you did well and the areas that you need to improve. Make a commitment to do better the next time.

    KEEP IN MIND, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO REPORT YOUR BARTERS TO IRS EACH YEAR. As a member of a barter exchange, we'll provide you with appropriate forms before tax time.

  4. How Can I Promote Myself at Events?

    11.May.08, 11:29 EDT
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    Become a speaker!

    To be considered as a speaker for one of our events, please send your bio, website, and topics to simone@giventakenetwork.org.  If chosen to speak, you'l promoted to your mailing list, have 20-30 minutes to speak on your topic and be able to sell your items/service at the event. It's great exposure! 

    Showcase your business at our events.

    What's included?
    1. For the full three hours of the event, you'll have your own table or section that is dedicated to your business! You can have a small display and sell your items at the event. If your business doesn't sell products, you can have one-on-ones set up for mini-consultations. Our hostesses will make sure to tell all guests to visit you!
    2. Feature one of your products/services as a raffle prize for that night
    3. Have flyers and/or sample products in gift bags for members
    4. Flyers on display at the event
    5. Not a member yet? **Your cover charge will be waived if you are a guest. Space is limited since we don't want to have more than three special guests per event. (Depending on location it could be just one allowed)

    It's only $50 for non members, and $35 for members. Please contact us to sign up 877-545-7352.

    Q: Can I pass out my own flyers?

    A: Of course! The best way to generate a buzz for your business is to promote yourself! However, we STRONGLY suggest you pass them out to people you have already had conversations with. It's a bit distracting to have a flyer shoved in your face when in the middle of a conversatoin with another person. Just be mindful of how you approach others.

  5. Q: How can I start my own Give 'N Take or bring Give 'N Take to my town?

    11.May.08, 11:11 EDT
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    A: We are looking to expand to various cities in the next few years, but we need your help in spreading the word. Give 'N Take is hiring Event Managers in specific markets. To apply to become an Event Manager, you can email here for an application: em_application@giventakenetwork.org.

    We're currently looking to expand to Texas, California, Chicago, and North Carolina. We're also looking for an event manager in New Jersey, so let us know if you are interested by filing out the application. All applicants who qualify will be called back within 7 business days.

  6. Q: Do I have to become a member to attend?

    11.May.08, 11:03 EDT
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    A: No, you don't have to be a member, however as a member you get many more perks than other attendees, such as DISCOUNTED  entry and a gift bag. You will gain access to powerful connections, not only at that event, but all across the country! We have new members joining us every day and our online community on MOLI is growing strong. This empowering support group can help you reach your goals and offer advice when you need it. To find out about all the benefits of our exclusive membership, please click here: http://www.giventakenetwork.org/




  7. Q: Do I hold onto my card or make a Give N' Take card for each person I meet?

    11.May.08, 10:58 EDT
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    A: You create only one Give 'N Take index card. This is your calling card for the night. When meeting fellow Give 'N Takers, you make a friendly introduction and swap with a smile! If while reading a card something piques your interest, behold! You've developed a contact and experienced the magic of Give 'N Take. You might feel the need to add to your card as the night progresses.
    For instance, you've heard that a hairstylist is in the house for this particular event and you are dying for a new look. Update your Takes! If you read someone's card and they are interested in buying a house and you've just closed a deal last week on your own house and know an awesome realtor, update your Gives. It's that simple!

  8. Q: At an event, I sometimes feel I have nothing to give, so what do I put on my "give" part of my card?

    11.May.08, 10:56 EDT
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    A: We all have something to give. We all have a calling, something we do without effort and enjoy immensely. Incorporate those things on your index card. Some of you may have a business or a talent that is lying dormant that you'd like to promote. Add that to your Gives! For example, you might be an adminstrative assistant by day...but your hobby is singing.

    You could GIVE:
    -Live performance for weddings and special events
    -Vocal lessons
    The best way of promoting your calling is to publicize it!

    You might be a dentist, but your friends say you give phenomenal relationship advice. Yes...you can put that on your card too! Whatever it is you have to share...we are sure someone at the event that night would LOVE to 'take' it. Use your imagination and don't hold back!

    Also, keep in mind as a member you can barter with over 40k other business owners. Online in the barter store you don't need to find a "match", you just promote your item(s)/service and once you earn some GNT barter dollars, you can purchase from anyone in the marketplace with your barter dollars!