Free Or Trade VS. Paid Business Ventures

Free Or Trade VS

Free Or Trade VS. Paid Business Ventures

If you're in business for yourself, you've probably at some time considered trading services or products with another business for something that you needed in your business. If you haven't at least considered this, that's probably pretty rare compared to other entrepreneurs.However if you have entered into a trade or pro-bono type of agreement with another business professional such as yourself I'll bet you have some stories to tell, don't you? I have a few of my own of course, which is why I typically make it a rule NOT to do any kind of trade for services anymore. I did however make a rare exception the other day and I'll tell you why.But first, lets talk about why entrepreneurs consider trading or doing pro-bono work. Pro-bono work is pretty obvious, we want to help or contribute to a non-profit or some other entity or person as a way of giving back. Hopefully you're not just giving your services away to friends and family because you aren't sure how to ask for the sale? I see this all the time with really heart-centered entrepreneurs, the ones who care so deeply about serving, they are the ones I see more than others undervaluing themselves.Now, there's nothing wrong with serving and giving to others but you do want to make sure you give to yourself first. Meaning you make enough money for yourself and your own business before you start giving stuff away. Then there's trade work. When I first started my consulting business, I had the mindset that I should trade for things I needed and of course I needed a lot back then. So, I consulted with a guy who said he'd build me a website; I needed a website and they aren't cheap. The problem was that this guy was so busy with other paying clients that my project always took the back burner. Nine months later I had a website but that is not acceptable in my book and you shouldn't accept that either. There's something to be said for the phrase "You get what you pay for".These days I don't typically trade unless it's for something that I really need or want; for example I might consider trading some of my products or programs for Virtual Assistant work since I outsource a lot, or for printing or promotional materials that I have to pay for anyway, or for travel expenses if I'm going somewhere anyway, and recently I traded for my housekeeper, she's building her business and really wanted to go through my JumpStart Your Business in 90 Days Virtual Bootcamp. Now this is going to be a good trade!The key with trade though is that both parties enter into it with the same, very clearI have 3 suggestions if you're in a position and considering trading with someone now:1. Only consider trading when you BOTH absolutely NEED (or I suppose, really, really want) what each other provides; don't just trade because the other person asked you too but you maybe aren't sure. Some people just don't see the value in paying for certain services or products yet even though they know they need them and you don't really want to get into a trade relationship with someone like that.2. Only consider trading with professionals who do what it is you need done or have a product they sell to others too that you need. Don't just trade with someone who 'thinks' they can help you or 'thinks' they can do what you need done; that will be a HUGE waste of your time and energy, you're better off paying.3. Discuss ahead of time all expectations, value of services/products on each end, fee exchange and how you'll trade; will it be trade hour for hour or dollar for dollar or some other agreed upon arrangement. There's more to this of course, but every instance will require different exceptions and circumstances so do the best you can with your decision making regarding free and trade. expectations and understanding so no parties get hurt or undervalued. I do still believe though that for the most part, to really invest in yourself or your business by paying for certain services and resources is better than trade any day of the week. Especially when it comes to things that are really important and you may need right away, such as your website or assistant help; these are two very crucial aspects of your business and you want to have some 'skin in the game' when it comes to certain investments so you take them seriously.

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