Barter Power
I’ve started every new venture with virtually no cash to back it up. Wait, what am I talking about? I’ve started EVERY new venture with absolutely no money in the bank. Perhaps, this can be perceived as un-smart, to say the least. But what’s a broke, ambitious, entrepreneur with an idea to do?
Having less money forces us to be more resourceful. And, I think that it’s often the dividing line between a true entrepreneur and a regular business guru.
You know that you’re offering a quality unique product that people need. And if you can get those people to realize they need it – you’re golden, right? So, it’s a given that we all need to properly market ourselves in order to get those clients/ customers. And, I would assume that many of you would agree that spending time and money on marketing is very necessary for a start-up.
Yes, spending money on promoting your new business will probably gain customers at a faster rate. But, if you surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals and even students of your profession, and swap services – you can grow your business and your connections for free.
My business is writing. I do commercial copywriting. I run two magazines. I freelance fiction, reporting and editorial. It would seem that a writing business should have little to no start-up costs. But, with thousands of other writers out there trying to do the same thing, it’s very easy to get lost in the mix. I have no inventory and am able to work from home, but need to put forth great efforts to get noticed.
My magazine thrives on advertisers and my copywriting business thrives on commercial clients. I’ve done countless small favors for small clients who have opened the door to larger opportunities. I’m currently working on a marketing campaign for a great neighborhood restaurant who just cannot afford to pay me.
In exchange for my web-copy, newsletters, brochures etc., she will advertise my zine, sponsor a literary reading, and pay me in gumbo – not bad. I’ve also made a long-term business connection who will be able to provide catering, location, and sponsorship for future events related to my magazine. Not to mention that the copywriting work I’m doing for her will enhance my portfolio.
I work with student designers, volunteer marketing consultants and a number of generous, smart, savvy bartering companions who have helped me create a business family. Working together really furthers all of our careers, and forges stronger contacts for the future.
3 Comments
Nekesha Jessie
September 21st, 2006 at 11:40 am
Gina,
I read your article and I thought it was well written. My newest business venture consists of starting a magazine. If possible I would like to chat with you about some of the challenges that you have faced while running a magazine. Again, great job and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Nekesha J.
Chad D.
September 21st, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Bob Meyer
October 22nd, 2006 at 11:58 am
Your article is “right on” as most entrepreneurs are under-capitalized when starting out. But they do have a form of capital they often overlook, their products or services, which they can barter. Twenty-seven years ago I started a magazine called BarterNews, today we have over 1,000 free articles on barter, 800 barter companies listings, as well as a free weekly newsletter, The Tuesday Barter Report.
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