Trade Professional Services: Tip-of-the-Day #123

SAVE MONEY AND TRADE SERVICES WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS

The web has made it easier than ever for people from all over the world to connect with each other. If you’re someone who can provide a service remotely (like writing, copy editing, web design, etc.) you can extend those services to people and companies regardless of their location. Alternatively, if you're looking for help with a project the internet is also a great way to find people with whom you can barter. For instance, a copywriter could exchange services for some web design help.

The best way to use the internet is to become active on social networking sites (like Facebook or Linkedin). Both are great ways to meet people who can help you or possibly compliment your skills! Both are also a perfect way to spread the word that you are interested in swapping services. You can make a notation on your profile or just in your daily/weekly updates.

Another great way to get work or barter for services is through Craigslist. You can do a general search on the site using keywords that describe your need, or you can actually go to more specific categories (like "gigs") and sort through those. You can respond to ads or place your own. And, even if something doesn't appear to be the ideal fit, you may want to reach out because sometimes people's needs are more flexible than you think.

Realize though that if you're bartering, you'll want to prepare yourself for any outcome. And what I mean by this is that if you aren't intimate with this person's body of work you may not be wholly pleased by the final trade. Do as much front end reviewing as possible and even consider asking for references. It'll level expectations out of the gate.

You can also barter offline. I have a friend who runs a medical practice that specializes in botox and restylane. She will sometimes trade her services (normally running several hundred dollars a session) with other professionals for anything from vacations to massage therapy. Why not capitalize on what you do, to save money and help others do the same?