For all entrepreneurs, but particularly for females, finding the resources to operate a business can be daunting, and in some cases extremely disappointing. Getting loans, landing clients, and obtaining essential commodities can often feel like the search for a lost diamond earring in the sand. If a brilliant ray of light does not peer from the depths, finding that treasured jewel is near impossible.
Growing one’s business too often presents that same struggle, unless the “Shepreneur” decides to definitely think outside of the box. Men typically get a business loan from a bank or angel investor when starting and growing a business. Women, unfortunately, too often are forced to turn to credit cards, unless they have the foresight to consider bartering. Bartering puts women on equal footing, as it allows the sharing of information, databases, skills and knowledge without incurring debt. How sweet it is!!
Bartering for goods or services can help a female entrepreneur build her company’s experience and expertise, expand the client base, and provide crucial business supplies or services while conserving cash. To maximize the benefits received from the “bartering business life”, consider these rules of engagement, before you say I do:

Bartering Rule #1: Only barter if your company has some down time or excess capacity to spare. You have to put in time to provide a service, or part with actual inventory and/or use production capacity as part of any bartering arrangement. If your company is operating at or near full capacity when you agree to barter, you will have to turn away or postpone new business. You may end up disappointed with the arrangement if you have to forgo cash sales to fulfill your end of the bargain. Make certain that the barter arrangement will serve to support business growth, not impede it.

Bartering Rule #2: Only barter for business supplies or services that you really need or value. Since you are going to be giving up your company’s resources (of time, inventory or production capacity), make sure you are receiving something of value in return; something that will help your business prosper over the long haul. Beware of entering into a bartering agreement with a “Sure, Why not?” attitude: You may end up resentful of the drain on your company’s resources if you don’t truly value what you’re getting in return.

Bartering Rule #3: Exchange equal value for equal value, and get the other party to clearly agree before you begin to barter. Write out a contract, or send an e-mail, in which you state clearly what goods or services are going to be bartered. Once the agreement is written out, you can easily spot inequities and negotiate for a more equal trade. Work things out clearly ahead of time, and you’ll avoid any misunderstandings or resentment during the bartering relationship..

Bartering Rule #4: Keep careful records! Many taxing authorities require that you report the value of business goods or services you receive in bartering transactions. Bartering works best when you exchange business goods or services for business goods or services: you won’t be taxed on the value you receive since it’s a business expense that you deduct.

Bartering Rule #5: Treat your bartering customer the same as you would a paying customer. Do your best! You’ll build business expertise, and eventually, a larger client base. Even if the bartering person or company never becomes a paying customer of yours, the owner of the company or the employees will become your biggest business cheerleaders if you provide exceptional value to the company. Positive word of mouth is still one of the best marketing methods for building your business.
So the next time you’re worried about how you can get that new printer, find someone to design your new logo, or need a technology consultant, look for barter opportunities. Personally, I’m searching for a shoe store who wants to trade shoes for grantwriting services. While it might sound far fetched, if you tap into the vast number of bartering networks that are seeing a resurgence due to the current global economic challenges, you will be surprised at the array of business, and staff incentive services that you can secure; so don’t sweat it, work it, as you grow your business to greatness.