The Art of Bartering
Feng Shui is a SERVICE. So is Home Staging, Home Inspections and many other professions that are Real Estate Related.
For any of us that have begun a journey in what feels like "jumping off a cliff" and quitting our Corporate 9-5 jobs to follow our passions, we can ALL trade stories about the difficult times we've had in the past and may be experiencing now.
I kept thinking about Bartering for goods or services. There are still so many things I need for my home (and things to give away), there are updates I need done on my blogs (which being terribly "untechy" in life I am afraid to TOUCH), I have been thinking about offering MY services to someone in exchange for something THEY can do that I may need.
Sounds good in theory, right? I wondered where to start....Craigslist? No, some of the people on that site don't seem to be trustworthy. Flyers won't work....
As I was trying to formulate an idea that WOULD work, I received an email. It is from the publisher of of a new, local Long Island "high end" magazine sent directly to Builders, Realtors, Interior Designers---and, apparently one Feng Shui Consultant.
It is due to go live in just a few weeks online and one of the people that works there has just begun to think about renovations on her new on Long Island. She doesn't want to begin until she's had a Feng Shui Consultation and when I returned her call and we spoke, it was a "done deal."
Apparently we had been thinking alike. Bartering. She wondered if in exchange for a Feng Shui Consultation would I like a full page ARTICLE in the new magazine.
I didn't have to think twice. The exposure is wonderful for my business.
I also wasn't really surprised that this presented itself to me before I'd even had a chance to ACT on my idea. Connecting with the Energy of someone who had the same thoughts is NOT an unusual thing in this lovely business of Feng Shui!
What do YOU have to offer? It just might take you into a wonderful new area of opportunities.
http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and along with Laura Cerrano are the Founders of Feng Shui Long Island & New York providing Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City, Queens, Long Island and Online/Phone Consultations for those at a distance for homes, offices, businesses, corporations, renovations, and new construction.
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Certified New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & NY providing Consultations for Homes & Offices in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island.
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Wow! This is really amazing. I love it when things work out like this. I write my goals and tweak my business plan. Sometimes I get exactly what I ask for in a very unexpected way.
Carole that sounds like a real WIN WIN to me! I hope the exposure lands you some new clients.
Carole,
Synchronicity strikes again....how magnificent for both you and her. I'll have to think about the bartering thing....
((-:
Jo
Being intrepid and keeping an open mind, while thinking BIG is the only way to move forward right now.
I love the way you think, Carole! Good job!
Carole
bartering is becoming more evident these days because services and more have a true dollar figure attached to them
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Carole ~ How funny, I've been thinking this exact thing! I've been trying to figure out how I can barter my services with someone for a job that I have the materials for at my home (just need the labor). I was also thinking Craigs List but I'm not totally comfortable with that. I would think that bartering might become a bigger idea at this point in time.
Carole...this is one bargaining chip that I love to use. If consultation clients are short on $$ I usually will bring up the possibility of bartering and ask what they have to offer. Thus I haven't had to spend any out-of-pocket cash with my hair stylist for over a year and I have some good furniture and accessories that I've added to my inventory. I keep looking for the next opportunity.
Hi Carole - I do love to barter! A full page article, that's fantastic! Another good place to give/receive items you need for your home is freecycle.org.
Carole - around here we are fond of the Freecycle groups through Yahoo. It's not really bartering, but it does help others, and at times can help you. I hope they have it for your area. You'd have to check through Yahoo Groups.
Bartering is a lost art. My Grandpa was the "King of give and take" in our neighborhood. He was always doing something for someone, and then out of the blue we would have a new roof, a new garden, etc. It's well worth the time to barter.
Carole, it is all about negotiation between the parties and oftentimes it is value like exposure for services and not directly money. You have this down very well.
What a clever idea to have a feng shui consultant assess your home before starting a remodel. That is brilliant!!
I to have bartered my services/expertise for various other services. I got new photos done for helping my photographer plan and set up an organic garden.
Carole, that's wonderful. The exposure will be great for the business, and maybe find you other opportunities to continue bartering. In the past, I've traded accounting services for printing jobs. I will probably do the same again soon (it's tax season, so I'm sure my services will be needed).
As if you even had to think twice about that one!!!
Great exposure for you, a consultation for her......It's a win-win for everyone!!!
Don't forget to post the ad she creates for you.
We'd love to see it!
As I was reading your post I was saying "Oh.Oh! i know how you can do that!" I recently met a man at a networking group that is a broker for ITEX a nationwide bartering group. It sounds like you have made a really good match for yourself, but if others are interested in trying it in their state, they might check it out....
Mel, I am always STILL surprised by the synchronicity of things....A perfect idea at a perfect time!
Bill, Even if it doesn't, it's good exposure. It's definitely a win-win.
Jo, That is EXACTLY what I thought--we are all connected and these things aren't accidents (as you well know :)
Mirela, Thank you....you do as well. Many good things come our way, seemingly from nowhere but there is a plan...
Tom, I think it's wonderful.....now I have a basement full of items and wouldn't it be wonderful if someone had something to exchange?
Kathy, We should network on this....we're close enough. I have a household of things I don't want anymore and some are valuable. I'm sure we can figure this out!
Ginger, Believe me, I could add to your accessories right now. There must be groups like this, or maybe to start a local one.
Chris, I would give them ALL away but they're worth some money---I've donated a LOT but would like to really lighten up. I've heard of freecycle and will check it out...Thank you!
Carol, I will check it out and I loved hearing about your grandfather....what a wonderful way to live and definitely proves "What goes around, comes around." The good things he did came right back to him!
Gary, It's a good opportunity and targeted to the East End of Long Island. And I love giving Consultations so it is a win-win.
Betina, You had a wonderful idea. Maybe I should look for people who are looking for household furnishings and see if they can do what I need....nothing difficult but it would be such a nice trade!
Sylvie, Your services will be needed by many! I am thinking of ways to find the people I need who may need my things.
Craig, I will certainly do that! I'm curious myself about the magazine, it's not "live" yet online and hasn't been distributed.
Cheryl, I'm going to look into the site. I have many, MANY more things to barter for and had never heard of it. Thank you for the information.
Win, win! Please post a follow up! I love reading this Carole. Great energy and great attitude!!
Carole ~ What a creative post about bartering! Just last week, I asked one of my neighbors (a professional photographer) if I could hire her for an hour's lesson on my new camera. She replied that she'd rather have me give her a consultation on her home ... what a great idea! We were both very pleased, and you're right that now more than ever, we need to be creative and think outside our little "box."
Fantastic solution for everyone involved. Congrats!
You're a smart cookie!
If we think about it, bartering goes back to almost the beginning of mankind. It still is applicable today, and I would think with the economy would be a viable way to win/win for both parties.
HI Carole, absolutely the best way in life for everyone to get what they need. You must have done something to bring this resource into your life at a time when you need it. Do you know what that might have been?
I like the idea of bartering. It is innovative and a great way to get exposure as you point out. I recall my dad provided legal services and we got "central air conditioning." With 100 degree days in Okla., it was a great trade.
networking ("working"being the key word here) , not serenditpity, pays off once again, great job and congratulations - welll done
What a fantastic barter you made there! I definately agree that sometimes bartering your services for things that are good for your business (or personal life) is a great way to do things... thanks for spotlighting this !
Carole, this is wonderful and a terrific way to showcase your services. My husband is an expert at bartering, he always seems to find someone who can do something and needs something that he can do! It's a great system.
Cathy, It will be interesting and came just at the perfect time--I really do love when that happens.
Maureen, It definitely is a good time for bartering.....we have services and knowledge other people don't--and vice versa. Neither of us has a thing to lose with this...and a good potential for each of us.
Michele, I'm happy that this came up and want to think more about bartering...and look into Cheryl's site.
Kris, I know it got my Grandparents through some very difficult times and it's honestly never a bad idea, whether things are good or not.
Michelle, I'm a huge believer in energy and that we're all connected in some way. These things happen to be often enough and they still amaze me but I always think it's just about energy.
Joan, What a great trade...and you BOTH were happy! I think this is also an excellent time for us to think about things differently.
James, I like to think of it as synchronicity...I haven't been out networking in some time (yes, I know, but it's cold and icy here:). This email came exactly when I was trying to think it out...
Melissa, It definitely can't hurt! And I look forward to consultations so I didn't hesitate for a second :)
Debbie, You are lucky to have an expert around who knows this art....and I do believe it is an art I will want to learn. We have fogotten about getting back to basics and how simple things can really be.
I bartered a painted mural in a restaurant for my daughter's sweet 16 party. Everyone got what they wanted and it was great exposure for me at the restaurant
Hi Carole,
Sounds like a win win for both of you! Good luck. You will have to show us the articule.
Hi Carole,
Greatb Idea this bartering.
Thank you
I'll try it!
Tommy
Carole, bartering is getting more popular for sure. I love looking on Craig's List to see what people are bartering.
Eileen, Thank you, it is a win-win. I can't wait to see the magazine myself since it is new :)
Susan, That's wonderful news. It's a good time to think about bartering when people are stretched on their budget.
Trace, I will....I didn't write it yet but it's a good reminder to get moving on it.
Tommy, It works and since we're service related you never know where (or to who) it might lead.
Libby, I haven't had such good luck with Craigslist. There is a site called Kijiji that I like....you might want to look it up.
Bartering is a great way of meeting mutual needs. Carole. My Jeff is great at it :) sounds like you are too!
happy Valentine's Day
Sincerely,
Grace
Grace, I wish I had more ideas--I think it's a great time to barter.
I love this story - it should have been featured! So very true - and I love the idea of bartaring - it does often happen that way - when you put a thought out their - formalize it in your mind and voila there it is! Now what could I bartar with YOU for your services! lol
Carole- I believe in bartering, especially in this type of economy. Good for you for what sounds like a good trade.
I spent several years as a member of a group called Barter Pros. I found it very useful.
Liz, I thought it was a wonderful idea as well. Now I'm trying to think about some new ways of doing business....one thing can often lead to another!
Miss Kathy, I just heard that Facebook is rethinking it's policy "due to the member's outrage." Was it YOU they were speaking of :)?
Russel, I am not aware of any groups around here but I think it might be something I'd look into. Great idea, thank you.
What a great idea. There is lots of value attached to both services, and each party benefits. Good for you, Carole!