I received an inquiry today via Twitter stating that a potential client is interested in my services. Here is the kicker. She wants to know if I am interested in trading services instead of her paying for my services.

I am not counting out the option because she is a mental healing (Emotional Freedom Techniques) coach who charges $200 per hour and has a reputable background in her line of work. Although the trade would be interesting and I could learn things that may be beneficial to me down the line, I need paying clients right now.

I don't want to offend her by rejecting the offer. How would you handle this situation? Have you ever worked to obtain other peoples services instead of working for payment? If so, I could surely use some experienced guidance.

Thank you!

__________________
Rikki Green
www.timeforlifeconcepts.com

My first and only client so far was a trade of services.... I got free cooking classes for creating their Facebook page.... I guess it just depends if the trade is worth it to you....

Rikki,

Trading for services can be very beneficial to both you and the client. It gives you experience that you may not have gotten other ways and it gives you something that you could use in return.

However, with that being said you have to decide whether or not what she has is really what you need or want. If you don't want it or you don't need it, it's perfectly okay to tell her that you understand her situation and you appreciate the offer but at this time her services are not something that you need. Just tell her the truth politely and professionally. Most people will be understanding and not take it personally.

Here's the thing, if you are trading for something that you don't need or want then you will lose the passion for helping that client because you feel that you are not getting anything beneficial in return.

Now on the flipside, should you decide to trade (barter) with somebody make SURE that the terms are reasonable and that they are living up to their end of the bargain. I would not recommend bartering with anybody for the first time for more than 1 month.

When I first started, I bartered with somebody for one year and it was a total disaster. At first things were great, I was getting something and I was doing the work for him but after a month or so, I started to get pushed to the side by that client but I was still doing his work. Luckily for me, we came to a mutual agreement that the arrangement wasn't working out. Sure, it was a big mistake on my part but I also learned a HUGE lesson with that arrangement.

HTH,

Tracy

It is an individual preference. I guess you could tell her you have no need at this time for the services she is offering. that is a hard one.

It really is totally up to you, and what you believe is best for your business. I will say that I have tried barter (over the last eleven years of business) and each and every time it has not led me to any business.

I have found that the mindset with those I bartered with was totally focused on what they could get for what they perceived was a giveaway - while you may feel a desire or need for Emotional Freedom Techniques, if you end up walking away with little to no return on your investment, it won't be a win-win.

My most recent barter experience was with a coach who wanted lots of my services on a barter basis while he was getting his business off the ground - he allowed me to sit in on one of his training sessions (valued at $300 but only cost participants $50) in exchange for me setting up his database and starting a marketing system. I didn't really gain any huge insights from the training session, and he only had 3 other people there (none with referral potential), and once we got to the $300 value from my services, I stopped hearing from him.

He's now quite successful (I still see him at the organization we first met) and has a full-time assistant. I feel rather used to say the least.

So be wary of who you barter with - to me, if someone is charging $200 an hour, they shouldn't have too much problem in paying my rates. I might try working something else out (especially if you don't have much interest in Emotional Freedom Techniques) like maybe a half and half barter so that you'll know if there is any possibility that there will be some dollar signs (which could also be referrals) at the other end of the deal.

Wishing you all the best of success,
Jeannine Clontz