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AIG, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, GM ... it seems everyone is getting some sort of bailout these days. Well, everyone except small-business owners. Big companies get big government bailouts, but small to mid-size businesses have to suffer through the economic crisis the old-fashioned way: creative expense management, creative marketing, a little spit and a whole lot of elbow grease.
Right now is also a great time to start thinking out of the proverbial box about your income. There are few options for diversifying your income, but one creative and effective way is bartering.
The practice of bartering has been around for centuries and is on the rise in this tough economy. It's one of the most innovative financial tools available to both corporations and small-business owners. Savvy companies are using barter to expand their cash flow and their ability to buy products, hire skilled labor and pay for advertising costs.
How does it work? It's so easy that you'll wonder why you hadn't thought of this earlier! The first step is to become a member of a bartering club, such as Southern Barter Club. Then, by means of online forums and networking, you open up your business to other club members. You charge the members your regular retail rate but instead of cash, they pay you in barter dollars that go into your barter bank account. Think of it as a currency. Here at Southern Barter Club, we use a system similar to a credit card. When a client pays you, they present their barter card and you receive their barter dollars. You can then look through an online directory full of members to purchase products or utilize the services of another member of the club and you pay for the service using the barter dollars that you have already earned. You can advertise, dine out, hire a tradesperson and much more--all without any cash exchanging hands!
The world of bartering not only enables you to acquire products and services without paying cash, it also opens up a world of customers that you would not have reached otherwise. Those barter customers then increase your visibility, which in turn brings more cash-paying clients to your business. It's a win/win for everyone involved!
Want to know more? Give us a call! We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Be sure and visit our official SBC website at www.southernbarterclub.com.
