Tom McDowell's Barter Blog

Barter to stay popular

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:42:47 +0000

When the economy started to crash and businesses were trying to brainstorm ideas on how to save cash flow, many people turned to an age-old concept of barter. Many businesses have embraced barter and are seeing what types of benefits barter brings to a business. The good news if that those companies are not going to phase out barter as the economy picks up. They have witnessed firsthand that barter is not difficult in a business setting.

Adding barter to their play-book was a smart choice. Keeping it in their play-book is an even smarter choice. When business is booming again in the future, I’m sure they will attribute surviving the hard times by using barter. It’s a win-win!

Extreme barter.

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:10:07 +0000

Here is a story I read in the news about a segment of the population that is embracing the concept of barter…on the most extreme level. A highly orchestrated swap, or barter, was arranged for 13 people to receive a kidney transplant. Yes, we’re talking about organs. 13 people offered a kidney to whoever might need it to prepay or honor the act of someone else donating a needed kidney to their loved one.

Here’s a quote from the Associated Press regarding the swap: “Thirteen extremely sick patients. Highly skilled surgeons who performed 26 operations, a quick-thinking organ transplant expert and big-hearted donors. They were all part of a recent record-setting kidney swap in the nation’s capital that was part of a major push to get transplants to patients who might not usually qualify. And when it was over, all 13 people had received lifesaving kidneys, the Associated Press reports.”

We have heard of these types of “chain” transplants and there are always people who are strictly giving something they have to someone else who needs it…and not necessarily someone they know. Barter…extreme barter. People are practicing one of the oldest concepts in society. Kudos to those involved and certainly hope the transplants are successful.

Move inventory quicker because of Barter.

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:58:36 +0000

Barter is a great way to move idle inventory. The more customers barter brings your way, the quicker your inventory turns over. This will leave room for the newest, most advanced products in your industry. A barter exchange network can help you sell off your excess inventory and convert it into something you need. Maybe turn it into trade dollars that can be used to purchase advertising and marketing campaigns that promote your business. Look to your trade exchange for a member that specializes in media.

Barter can also save the day when an innocent mistake is made in the operation of your business. Say a manager orders 200 items instead of 20. What can you do with the overstock? Barter it! Turn it into a new awning for your business, or re-surface the parking lot…anything you need!

The new customers you’ll gain by joining a barter exchange will naturally help move inventory. Both trade and paying customers will increase. By joining a trade exchange, you instantly get promoted to other barter exchange members. Those members will refer you to their vendors and customers, which will cause more people to have a positive association with your business. Word of mouth referrals will continue to grow and inventory will turn over quicker than ever before. Join the world of barter today and reap the rewards as quick as tomorrow!

Be a Barter Entrepreneur

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:42:16 +0000

Barter is transacting business without the use of cash. How do you get started? The first thing to do is contact Tom McDowell, a barter industry veteran, to enroll in the Barter Trainer Program. This intensive 3-day training is one on one with Tom and covers all aspects of the barter exchange business. Everything from the barter concept applied to today’s business economy, the barter currency, operations and marketing practices is covered. McDowell offers Marketing Concepts that are industry targeted marketing pieces that explain barter and promote your barter exchange.

By tapping into Tom’s wealth of barter knowledge, you can avoid costly beginner mistakes and position your barter exchange to succeed by having an effective barter business plan. Maybe you’re experiencing competition and are looking for solid advise that pertains to the barter industry. McDowell is eager to mentor you when you start your barter exchange because Tom has seen the huge success the barter industry can bring to a business owner. He wants barter to grow because he has seen businesses embrace barter and become more successful in their respective industry.

Contact The Barter Trainer, Tom McDowell, today to start your barter exchange. Barter Trainer Program sessions are scheduled monthly. Grab your piece of a billion dollar industry! Contact Tom today.

Barter awareness.

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:59:12 +0000

Barter is a concept everyone learns in elementary school. It’s a fundamental lesson in childhood as well. Remember the times your Mom would say you have to finish your dinner in order to have desert? Did you ever trade chores with the siblings? “I’ll do the dishes for a week if you’ll clean the bathroom!” We’ve been bartering since we were children. So why then, as adults, do we not seek out barter when running our businesses?

Maybe some business owners think that vendors wouldn’t embrace barter. Maybe they aren’t aware of all the benefits barter brings to a business such as the preservation of cash flow and many others. Is it because business schools don’t promote barter as part of a business plan? These are just a few reasons people may leave barter out of their business. Once awareness is raised about the benefits of barter and the actual “how-to’s” are shared with business owners, they will be missing out.

Ask at your local chamber of commerce about barter organizations in your area. Start a conversation with your vendors about the possibility of barter. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. For more information on making barter a part of your business, contact Tom McDowell, a barter industry veteran. McDowell’s Barter Training Program is an in-depth training program for starting your own trade exchange. And the Barter Trainer Manuals are essential for start up trade exchange. Take advantage of his expertise, call today!

Barter has no land boundaries

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:22:36 +0000

Barter started out in small communities. Local people trading with other local people. Over time, barter has grown into a world-side reach. Trades between companies from Vermont to California are feasible. Due to modern conveniences such as over night shipping, the internet and other digital means, people can barter for goods and services Nationwide and even worldwide. Wherever you do business, you can barter!

Some people might wonder what a company could barter for internationally. Here are a few examples of international trade: marketing and advertising in foreign markets, barter for raw materials, travel accommodations and even land and real estate. Designers will often seek fine fabrics from other countries. Why not barter for it?

For more information on international barter, contact an industry veteran, Tom McDowell, The Barter Trainer. McDowell’s Barter Training Program is an in-depth training program for starting your own trade exchange. Learn what is successful in the barter industry and learn what pitfalls to avoid. The Barter Trainer Manuals are essential for start up trade exchanges. Why re-invent the wheel? Contact Tom McDowell today and start trading tomorrow.

Barter lessons being taught at Disney Parks

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:48:46 +0000

The Disney Parks have a pin-trading program for guests. A guest (Disney’s term for visitor) purchases a lanyard and a starter set of trading pins. The pins are of the various Disney characters and rides. The basic concept is to trade with Disney Cast members (Disney employees) and other guests wearing the lanyards. The starter set is typically the same character but several different styles of pins such as Mickey Mouse. If a guest sees a pin they would like to have on someone else’s lanyard, all they have to do is offer a pin in trade. If both parties agree, a trade is made. Barter at it’s simplest.

I’m sure that Disney started the pin trading program for several reasons such as: to make profit off the initial sale of lanyard and starter pins, to encourage guests to interact with cast members, and to create a friendly, fun interaction between guests. The beauty of the program is that it reinforces the simplicity and rewards of barter. Trade something you have for something you want.

Barter exchanges help facilitate barter between businesses by utilizing trade dollars. Trade dollars are a unique currency used for trades amongst all exchange members. Barter currency gives options to members in the barter exchange because the currency allows companies to purchase something using trade dollars and does not require a direct trade of merchandise or services.

For more information on barter and starting your own trade exchange, contact Tom McDowell, The Barter Trainer. McDowell’s Barter Training Program will show you in-depth the barter exchange business plan and proven techniques for success. McDowell is a barter industry veteran and is happy to help you succeed in the world of barter.

Industry mentor is an asset to your business.

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:39:47 +0000

When starting a business such as a trade exchange, it’s beneficial to have an industry veteran mentor you while your company grows. A mentor or consultant can help you avoid typical industry mistakes often made by start-ups. Take advantage of someone else’s experience in what works and what doesn’t. Save valuable start-up time by working with someone who has done what you are endeavoring to do.

Tom McDowell is highly regarded by his peers in the barter industry. As The Barter Trainer, Tom offers an intensive 3-day training program to cover all aspects of owning a trade exchange. He will share tried and true industry practices to launch your trade exchange to success. By attending a 3 day training program, you have unlimited access to Tom to discuss in depth business strategies and seek advise from an industry veteran.

Few pack more information into a consultation than Tom. He’ll take you through the process of starting a trade exchange step-by-step. Should you run into obstacles once you get started with your trade exchange, you can feel comfortable getting sound advice from Tom…he’s just a phone call away. Forget the rest and learn from the best! Let Tom McDowell and his How To Launch Your Own Highly Profitable and Successful Trade Exchange Barter Trainer Program get you started the right way. McDowell’s tools such as the Barter Trainer Program Manuals, Barter Solutions Software and Marketing Concepts and much more, can make your exchange highly profitable and successful. Don’t wait – contact Tom today!

Don’t re-invent the wheel!

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:13:01 +0000

As an owner of a barter exchange, the key to a smooth operation is effectively tracking the trades and client contact. This can become very complicated especially when barter trading is heavy. Utilizing various spreadsheets and different programs can cause information to be incomplete or missing. This will cause a chain reaction of problems to sort out.

By using a program like BarterSolutions to track your exchanges trades, your information is centralized and organized all while addressing the features needed for the trade industry. Sound accounting practices that are consistent will ensure that client statements are accurate, sales figures are collected and given credit where due, and is all located in one database. Industry veterans have designed BarterSolutions software specifically for the barter business. Each aspect of the BarterSolutions software is directly linked to everyday barter industry operational needs.

The Barter Trainer and industry veteran Tom McDowell knows first-hand the demands of effectively tracking the data related to a barter exchange such as accounting records, monthly statements and emails. One of the most valuable features of BarterSolutions is that the program helps you comply with the IRS 1099B reporting requirements.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your trade exchange more efficient. Contact Tom McDowell today to schedule a demo of the BarterSolutions software. It’s easy to purchase or lease BarterSolutions, contact Tom McDowell - The Barter Trainer today!

Barter thrives when times are tough.

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:25:43 +0000

It was just reported yesterday that the unemployment rate is over 10%. One out of every 10 friends, family and acquaintances is out of work. Sadly, we also know people that foresee their job disappearing by the year’s end. Many companies have been trying to stop the loss of operating capital looking for ways to stay afloat. Some companies have reduced manpower, reduced operating hours, charging for services that were once free, slashing travel and meeting expenses and pulled sales forces off the roads and working from the main office.

Certainly, cash flow is a major concern. What can be done to preserve cash flow yet still keep your company up and running? Barter. Utilizing barter in the day to day operations will save cash flow and help your business grow. There are a lot of potential customers out there that have lost vendors due to companies closing. Products and services are still in demand. These customers are looking for new companies to do business with.

In times with such high business closures and unemployment, many business owners will consult each other about which vendors are still in good shape and operating. Now, more than ever, referrals are instrumental in gaining customers. If you’re company uses barter, the businesses doing barter with you will now refer your company to their friends and professional peers.

Barter is a sound business practice that has been successful for generations upon generations. It’s a simple concept easy to understand. Why not ask your vendors if they are interested in barter? Businesses are well connected in a community and the referral will drive even more business to you when you are flexible and include barter as an option. After all, your company isn’t the only one looking to preserve that precious cash flow. Start bartering today and don’t hesitate to mention barter to your business associates. It’s a win-win for all.