Trade and Bartering Can Increase Sales

To trade, barter, deal means to buy and sell; negotiate, bargain, exchange;
arrange, transact, or create a pact. Recent statistics show The National Trade Association, the largest retail barter company in the world, facilitates more than 50 billion in trade deals annually. Trade and bartering are used
by businesses to save money and foster relationships between companies.
Bartering exists when a business takes their excess products or services
and converts them into assets.Women entrepreneurs should consider
trading, bartering and deal making with other women entrepreneurs in order to
create more profitable and collaborative relationships for their business. Below is Women TIES wisdom on how to trade, barter or make deals with other women entrepreneurs.

Create An Inventory Of Assets - Before you can trade or barter you need to know what you have to offer. Take inventory of your product and analyze excess supplies or products you could trade. Create a list of your services and
analyze time effective services you could barter. Then create a list of services or products your business needs. This gives you the starting point you need to begin to barter, trade or deal.

Create A Partnership List - In order to barter or trade you need to create relationships with like-minded companies or businesses with beneficial products and services. Start by taking a look at the Women TIES directory
and create a list of other women owned businesses you could barter or trade with in 2007. Think of companies within your field. Think of companies with products or services you need.

Make the Connection - Create an introductory letter discussing your intent.
Follow-up with a phone call to investigate further interest from prospective businesses. Meet and discuss benefits of a trade relationship. Put your trade goals in writing. Create a simple agreement and have it signed by both business owners.

In entrepreneurial spirit, Tracy Higginbotham