Bartering in a Bad Economy

Like most everyone else, I'm worried. In fact, I have a subtle flow of anxiety running through me all the time.

It's the economy. My successful small business for the past 18 years is down well over 50% from a few years ago. I'm kicking and fighting and strategizing, pulling out all the stops to keep afloat. I have a condo I'd sure like to keep, and continue to do the HOA the favor of paying the hefty monthly dues. I'm turning 60 in October, I've been warned by my same-aged friends to brace for a huge medical insurance premium increase.

Do you know who Gary Malkin is? He's a multiple Emmy, ASCAP and CLIO award-winning composer, recording artist and producer dedicated to making a difference in the world by creating music-driven media and events that inspire and catalyze individual and social healing. I can hear you left-brainers out there now. "Oh, one of those." That's ok. Read on anyway.

The goal of his website, Wisdom of the World, is to use media to heal, empower, and connect us to the best part of ourselves. Fairly recently, he created a teleseminar series, Radical Resourcefulness, How the Art of Human Being Can Awaken the Resourcefulness You Need During Challenging Times. It wasn't that expensive--$97 for an 8 week series--but I didn't sign up. I am on his mailing list, and received an invitation to what he called a 'bonus' session. In other words, I could participate free. If it's free, it's for me, so I registered, and SO glad I did. It started with an interview with a hugely successful, young, very laid-back entrepreneur who had an interesting story, one from which some of us could pull from and apply to our lives. 

This was followed by an interview with a British gentleman who has done over half a billion dollars worth of barter trade. His clients have included American Express, Hertz, Chrysler, General Motors and others. He shared practical things that can benefit you and I right away. For example:

• How to get all the goods and services you need without any cash. 
• How to use your creativity and resourcefulness to form natural alliances that not only make what you are doing more impactful, but more fun.

A free replay of the interview is still up for anyone who would like to listen in. It's about 60 minutes long.

Listening to this interview has opened up a new way of thinking and doing things. I've already started following some of his suggestions, acquiring things without using one penny. Dare I say it's fun? There's a feeling of satisfaction that comes along with it.

One of the things I've initiated is to have friends, neighbors, relatives and some work associates create a list of their needs, skills, talents, resources and personal belongings they would be willing to loan or trade. I'm sending the combined lists twice a month to those participating and marking--where appropriate--what is local only.

If Malkin's goal was to inspire and catalyze, he met that goal with me. I'm a true fan of his, not because of who he is but what he is.