Better Barter Bison

When I got home the other day, sitting on my porch was huge white Styrofoam box the UPS guy dropped off. Before I even got to it, I could feel my excitement build: I was getting paid for some work I did - in bison.

One of my clients owns a bison farm up in Wisconsin. He is a really solid guy, and an emergency vet with a huge heart for critters. His sites needed some light work (a couple hours or so), so in exchange, I swapped him for some of the bison he processed.

He got some of the web advice and work he needed. I got summer sausages, buffalo bacon (smoked right on the farm!), and jerky - in addition to 2 beautiful T-bones. A great trade for me - meatastic in every way. I trust he feels it was a meaty trade as well.

Even nicer, is the added bonus that we both left the project feeling great, both totally willing to keep our relationship solid.

Go Ahead - Trade!
I have talked about it before in here, but bartering is a perk of this profession I have always enjoyed. The bison is just one of many examples -

I have used writing and web skills, or some SEO copywriting to get pizzas, desserts, outdoor lights on my home, massages, interior and exterior home repairs, tile work, landscaping, computer service, counseling, web development, paintings, tickets, dinners, and so much more. I am a complete whore with my verbs.

I look at it like this: bartering often helps businesspeople who genuinely want to get ahead, but lack the capital to afford me. That's OK - if I have less bison to buy, I am earning in a way that is fine by me. Paying me from their own pool means they are not really spending much, you know? Time for time.

Balance, Grasshopper, Balance
The bottom line is something I take very seriously. Money is what drives my stability and I focus very directly on growing my year-over-year annual earnings.

However, money means taxes, paperwork, tracking, bank accounts and all kinds of attention to things that don't really float my boat. By offering an alternative like bartering for some projects, I can reduce my headaches and still come out ahead.

Depending on the year and the cash flow, sometimes I tend to lean much more heavily toward barter - the beauty, is I do it when it feels right only. One harsh reality of corporate communications is that I get paid for things I believe in a lot less!

If you want to see what barter can do for you, ask. Many small business owners will love the idea. I have been denied tons of times, but I also have connected in many places where I wasn't really consciously looking for work.

The benefits are clear: You can stay busier during slow times, or do things where your heart and soul are treated with a little more respect. You can acquire things, services, or experiences that are meaningful to you. Many times, there can be serious tax advantages to consider as well.

I would talk about this more, but I have some bison to devour.