The Hidden Cost of Bartering (That No One Talks About)
Mar 30, 2025
This Week's Message...
- Why even the most "fair" barter arrangements leave both parties feeling shortchanged (and what to do instead)
- The unexpected way bartering actually keeps your business playing small
- How to get the support your business needs, even when your budget feels tight
Dear Entrepreneur,
As entrepreneurs, we're natural problem solvers.
When we need help in our business but feel our budget is tight, bartering can seem like the perfect solution.
I get it - I've been there too, thinking "Why not trade services? It seems like a win-win!"
The story we tell ourselves is that bartering is a smart way to get what we need when cash is tight. After all, trading time for time feels fair, right?
But here's what's fascinating - in all my years mentoring women entrepreneurs, I've never met a single woman who felt truly satisfied after a barter arrangement.
In fact, both parties usually end up feeling like they gave more than they received.
Here's why:
When we barter, we're not just trading services - we're trading our most valuable asset: TIME.
And here's the truth bomb - your time and someone else's time will never feel equally valuable to both parties. It's like trying to compare apples to spaceships.
Instead of falling into the barter trap, consider this: What if the real solution isn't trading time, but finding ways to work with professionals within your current budget?
Many service providers offer payment plans. Others have starter packages designed for growing businesses. And yes, sometimes this means working with someone who's still building their portfolio rather than the industry veteran.
When you invest actual money (even if it's a smaller amount or spread over time), something powerful happens: Both parties value the exchange more.
You show up fully as the client you are, and they show up fully as the service provider they are.
No fuzzy boundaries, no resentment, just clear expectations and professional results.
Now, scroll down to the MOVE section to take one simple action that will help you grow your business without feeling the need to trade your priceless time.
And come back next week because I’ll be chatting about where women entrepreneurs make “golf course deals”!
Remember to live your one life,
💗Sailynn...
Your FUN Business Coach
Creator of The Legacy Business System
Spark
Inspiration to uplift your mindset and set the tone for your week.
❝
"Your business is not a hobby - it's a vehicle for creating wealth, impact, and legacy. Every decision you make either moves you closer to or further from that truth. Choose accordingly."
Move
One simple action step to improve your business this week.
This week, if you're considering a barter arrangement, pause and ask yourself: "Am I choosing this because it truly serves my business, or am I letting fear of spending money drive my decision?" Your business deserves real investments, even if they start small.
Momentum
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"Sailynn, thank you for everything you have done to help me succeed in life and business! True success only comes from the actions we take but it's an amazing feeling to know you have someone who will always be there to help guide you. Someone who will lovingly tell you the real raw truth and cheer you on through all the ups and down. You are an amazing Coach and I can't wait to see how many more lives you change. ❤" - Mindy W.
Fuel
Tools or resources you can use now to add clarity and ease to your business.
"Know your worth, then add tax." - Unknown
Remember: Every time you honor your worth by charging what you deserve and paying others what they deserve, you raise the standard for all women in business.
Listen to a podcast from my favorite money mindset coach, Denise DT to fully understand why you need to stop bartering in business: https://www.denisedt.com/blog/how-to-stop-discounting-and-overdelivering
Next Step
Your invitation to explore deeper transformation and growth when you're ready.
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