HOW TO CHOOSE A BARTERING NETWORK

CONSIDER HOW BARTERING CAN HELP YOU GROW YOUR COMPANY- Bartering reduces the need for cash flow which is often problematic for smaller businesses. You don't have to pay upfront for the goods or services you receive. This is especially helpful if your company doesn't have a large, steady cash flow but instead operates on small margins with unpredictable peaks and troughs in how much income comes in.

SEE WHAT TYPES OF GOODS AND SERVICES ARE REPRESENTED.

Find out how many members the network has and what types of businesses, products, and services are represented. If your products and services aren't something that will likely be in demand for one particular network, you may want to consider joining a bartering exchange that has more of an eclectic range of businesses and products.

ASK HOW ACTIVE THE NETWORK IS.

How often do you get emails, or how often do they post on their website about the latest new members, upcoming events, and how much money other businesses have made through bartering. Try to find a barter exchange that constantly brings in new members and puts on fun events like a Christmas party, networking events, or luncheons for all of its members.

HOW MANY NEW MEMBERS JOIN MONTHLY?

You'll probably have the most success finding new customers for your business by meeting other small-business owners in person at local networking; how many bartering networks in your city are actively bringing in new members every month.