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That ART of BARTERING

By Laura Cerrano

Home Stager with Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island #888

February 06, 2009 12:48 AM

The Art of Bartering

Feng Shui is a SERVICE. So is Home Staging, Home Inspections and many other professions that are Real Estate Related.

For any of us that have begun a journey in what feels like "jumping off a cliff" and quitting our Corporate 9-5 jobs to follow our passions, we can ALL trade stories about the difficult times we've had in the past and may be experiencing now.

I kept thinking about Bartering for goods or services. There are still so many things I need for my home (and things to give away), there are updates I need done on my blogs (which being terribly "untechy" in life I am afraid to TOUCH), I have been thinking about offering MY services to someone in exchange for something THEY can do that I may need.

Sounds good in theory, right? I wondered where to start....Craigslist? No, some of the people on that site don't seem to be trustworthy. Flyers won't work....

As I was trying to formulate an idea that WOULD work, I received an email. It is from the publisher of of a new, local Long Island "high end" magazine sent directly to Builders, Realtors, Interior Designers---and, apparently one Feng Shui Consultant.

Bartering Feng Shui Long Island & New York

It is due to go live in just a few weeks online and one of the people that works there has just begun to think about renovations on her new on Long Island. She doesn't want to begin until she's had a Feng Shui Consultation and when I returned her call and we spoke, it was a "done deal."

Apparently we had been thinking alike. Bartering. She wondered if in exchange for a Feng Shui Consultation would I like a full page ARTICLE in the new magazine.

I didn't have to think twice. The exposure is wonderful for my business.

I also wasn't really surprised that this presented itself to me before I'd even had a chance to ACT on my idea. Connecting with the Energy of someone who had the same thoughts is NOT an unusual thing in this lovely business of Feng Shui!

Deal Feng Shui Long Island & New York

What do YOU have to offer? It just might take you into a wonderful new area of opportunities.

http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and along with Laura Cerrano are the Founders of Feng Shui Long Island & New York providing Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City, Queens, Long Island and Online/Phone Consultations for those at a distance for homes, offices, businesses, corporations, renovations, and new construction.

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Kris Wales

Keller Williams Realty - Lakeside Market Center - Macomb, MI

Real Estate Blog & Homes for Sale search site, Macomb County MI

You're a smart cookie!

If we think about it, bartering goes back to almost the beginning of mankind. It still is applicable today, and I would think with the economy would be a viable way to win/win for both parties.

Feb 06, 2009 10:07 PM

Michelle Finnamore

Toronto GTA, Alliston, Newmarket - Vaughan, ON

Preparing your property for sale

HI Carole, absolutely the best way in life for everyone to get what they need. You must have done something to bring this resource into your life at a time when you need it. Do you know what that might have been?

Feb 06, 2009 10:28 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

I like the idea of bartering. It is innovative and a great way to get exposure as you point out. I recall my dad provided legal services and we got "central air conditioning." With 100 degree days in Okla., it was a great trade.

Feb 06, 2009 11:46 PM

James Wexler

wexzilla.com - Scottsdale, AZ

networking ("working"being the key word here) , not serenditpity, pays off once again, great job and congratulations - welll done

Feb 07, 2009 01:04 AM

Melissa Marro

Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL

Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

What a fantastic barter you made there! I definately agree that sometimes bartering your services for things that are good for your business (or personal life) is a great way to do things... thanks for spotlighting this !

Feb 07, 2009 05:03 AM

Debbie Malone

Londeree's Real Estate & Property Management - Lynchburg, VA

From Lynchburg To The Lake (434) 546-0369

Carole, this is wonderful and a terrific way to showcase your services. My husband is an expert at bartering, he always seems to find someone who can do something and needs something that he can do! It's a great system.

Feb 07, 2009 05:40 AM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Cathy, It will be interesting and came just at the perfect time--I really do love when that happens.

Maureen, It definitely is a good time for bartering.....we have services and knowledge other people don't--and vice versa. Neither of us has a thing to lose with this...and a good potential for each of us.

Michele, I'm happy that this came up and want to think more about bartering...and look into Cheryl's site.

Kris, I know it got my Grandparents through some very difficult times and it's honestly never a bad idea, whether things are good or not.

Michelle, I'm a huge believer in energy and that we're all connected in some way. These things happen to be often enough and they still amaze me but I always think it's just about energy.

Joan, What a great trade...and you BOTH were happy! I think this is also an excellent time for us to think about things differently.

James, I like to think of it as synchronicity...I haven't been out networking in some time (yes, I know, but it's cold and icy here:). This email came exactly when I was trying to think it out...

Melissa, It definitely can't hurt! And I look forward to consultations so I didn't hesitate for a second :)

Debbie, You are lucky to have an expert around who knows this art....and I do believe it is an art I will want to learn. We have fogotten about getting back to basics and how simple things can really be.

Feb 07, 2009 10:17 AM

Eileen Hsu

Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Carole - That is absolutely fantastic that you were able to barter with a writer who writes a piece about you. At the times like this, it is important to be creative and help each other and create a win-win situation for both! Best luck to ya and see you in the comments!

Feb 07, 2009 11:32 AM

Susan Gonzalez Faux painting murals atlanta

Marietta Mural & Decorative Design - Atlanta, GA

I bartered a painted mural in a restaurant for my daughter's sweet 16 party. Everyone got what they wanted and it was great exposure for me at the restaurant

Feb 07, 2009 12:18 PM

Trace Galle

Designs by Trace - Kelowna, BC

Hi Carole,

Sounds like a win win for both of you! Good luck. You will have to show us the articule.

Feb 09, 2009 08:56 AM

"Tommy" Decebal

HomeSpector Inc. 516-851-5833 - Farmingdale, NY

Adamescu Long Island NY MASTER Home Inspector

Hi Carole,

Greatb Idea this bartering.

Thank you

I'll try it!

Tommy

Feb 09, 2009 10:25 AM

Libby Cousins

Extraordinary Processing - Spokane, WA

Contract Mortgage Processor, licensed in WA

Carole, bartering is getting more popular for sure. I love looking on Craig's List to see what people are bartering.

Feb 09, 2009 03:54 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Eileen, Thank you, it is a win-win. I can't wait to see the magazine myself since it is new :)

Susan, That's wonderful news. It's a good time to think about bartering when people are stretched on their budget.

Trace, I will....I didn't write it yet but it's a good reminder to get moving on it.

Tommy, It works and since we're service related you never know where (or to who) it might lead.

Libby, I haven't had such good luck with Craigslist. There is a site called Kijiji that I like....you might want to look it up.

Feb 11, 2009 01:46 AM

Jeff&Grace Safrin

F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN

SpousesSellingHousesTM

Bartering is a great way of meeting mutual needs. Carole. My Jeff is great at it :) sounds like you are too!

happy Valentine's Day

Sincerely,

Grace

Feb 13, 2009 02:05 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Grace, I wish I had more ideas--I think it's a great time to barter.

Feb 14, 2009 12:20 AM

Liz Moras Migic

Chilliwack, BC

Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

I love this story - it should have been featured! So very true - and I love the idea of bartaring - it does often happen that way - when you put a thought out their - formalize it in your mind and voila there it is! Now what could I bartar with YOU for your services! lol

Feb 14, 2009 05:11 PM

Kathy McGraw

CELLing Realty - White Water, CA

Riverside County CA Real Estate

Carole- I believe in bartering, especially in this type of economy. Good for you for what sounds like a good trade.

Feb 15, 2009 05:50 PM

Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer

Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

I spent several years as a member of a group called Barter Pros. I found it very useful.

Feb 16, 2009 07:49 PM

Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Liz, I thought it was a wonderful idea as well. Now I'm trying to think about some new ways of doing business....one thing can often lead to another!

Miss Kathy, I just heard that Facebook is rethinking it's policy "due to the member's outrage." Was it YOU they were speaking of :)?

Russel, I am not aware of any groups around here but I think it might be something I'd look into. Great idea, thank you.

Feb 18, 2009 10:13 AM

Marzena Melby

Coldwell Banker Burnet Realty - Richfield, MN

Realtor, Twin Cities Minnesota Real Estate

What a great idea. There is lots of value attached to both services, and each party benefits. Good for you, Carole!

Mar 01, 2009 12:14 AM

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