STRATEGIC TRADES

Want to know when trading is beneficial to your brand and when it isn’t? Read this post.

A trade requires some sort of value. It can be physical products, services and even “exposure” depending how much value you bring to the table.

Let’s start with physical products. Physical products are easier to trade because they cost a specific amount. You wouldn’t trade a $30 piece a chocolate for a $10 piece of chocolate. You’d trade 1 - $30 chocolate for 3 x $10 chocolates right? Value for value.

Services can be a little harder if you’re flexible with your prices however always trade for the full value because it’s your time and energy that is going into the services. Don’t forget to add tax.

For exposure, this can be tricky for some people because it’s actually quite simple. If you’re just starting out and starting to build a portfolio, consider it like an internship. You’re learning, making connections and this company can refer people to you in the future - this can work incredibly well when there’s a lot of competition and you want to stand out; however I’d put a limit on the amount of free work you offer otherwise people will expect you to continue working for free.

If you’re established and have clients to pay you, exposure may work for you if it really does give you exposure. Like I’m talking a minimum of 100,000 - millions of views if you want to boost your online presence and get more followers from a reputable company.

Working with people on this level has to feel good and be mutually beneficial. If it isn’t, you’ll probably feel icky and want to curl up in a ball and cry because you feel like you’re getting taken advantage of.

Be smart about your partnerships and trades because they can lead to great opportunities. Just don’t make it a habit because you still need to pay the bills (unless the exposure creates more paid jobs that pays the bills) xo