Before there was money, people exchanged products for different ones. They just brought for example fabric to the market and left with food. As much as money made it easier because even people who don’t produce anything can obtain different merchandise and services, it also made it a bit more difficult especially for start ups who didn’t start making money yet, but already need it to pay for products and services. One solution is to take a loan from the bank or to find an investor who will take care of initial payments, but if someone is worried about paying back the loan, going back to the exchange system seems like quite a good idea.

We’re not talking about exchanging potatoes for beets or gold for silk, but rather using different services as currency. For example, an up and coming web designer may need legal help to set up the business. Instead of waiting to make some money on not necessarily legal terms, he or se could research some law firm websites and offer upgrades or redesign in exchange for legal advice.

When it comes to restaurants, the food is the most important thing the owners offer, but the interior plays a role too, as nobody will pick an ugly place over a pretty one. In such case an exchange of services for product is a way to get things done, because there are still plenty of young undiscovered artists who are struggling to make a living. Offering them meals for revamping the dining space is beneficial for both as the restaurant will look better and the artist will not only eat regularly, but also put some work out for people to see.

The next time you start a new endeavor or meet someone trying to get their business up and running, think of taking money out of the equation and try offering your skills as payment, because exchanging what you have to offer for somebody’s best not only lets you keep the money in your pocket, but also shows what you can do and possibly serves as first advertising.