When to do Trade for Your Performance

 

Jason Hewlett of JHETraining.com for Speakers & Entertainers, 

The Trading Post was an essential part of expansion into the western frontier and making the wild wild west of Northern America begin to function like a civilized society.  It took some practice.  When trades went wrong people were killed; when trades went well you were trusted and became a part of the family.

The same is true for the wild frontier of your new speaking and performing empire.  When to trade and when not to is the question, and can lead to your survival or doom, depending on who you trade with, as reputation far exceeds your ability on stage.

In a previous post I talked about “How to Say No”.  In that post my friend and mentor, Kirk Weisler (best speaker alive), reminded me that there are advantages to being willing to still say YES for the benefit of providing a service for those that can’t afford it, or shouldn’t pay for it, and how you can still win with “Trade”.  Enjoy his words, this is brilliantly said:

 

 

I love what Kirk says here.  And I have a man crush on Kirk.  But it’s ok, everyone has a crush on Kirk – he’s that kind of guy.  After reading what he’s suggested here you can see why he’s as good as it gets.

When to trade?

When you feel like it.

When the opportunity is something you can’t pass up.

When you want a specific thing and the client needs your help and you can create a Win-Win.

I admit I had forgotten this trade option of putting your name as a sponsor – BRILLIANT advertising and goodwill.

Here are a few of the more unique trades we have done through the years with clients that couldn’t afford my fee, and often whose services I wanted but couldn’t justify paying money for.  I hope this list opens your eyes to the possibilities, and as a disclaimer everything I am about to write, as crazy as it sounds, is true.

 

Wheelin’ & Dealin’ in the Wild Wild West of Trade

• Shelves and Cabinetry in our living room designed by the same company who designs Apple stores
• Discounted cars for my siblings, Mother, and me: 5 so far
• Wedding and engagement rings (for my siblings and my wife)
• Haircare, lotions, perfumes
• Health supplements, essential oils, food storage
• Crafts, stamps, cards and handiworks
• Trips to Paris, Denmark, Sweden, Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, NYC, etc
• Disney World for our entire family of 6
• Cruises, scuba diving trips, Las Vegas and Broadway Shows
• Extended hotel stays with travel and food for my wife and I in 5 Star resorts worldwide
• Gift Cards for ritzy eating establishments, gas station visits covered, adventures paid for
• Skin care and surgical options
• The C-Sections of our 3 boys (over a 5 year period), including hospital stays
• Extended stays (up to 3 weeks) in Kauai over Christmas, Maui over Spring Break, Honolulu
• His & Hers matching watches, anniversary jewelry, electronics, furniture, construction…

 

My friends, the list goes on and on.  This is but a partial list.

Be creative, be accessible, be willing to discuss what you would like to provide them what they want and magical things can happen on the trade front of your business.

Happy trading!