The Power of Barter and Trade: A Personal Journey Supporting Small Businesses

(Originally published by Daniel Shinaver M.H.R.M., B.B.A. on LinkedIn – republished with permission)

Editor’s Note: At Trade Network, we love sharing real stories from our community. In this guest blog, Daniel shares his journey with barter and trade, and how it has helped him connect with and support small businesses in a meaningful way. This article was originally published on LinkedIn and is reposted here with permission.

Barter and trade are ancient practices, yet they remain some of the most powerful and underutilized tools for small businesses today. When I became a member of the Trade Network in Michigan back in 2019, and later joined part-time as a Market Broker in 2023, I discovered firsthand how barter could help entrepreneurs stretch their resources, form lasting partnerships, and ultimately bolster the local community. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of barter—from saving cash flow to fostering innovative collaborations that drive business success.

Wearing Many Hats: A Practical Approach to Business Growth

Throughout my career, I’ve managed my online newsletter, The Retention Report, mentored Veterans across Michigan in different capacities and roles, and authored a series on generational management and leadership strategies. As a consultant, I’ve also created training curricula to help businesses navigate modern workforce complexities and provided insight into talent management and retention strategies. But despite these diverse endeavors, one common theme has continually stood out: small businesses thrive when they find creative ways to support each other.

This understanding deepened when I joined the Trade Network and began bartering goods and services between members—everything from office equipment to professional development. Instead of paying cash, I personally offer my consulting and leadership training in exchange for the items or services I may need. Or I may offer to pay with my trade dollar balance over using traditional cash. In doing so, I experience a significant boost in my own understanding of barter and business operations without the financial strain typical of traditional transactions.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Barter’s Impact on Small Businesses

• According to the International Reciprocal Trade Association (IRTA), modern barter and trade networks generated over $12 billion in trade volume worldwide in a recent year, demonstrating the vast potential of this under-tapped economic sector. 

• A 2022 survey by the National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) found that over 400,000 businesses in the United States participated in some form of barter or trade exchange that year—a figure that continues to grow as small businesses look for cost-effective ways to operate. 

• Roughly 30% of small business owners have considered or utilized barter in the last two years, citing cash flow preservation and access to otherwise cost-prohibitive services as top reasons for doing so.

These statistics underscore that barter isn’t a fringe strategy; it’s a viable method for improving profitability and resilience in today’s competitive marketplace. With the coming of 2025 and the changing economic environment, it is only inevitable that this trend continues to increase momentum.

More Than a Transaction: Building Trust and Community

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work in the Trade Network is witnessing how barter goes beyond simple exchanges. When two businesses agree to trade resources, they’re opening a door to trust, collaboration, and empathy. For instance, I’ve brokered deals between small businesses and their owners that led to ongoing, supportive relationships:

• A local marketing agency may exchange branding services for a caterer’s event packages, resulting in reciprocal referrals that benefited both parties. This good will continued on into other areas of referrals over time. 

• A printing company may choose to trade brochures and business cards with a photographer, who provided professional photo shoots in return. Each party saved money, which they reinvested into growing their respective businesses or spending however they chose. 

• A retiring member realized they had an exceptional amount of trade currency in their account. Upon speaking with a Broker they realized that travel options were available on trade and reciprocation with similar out of state trade organizations was possible. 

These arrangements highlight the kind of synergy and goodwill that come from trading. It’s not just about “how can I save money?”—it’s about “how can we grow together?”

Leadership and Communication: Keys to Successful Barter

In my work as a published author focusing on generational management and leadership, I’ve consistently found that strong communication and clear expectations are critical in barter relationships. Whether you’re trading consulting services for office supplies or marketing skills for legal advice, successful barter hinges on:

1. Transparent Negotiations: Clearly define the scope of each service or good being exchanged.

2.  Mutual Respect: Acknowledge the value and time invested by both parties. 

3. Shared Vision: Understand each other’s goals to ensure the trade truly benefits everyone involved.

4. Genuine Desire: Your genuine desire to think outside the box, go above and beyond, and find solutions that maybe the member didn’t initially think of.

I apply these leadership principles not only in my barter transactions but also when mentoring Veterans and guiding small business owners. By setting a strong foundation of trust and respect, businesses are more likely to foster long-term partnerships that can weather economic challenges.

Experimentation Without Financial Risk

One of the biggest advantages of barter is the freedom to experiment and innovate. In small business, high upfront costs can stifle creativity and discourage risk-taking. Through barter, entrepreneurs can test new ideas with minimal financial pressure. Such low-risk, high-reward opportunities can be game-changers for businesses trying to stand out in crowded markets.

The Ripple Effect: Strengthening Local Economies

When small businesses barter, the benefits extend beyond the participating firms. Local economies flourish when entrepreneurs collaborate and share resources and referrals to each other. By keeping services and products within the community, barter networks create a supportive ecosystem where everyone can thrive:

• A coffee shop in Lansing may choose to trade free coffee vouchers with a local theater in exchange for advertising space in the theater’s program. Both businesses have the potential to attract new customers and boost their reputations as community-minded organizations. 

• A Farmer often barters with other farmers to support each other. Perhaps a farming member chooses to barter fresh produce for marketing help, which in turn boosts their local outreach into weekend farmer markets or mom and pop stores and fosters a sense of unity among neighboring businesses. 

These examples illustrate how a single barter transaction can create a chain reaction of positive impact. Barter encourages businesses to look out for one another, reinforcing a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality. It also encourages business growth, referrals, and networking as each member strives to maintain the goodwill and rapport that builds with barter.

Embracing Creativity for Sustainable Growth

Financial constraints often force small businesses to think outside the box. Barter encourages even more creativity by removing the barrier of conventional transactions. Whether you’re a graphic designer trading your hard-earned trade dollars for a caterer’s next big event or a landscaper swapping your services with an IT specialist, the possibilities are endless—and mutually empowering.

Over time, these alliances become more than just a means to an end. They transform into vibrant partnerships and friendships that help sustain entrepreneurs through challenges like inflation, economic downturns, or supply chain disruptions. As a business owner and Market Broker, I’ve seen countless examples of how small businesses adapt, innovate, and flourish when they come together through barter. I have seen examples of networking, referrals, and mutual support as challenges happen or unexpected situations occur.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Collaborate

Small businesses are uniquely positioned to benefit from the value exchange that barter provides. Beyond saving money, barter fosters creativity, builds trusting relationships, and reinforces community ties. My own experiences have shown me that when we step outside the traditional cash-based model and embrace mutual support, we unlock growth opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden.

If you’re a small business owner, I encourage you to explore the world of barter and trade. If you are in Michigan, I encourage you to look into Trade Network located in both Grand Rapids and Lansing. Your journey starts when you look for reputable barter networks or by reaching out to fellow entrepreneurs in your local area. By trading goods and services, utilizing trade dollars over cash currency, you can preserve cash flow, gain valuable experience, and build lasting partnerships that will help your business thrive—even in uncertain economic times.

Ultimately, barter isn’t just about making a deal; it’s about developing a network of allies, fostering trust, and championing each other’s success. When small businesses unite under the banner of collaboration and ingenuity, the possibilities are limitless—and our communities become stronger and more resilient in the process.