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Exchanging resources offers cost-saving option during tough economic times
By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Monday, Sep 08, 2008
When Tim Dimoff is hired to run security analysis for a company, he temporarily needs some uniformed security guards.
So Napier, president of United National Security Inc. in North Canton, and Dimoff, founder of SACS Consulting & Investigative Services Inc. in Akron, trade resources instead of cash.
Bartering or exchanging services is not a new concept for small-business owners.
''People have been doing this since the beginning of mankind,'' Dimoff said.
But in today's challenging economy, some managers might overlook it as a cost-saving option.
Dimoff said bartering can be a natural extension of business-to-business partnerships.
''You network your people to build better relationships, and when you build that, you get into bartering arrangements to help each other grow,'' he said.
In addition to getting free use of security guards, Dimoff has traded his workplace training program for a discount on payroll services and repair service on his printer.
And Napier said bartering has come in handy for the National Basketball Association developmental league team that his investment group owns.
It costs a lot of money to get a new
team going, Napier said, and his Erie BayHawks — whose inaugural year begins in December — are benefiting from Napier's efforts to exchange game tickets for things such as billboard advertising, rental cars and hotel rooms.
''Some people might shake it off and say, 'No way. I need to be paid in full.' But most people consider it, and those who do end up liking it,'' Napier said of his experience.
Dimoff, a retired Akron narcotics detective, is a consultant for companies on security issues, from pre-employment screening to workplace bullying.
He's also authored several books and regularly gives talks on a variety of business topics, including bartering.
Dimoff said he's found while many business owners are familiar with the idea of trading products, fewer have ever thought of exchanging services.
And if you are ready to propose a trade with a partner, it doesn't have to be free, he added.
''Stores give out coupons. Why not do that on the service end?'' he said. ''Why not offer a discount to each other to help each other?''
But if a vendor or client doesn't want to trade, don't be offended, Dimoff said. Small-business owners should appreciate that timing is everything, he said.
''My golden rule is, if I ask someone [to trade], I'm prepared to pay them if they say no,'' Dimoff said.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, OH
Posted 06:15 AM, 09/08/2008
We know some of Dimoff's old partners. He is cool people.
Sterling, Oh
Posted 01:38 PM, 09/08/2008
Compliant with realities demands business managers use money to identify agreed value of sellers and buyers in the marketplace. http://www.loreneberly.com
