How To Get A Good Deal If You Barter Or Swap Your Coaching

How  bartering and swapping can work for coaching?

To exchange your coaching with another coach or for something else can seem like a good idea. Especially when you are starting out as a coach and want to get as much practice and experience as you can.

Swapping your life coaching for what someone else is offering instead of coaching can also present as a good solution to get what you need or want, without actually having to come up with hard cash. 

However, as you will see, there are traps. You need to make sure you will really benefit from the deal and don't end up feeling our of exchange and resentful.

When you are exchanging solid goods, such as say a fridge for a dining suite, it's fairly straightforward because there is an agreed exchange of something solid and tangible.

But when it comes to exchanging your coaching for another service, such as marketing, PR, graphic design, massage, hairdressing etc., or even a mix of goods and services there is a lot to consider before you go ahead.

For the system to work well for coaching there has to be a real business agreement. You both need to agree, preferably in writing, what you are giving and getting both in value and time so there are no nasty misunderstandings down the track. The swap needs to be presented just as you would for a session where the exchange is cash.

So the bottom line, as with any business deal, is caveat emptor – buyer beware. Go into  exchange with your eyes open, firm agreements and no room for misunderstandings.

Questions To Ask Before Agreeing to Swap Your Coaching

Getting clear about what's in it for you and whether the exchange offered is what you want and not what you feel obliged to accept, will help you decide whether or not the deal on offer is for you.

And when you've read how to the questions below, be sure to have a look at the comments and experiences from other coaches at the end of this page.

1. Are you swapping for something you really need or want?

I was once offered a case of red wine in exchange for a coaching session.

Now I like an occasional glass of wine, but this was not what I wanted or needed as exchange for my coaching at that time, so I declined.

2. Would you consider using the service offered in exchange  if you were paying.

You need to have real confidence in the person and the quality of what they are offering as a trade. If you don’t, you may be dissatisfied with your end of the exchange and end up going somewhere else where you have to pay anyway.

3. Are you happy that the value is pretty equal?

Or does it involve more from one of you than the other? Discuss this up front and reach an agreement. Otherwise there may be misunderstandings and resentment. 

However, keep in mind that sometimes it is the value of the exchange and not the time needed to give it, that should be considered. For instance, you may happily agree to give or receive half an hour of coaching in exchange for two hours of folding brochures. 

4. Does the person really want to do a swap for your coaching?

When you are offering to coach in exchange for another service or product, make sure the person really wants that coaching, understands what it is and what commitment may be required of them to take it up. Treat them as you would a paying clients with firm written agreements.

If they are half-hearted about exchanging for coaching, it may not work for either of you and you will both end up feeling frustrated and cheated.

5. Does the barter for coaching cover extra expenses?

Be clear about what the barter does and does not include and put it in writing. For instance there may be time and materials involved.

Maybe your coaching includes a career or personality profiling that has to be paid for. Or one of you has to travel a distance and spend money on fares or fuel.

Put your coaching swap agreement in writing including a dollar value and time limit for each of you to honour the exchange. This is essential if the barter trade is not simultaneous and your coaching is being provided first!

Some coaching bartering/success stories

When I asked people to comment on their bartering experiences as coaches after reading this, the result was a great conversation on the subject. Here are some of the responses.

 I offered a package of VA services to a business coach to help me launch my business. She was thrilled for my help with her article marketing and I have learned so much from her about how to land my first clients, clean up my webpage, etc. Brandi Caskey, California, USA

I have bartered for office space. I now have office hours twice a week at a wellness center in exchange for life coaching of the owner. It has worked out great for both of us. This can be a win-win if everyone is clear about the expectations. Kathy Matchunis, Florida, USA

The man who designed my logo was really stuck in his business and really needed help. So we bartered and a I did a couple of sessions in exchange for logo work on a few projects. Since then he has referred many paying clients to me and his business is working for him now. Aleasa.

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 Why swapping coaching for a testimonial may not be authentic

It can be tempting when you are just starting out to offer coaching in exchange for a testimonial. Even to offer to play swapsies on this basis with other new coaches. It's called quid pro quo which literally translated means something given in exchange for something else.

In my view this is actually out of integrity in a profession that is about integrity. Someone who is offered a session for free with this condition is not going to give a completely honest or negative review. Much better to wait until after the free session they spontaneously show their appreciation for your good work and then ask if they would give you a testimonial.

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