Have you ever wondered how a simple exchange of goods and services can create a ripple effect of positivity within the nonprofit community?
The Beginnings of Bartering: A Personal Tale
As a parent of toddlers, I've learned that everything is up for negotiation although the world around us would lead us to believe differently.
I say it's time for bed, they ask if we can read a book first;
I say go get something on your feet to walk out the door - socks is the middle ground in which we are expected to meet;
I say eat your dinner before drinking your milk and they are suddenly full until the cup is empty - less of a negotiation and more of a bait and switch.
The Beauty of Bartering in the Nonprofit Realm
Children have it figured out, yet, we are expected to believe there is no wiggle room when it comes to business transactions such as requesting funds, the purchasing of supplies and equipment and/or requesting services. Yes, I said "wiggle room" in a "professional" blog posting. We are conditioned to believe "the price is the price" and there's no way around many, invisible, barriers which reminds me of something you hear often in higher education: it's just the way its always been done... traditionally. What we fail to acknowledge is a good barter is accessible but it comes down to the person (or people) who hold the "power of contracting". As a new, small, nonprofit organization it doesn't allow us to access necessary resources to sustain our organizations but rewards stagnate, usually larger, organizations.
Imagine a local bakery providing freshly baked goods for a charity event in exchange for social media promotion. Or a graphic designer revamping a nonprofit's website in return for mentorship opportunities. These collaborations not only benefit the nonprofit in tangible ways but also strengthen relationships within the community. By harnessing the power of bartering, nonprofits can stretch their limited resources further and achieve more significant impact. It's a win-win situation where both parties involved walk away feeling fulfilled and valued.
Bartering: More Than Just Goods and Services
In a previous blog posting, I did a bit of a comparative 'analysis' between businesses and nonprofit organizations - really only scratched the surface but coming from the person who wrote it, it's worth the read. Actually, two of them might be worth the read. Check out The Real Reason Many (New) Nonprofits Fail and The Major Minor Details of Start-up . They discuss the building blocks and failures of nonprofit organizations. For a nonprofit like MSH, most banks won't consider us for a a small business loan until we can provide two years of tax returns. Showing staying power, is important; I get it. But in the absence of this opportunity, many organizations are in a tough place when it comes down to covering costs like payroll when cost reimbursement grants are in place. I know, I've said this before but it is because it is at that level of importance and impact. Example: while ensuring all of MSH staff were paid, I have skipped paying myself.
Meryl's Safe Haven was started with the pennies in my pocket. I recognize this isn't the experience of all nonprofit organizations but in this space of operating a nonprofit, I feel, the best opportunities go to the best barter'er' in the absence of tangible resources. Obviously reciprocity is important but what does a new, small, nonprofit give to an organization that spands the state of Massachusetts and/or the organization that has been around for 10+ years? What do we offer a bank while in search of resources that will "hold us over" until the payment hits the bank? And don't let a check get lost in the mail! My goodness! Talk about going into Inspector Gadget mode to track something that appears to only exist in thin air. My point, in every conversation, the gift of gab to engage in a true services for resources conversation (bartering) is imperative to the success of many, small, organizations in the absences of capital.
New and small nonprofit organizations become experts in bartering to benefit the populations we serve and keep our heads above water. We work to cut costs and raise assets. We use the expertises of individuals within our organizations to contribute to the value of, not just our organization, but the organizations of others to, somehow, still not be invited to sit at the table of areas we specialize in. At the end of the day, we understand that financial resources for new organizations come at great risk and while many of us, at start-up, are willing to take that risk from our personal pockets, we're also asking those with means to consider doing the same. Bartering isn't just about acquiring goods and services; it's about building lasting connections.
The beauty of bartering lies in its ability to transcend transactional exchanges and create a network of support and goodwill. It's a testament to the generosity and kindness that exists within our community, waiting to be unlocked through simple acts of reciprocity.
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