How You Can Help The Self-Employed Without Buying From Them

We often hear about ways small business is help through things like Angel Investors, small business loans, etc. However those usually involve larger sums of money, sometimes with a $10,000 minimum (not that I wouldn’t like such a gift) but what I am thinking of is your more people and society in general can support and help the economy with things they have and are not using. I have myself been thinking of what would help me. I’m currently in a position where I am one person trying to do the work of about three. I however know my company and myself has great potential and ability but often I find basic resources lacking or the time do get certain things done – well, on time. I ask this question and make this request for myself but I know I am not the only person and company with similar needs. So what could I use?

• Administrative help so I can focus on the technicalities of my work – I can’t afford and employee but someone looking for experience and a reference would be ideal or maybe you are another business person who excels in that area and would be willing to barter work.
• Used Electronic Equipment – How many of you have upgraded to new digital cameras (both still and video) and the old stuff is just sitting around collecting dust? Would you be willing to barter for some multimedia editing expertise or would you just like to help get a business jump started? How about old computers? A business can often use one for testing or obtain the hard drives for extra storage needs.
• Office space – Does your company have office space that is not being used? Just sitting there empty? Have you ever considered giving a self-employed person some space to use in exchange for occasional services?
• Gifting a subscription to an Internet service they could use to profit from – I would love a subscription to smugmug, extending my Flickr Pro account and Apple Mobile Me account, Squarespace account, etc.
• Use of technology you own but don’t use frequently why not let a trusted business person use it an become a greater expert.
• Food! Yes, often a self-employed person will “work for food.” Talk business and get a tax write off but also enjoy the conversation and get to know the person or small business better.
• Got a paid conference or seminar? Invite fellow business people who may be in financial stress to either give a presentation, provide a service like setting up, recording the event, etc. as payment of for food, etc.
• Trade training – perhaps the two of you need help and guidance in different areas.
• Books, got books just collecting dust? Think your small business friend could use them?

I know my biggest needs right now are not funding for the next big idea but rather support so I can do what I excel at. Sometimes I have had to turn down work not because I didn’t have the skills to do it but lacked equipment, storage space or the time. While I am asking for help myself how many of you have similar needs? Could I help you. We have all heard about “stimulating the economy” by buying stuff but in tough time some of our businesses have a hard time producing stuff and providing service. How much more can our economy be stimulated by encouraging and empowering the self-employed and small business owners? Consider helping us achieve our goals faster and maybe we can start hiring sooner than later.

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