There’s a special kind of magic in a good service swap. When done well, it’s an opportunity to collaborate with people you admire, showcase your expertise, and get something equally valuable in return. Done poorly? It can feel like a lopsided favor, leaving you wondering why you ever agreed to it in the first place.
I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum. Early in my business, I approached trades casually, thinking they were just a way to “get experience.” But over time, I realized the true potential of service swaps—when treated with the care and professionalism they deserve.
Here’s how I transformed my approach to swaps, starting with clear systems, calm boundaries, and a commitment to valuing my time.
The Power of Treating Trades Like Paid Work
One of the most transformative trades I’ve ever done came at a busy moment in my business. A friend needed a one-page website and offered to overhaul my client onboarding in return. It wasn’t just a quick exchange—it was a deep dive into improving how I work.
At the time, I was overwhelmed with projects, but I agreed—with one condition: the swap had to follow my full client process. This wasn’t just a favor. It was a collaboration.
Here’s how I made it work:
Contracts: I outlined the deliverables, timelines, and expectations on both sides. Nothing was left to chance.
Processes: She went through my standard onboarding, from the kickoff email to communication in Slack.
Boundaries: I made it clear that work lived in Slack and email—not in real life or casual text messages.
Her response was unforgettable: “I can’t wait to sign this—I know it’s going to be good.”
That moment changed how I viewed trades. The people I adored—people whose work I admired—were offering me full price for my services, even in swaps. They weren’t just showing me respect; they were teaching me to see my own skills as their true value.
When both sides approach a trade with professionalism and an equal exchange of value, the results feel anything but discounted. They feel like respect.
Why Containers Matter
Early in my career, I learned the importance of containers the hard way. Without clear systems or boundaries, projects would spill over into every aspect of my life. Clients would text me at all hours, scope creep was constant, and I’d end up frustrated—at them and at myself.
One of the most vivid lessons came from a real-life interaction. I ran into someone I was working with on a trade. We were catching up, and it was a lovely, human moment. But then I felt it—that urge to blurt out, “Oh, by the way, I owe you an email!”
Instead, I paused. I reminded myself: this wasn’t Slack or email. This was real life. We were people first, and the work could wait for its proper place.
That realization solidified something for me: containers aren’t just about organization. They’re about respect—for the work and for the people involved. Here are some of the containers I rely on:
Slack for Work: Keeping all communications in one place prevents overwhelm and creates clarity.
Contracts for Trades: Every service swap starts with a detailed agreement outlining who is responsible for what.
Clear Lines Between Life and Work: Real-life conversations are for connection, not contracts.
When containers are in place, the work feels manageable. And when the work feels manageable, everyone shows up as their best selves.
Calm Is a Strategy
There’s a phrase I learned as an executive assistant that I carry with me to this day: When people are calm, projects go better. It sounds simple, but it’s a cornerstone of how I run my business. Calm isn’t just a feeling; it’s a strategy.
For example, I’ve worked on trades where things didn’t go as planned. One partner ghosted me midway through the project. Instead of panicking, I leaned on the systems we’d already established. The contract included a ghosting clause—a reopening fee if the project stalled for too long—and that clarity kept things from spiraling.
When we reconnected, they appreciated the structure. There were no hard feelings because everything had been spelled out in advance. Calm isn’t just about keeping the peace; it’s about creating an environment where collaboration can thrive.
Here’s how I build calm into my trades:
Ghosting Clauses: If someone goes quiet, there’s a plan in place to restart the work.
Data-Driven Conversations: I use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to guide feedback. Numbers keep things neutral and focused.
Proactive Communication: Regular check-ins keep projects on track and minimize surprises.
Calm creates trust, and trust leads to better outcomes—whether it’s a paying project or a service swap.
The Beauty of Equal Value
Service swaps work best when both sides bring equal value to the table. One of my favorite examples is a trade I did with a photographer. I built their website, and in return, they provided branding photos. We tracked our hours at full price to ensure fairness, and it made all the difference.
To keep us both accountable, I included quarterly check-ins in the contract. If either of us missed one, we’d pay a small penalty—a $50 nudge to stay on track. It wasn’t about the money; it was about honoring the work.
This approach turned the trade into more than just an exchange of services. It became a collaboration built on respect and mutual investment. And that’s the key: swaps should feel like equal partnerships, not compromises.
What I’ve Learned About Service Swaps
Service swaps have been some of the most rewarding collaborations in my business. They’ve helped me grow my portfolio, improve my systems, and connect with people I admire. But the real lesson is this: swaps only work when you treat them with the same care and professionalism as a full-price project.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Start with a Contract: Even with friends, clear agreements set the tone for success.
Create Containers: Use tools and processes to separate work from life.
Value Your Time: Always trade at full price—your work deserves it.
Lead with Calm: Systems create clarity, and clarity creates trust.
When you approach a trade with these principles in mind, it stops feeling like a favor and starts feeling like an opportunity.
Your Turn
Have you ever done a service swap? What worked—or didn’t? Hit reply or leave a comment—I’d love to hear your story.
Such good advice! And, lead with calm is going to be my new parenting mantra, too.