We show you how swapping your skills on the web can save you money.
It’s possible to use your natural skills and talents to enlist the talents of others in return. This is known as ‘skill-swapping’, and can be a great way to get something you want for free.
What is skill-swapping?
Skill-swapping works on the same principle as other online ‘swap-shops’, where you can list items you no longer want to be swapped for something you do want. However, skill-swapping expands these boundaries by allowing people to swap talents, skills, hobbies, and more. In this way the possibilities of what you can offer, and what you can get in return, are endless.
For example, you may not have the time or inclination to walk your dog twice a day, but someone else might be able to do it for you. In return you could do something for them that they don’t have the skills to do, such as write a computer programme.
Likewise you might always have had a yearning to learn Spanish. Instead of paying for a Spanish course, you could learn the language from a native speaker – and teach them the finer points of English grammar in return.
By using your own skills and talents as collateral you can learn anything you like for free. All you have to do is sign up to an online skill-swapping site and browse the skills available, or simply list the ones you have that you would like to offer to others.
Where can I swap my skills?
The pioneering site behind this idea is LETS (Local Exchange Trading Systems), which works on the concept of building a community-based system of trading goods and services, but without the use of money. LETS communities are based all over Britain, so all you need to do is find your local network. You can then browse through what is being offered in your local area, and join the network to list what you can offer in return.
Some of the services being offered through LETS include babysitting, baking, proofreading, and tree pruning. If you see something you are interested in you simply contact the ‘seller’ of your desired service and arrange something that you can do for them in return.
Another site that is worth a look if you are interested in the idea of swapping your skills is Team Up Here. It works in the same way as LETS, with hundreds of diverse services available for you to browse, and to list your services in return. The site offers categories as far-ranging as acupuncture, dermatology, and martial arts. You simply choose the skill you are interested in, and negotiate through the site to arrive at a ‘price’ for this skill that you both agree is appropriate.
You could also try Swap A Skill, which exists on the concept that by swapping skills and favours online ‘we create friendships and build stronger, happier communities’. By registering your details and swappable skills, you become searchable on their database. You can then contact people with skills you are interested in, or be contacted yourself if someone is interested in the skills you have to offer.
Gumtree is another good stand-by for finding anything for free, including the help, skills and favours of others. Browse your local community to see what people in your area have to offer. You may find that you can learn a skill you always wanted to have, without paying for training. Or you could get your ironing done by a local helper rather than paying for the service. You can then give something back to the community by offering the skills that you have, which might just be in high demand by someone in your area.
Anyone can join these skill-swapping online communities because they work on the idea that everyone has something to offer – whether that is a trade, a specific skill, or just a favour. Skill-swapping is a great way to get things done or learn something new for free, by investing your time rather than your money.
