Editor’s Note: Many people have asked me over the years, “what has really motivated you to write your books?” My response are two main reasons.
The first one is that I wanted to write to help people. Many of my customers, friends and constituents have had many struggles in their lives. I would often hear their personal and family’s struggles.
The second reason is that writing is a sense of therapy for me. With all the noise of this world with Facebook and negative news that seems to be constant from the mainstream media – writing has become an outlet for me. Therapy to get things off my chest that I may be battling internally and writing is a way to ‘let it all out.’
I recently read a quote from Bob Marley, “If you get down and quarrel everyday, you’re saying prayers to the devil.” Today, especially with social media, way too many people maybe – praying to the devil.

Throughout the years I had the opportunity to meet many folks with diverse skills: construction framers, concrete finishers, electricians, mechanics, radio station owners, consultants – just to name a few.
When the opportunity would present itself I would offer to find a way to barter for their services in return for a car, truck, motorcycle and even an airplane.
Bartering can help make ends meet, especially in the times we are in now with rising taxes, fuel, rent, food and other necessities. Sadly, I believe tough times are ahead of us.
My second book: Learn To Barter & 21 Ways To Increase Your Income by Michael J. Sparks shares many of those experiences.

My third book, How To Do More with Less During Tough Times is more about stretching a dollar and looking for unique ways to save money.
Below are a few tips and advice if your looking to Learn to Barter.
Jim Furbush, director of sales with ITEX recently stated, “One local company owner told me about a $175 electronic business card he did on barter for a customer we brought him that resulted in an additional “mid-5 figure” cash loyalty program contract.”
ITEX is the largest marketplace for B2B cashless transactions in the USA and Canada. ITEX processes millions in sales for thousands of member businesses every month. We offer unique member benefits for increasing sales and reducing costs:
- ITEX Trade Directors help you generate new customers by advertising your business to other ITEX members and will assist you with your purchasing needs
- ITEX dollars are used to buy and sell products and services among members instead of spending cash
- Record keeping services for expediting and simplifying the transaction process with 24×7 online account access.
- For more information on ITEX bartering visit: https://www.itex.com/ or email Jim Furbush at Jim.Furbush@ITEX.net or call him 615-579-8568.
Old-Fashioned Bartering Is Back. Here’s a Guide to Smart Swapping: Everyone should Learn to Barter