The current state of our economy has resulted in great change for American business.  It has also meant a change in the fundamentals of business operation.  The Home Office, once identified as a place for new start-ups and cottage industry type business, has grown to now include corporate executives and entrepreneurs alike.   Home offices have become less of a convenience and more often a necessity. 

The Internet, video conferencing, picture mail and other new technology, have made it possible to accomplish as much from a home office as can be accomplished from any corporate facility.   Many structured costs for operating a business have proven to be a financial drain on both employer and employee alike.  As more businesses look to reduce overhead in order to bring operating costs in line with shrinking revenues, home offices have become a feasible option for many businesses.   As a result spare bedrooms, basements or designated work areas are becoming the norm.   Evolution of the home office is another sign that businesses are re-thinking their model, with an eye on practical use of cash resources in contrast to the free spending approaches of the past.  

This and similar trends are projected to continue as the American and world economy reconfigures itself to accommodate the realities of a 21^st century economy.  Today's businesses are rethinking fixed and discretionary costs while searching for alternatives in capital management.   Many businesses have discovered that by reducing their fixed costs, such as office space, along with other practices like organized barter they can be both profitable and successful.  

By establishing a barter account, businesses are able to target and reduce specific costs associated with operating a business, but for many it has proven to be the saving grace as well by freeing up dwindling capital.  Barter is the perfect way to trade service for service or product for product without spending cash.   You can establish a trade account wherein you can trade for office supplies, printing costs, marketing, legal support or many other services your company spends cash on monthly.  No matter what type of business you are engaged in, barter just makes good sense.