From Wikipedia:

Barter is a system of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money. It is usually bilateral, but may be multilateral, and usually exists parallel to monetary systems in most developed countries, though to a very limited extent. Barter usually replaces money as the method of exchange in times of monetary crisis, such as when the currency may be either unstable (e.g., hyperinflation or deflationary spiral) or simply unavailable for conducting commerce.

I’ve compiled a list of skills listed below that are valuable today and maybe even more so in the future should times get tough and we have issues with a downturn in our economy. It is based on several different lists that I found on Internet. I deleted a few, cleaned up the wording on some of the descriptions and added some new ones to make it a more complete list for me. How many of these do you possess now or could learn in the near future. I think it is fair to say that some skills may have more value than others. Some trades are very specific and take time, practice and dedication to learn such as what a doctor or nurse may possess. Depending on the situation some skills may be more needed and in demand in your location. For instance if you live in a farming community there may be many other people with similar skill sets as you. You may need mechanics welders or vegetable farmers to meet the needs you do not have the ability to fill. The same goes for a community of cattle ranchers, you may need the skills of a farmer for fresh food for your family and your animals. In the case of mechanics, blacksmiths, plumbers or other trade and repair skilled people they not only require training and knowledge but specialized tools to perform their job.

How many of these do you possess now and how many could you learn over the next six months or year. Although it would be impossible to know all there is to know about these, having a number of these skills in your repertoire would make you a more valuable individual in your network and to your community.

This list is by no means definitive and complete so take some time to review and add your skill set to the list if it is missing.

Agriculture, Farming Expertise

Accountant, Book Keeping

Alcohol Production & Distillation

Ammo Reloading

Architect, Home Reinforcement

Baker, Cooking Expertise

Bee Keeping

Beer and Wine Making

Biofuel Production

Blacksmithing

Chemist

Computer Programming

Construction

Defense Planning

Dentist

Doctor

Doctor’s Medical Assistant

Electrician

Electronics Repair

Engineer, Community Planning, Manufacturing, Electrical

Firearms Proficiency

Firearms Repair

Fishing

Food Preservation & Storage

HAM Radio Operator

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning, (HVAC)

Heavy Equipment Operator

Home schooling, Tutoring, Teaching Experience

Horse Shoeing, Fairer

Hunting & Trapping Skills

Knife Making

Lawyer, Legal Assistant

Lumber Jack / Tree Felling

Nurse

Nurse’s Aid

Martial Arts Training

Manager, Planner

Mechanic, Automobile

Mechanic, Diesel Engines

Mechanic, Small Engine Repair

Military Training

Plumber

Ranching, Large & Small Animal Care

Security

Seed Saving

Sewing, Knitting, Weaving, Textiles

Small Appliance Repair

Soap Making, Candle Making, Hygiene Products

Stone Mason, Brick Working

Veterinarian

Web Site Design

Welding, Metal Working

Well Construction, Water Table Expertise

Wild Foods Expert

Wood Working

Writer

 

Next we’ll talk about the process of putting a resume together and sharing it with your network.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barter