My Blog

11/30/10: Randy: My neighbor, Scott, traded me for somethinghe needed. Check the Current Trades section and see what Scott needed. You can meet Scott in the Meet "The Swappers" section!

10/29/10: Randy: My Mom donated some items to trade to help me reach my goal. Check the Current Trades section and see what items my Mom donated. You can meet my Mom in the Meet "The Swappers" section!

10/29/10: Randy: Another 2 trades! These came from Molly. She has done something that very few people have ever done or will ever do. Check the Current Trades section and see what two items Molly traded me for the yoga mat and the November 1971 NG issue. Meet Molly in the Meet "The Swappers" section to find out what she has done that very few people have ever done!

8/20/10: Randy: This was one of the quickest trades ever! From start to finish 2 days! I traded the Mr. Beer beer making kit for something even more fun! Check the Current Trades section and see what I traded it for and meet Shaun in the Meet "The Swappers" section and find out why he needed the beer making kit so badly!

8/15/10: Randy: I did a double trade! I traded the 1987 June issue as well as one of the Eddie Bauer Shadow boxes. Check out the trades in the Current Trades section and meet Darla in the Meet "The Swappers" section and find out why she wanted the June 1987 issue.

8/10/10: Randy: I just traded the musical rainstick for some miscellaneous tools. Check it out in the Current Trades section and meet Chuck in the Meet "The Swappers" section and find out why he wanted the rainstick.

8/9/10: Randy: I just traded the coolest trade ever...yes, I traded the Dr. Pepper promotional cooler. Check it out in the Current Trades section and see what I traded it for and meet Jessica in the Meet "The Swappers" section.

6/25/10: Randy: I just traded one of the youth mountain bikes for a Sears Craftsman stick/arc welder. Check it out in the Current Trades section and see why Dakota wanted to trade the stick/arc welder for the mountain bike in the Meet "The Swappers" section.

6/15/10: Randy: I just got introduced to a great, brand new website that I think is going to take my trading to new level! It is called www.bouldercountytrader.com It is Colorado’s own member-to-member barter and trade site. It's a great way for individuals and small businesses to promote and facilitate bartering in the Boulder County and metro Denver area. I am excited to give them a try! Check them out! www.bouldercountytrader.com

6/7/10: Randy: Had my first radio interview this morning. It was with Woody Vincent and Tom Chenault of Business for Breakfast on KRCN 1060 in Longmont. Tom contacted me after hearing about my story the previous week. Here is the radio segment from the previous week:

6/4/2010 Business for Breakfast News Segment

Aftering hearing the News Segment, it was suggested that they get me on the show. Here is that interview:

6/7/2010 Business for Breakfast Interview Segment

I had a great time talking with them and I hope to talk with them again as I progress in my trading.

6/3/10: Randy: Finally! I did an interview with Channel 4 back in January that was supposed to shortly there after, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed. I am so happy to report that it has hit the airwaves! If you missed it, here is a link to it:

Randy being interviewed on News 4.

The video is on the right side of the page.

4/26/10: Randy: I traded Gene, my incredibly talented neighbor, the Drill Press for this pre-owned Sony Digital Handycam and accessories. He makes exquisite handmade pens! Check them out in the Sponsor's Showcase Section!

4/7/10: Randy: I was on the business hour of FOX's internet show The Strategy Room! I was able to talk about my trading National Geographic magazines for Bigger & Better things. It went very well and I got some great advice from the "Angelpreneurs". "Beauty and Brains" giving me worthwhile advice on how best to spread the word on what I am doing! Here is the link to the interview: The Strategy Room!

It was pretty cool! When I arrived at Fox, they had a large TV on the wall behind the desk with a big graphic welcoming Kellie Pickler, Randy Kady, and Tom Tancredo (former Colorado Congressman)! I didn't see Kellie, but I did see Tom on my way out. If I had a camera, I would asked to be photographed with him!

4/2/10: Randy: Before I started on this adventure, I contacted Kyle MacDonald (The guy who traded one red paperclip all the way up to a house) how he knew what to trade for, he replied back to me and told me "A little bit of this, a little bit of that.  But mostly I just traded with people I felt good about trading with". When I was contacted with an trade offer for the exercise bike, I felt good about Mark and the trade, so I took a chance and it turned out to be quite the story. Check out the Current Trades section to see what I traded the bike for, but more importantly, check out my story with trading with Mark in the Meet "The Swappers" section.

2/7/10: Randy: I traded my Mother-In-Law away! Check out the Current Trades section to see what I traded for her.

2/6/10: Randy: It's been 1 year since my first trade, and I think it has gone very well. I been able to complete 29 trades as well as accept several donations. I can't wait to see what year 2 has in store.

2/2/10: Randy: Two more trades posted! These came from a good friend. Up for trade, a Monster iCarPlay iPod FM Transmitter/Charger and a ADAX Traveler's Wallet.

1/31/10: Randy: This week could be exciting! Stay tuned for details!

1/31/10: Randy: Two more trades from a "Boomerang" trader. A Bomerang trader is someone that I traded with previously. Brandon traded me for the "Rules of the House" plaque and the Ab Lounge Sport. I apologize for taking so long to post these trades. It has been a busy month and hopefully it is going to get a lot busier. Check out what Brandon traded me for the plaque and the Ab Sport Lounge in the Current Trades section.

1/03/10: Randy: I just wanted to say "Thank You" to everyone that has visited my web site over the last year. For not knowing exactly how this was going to go, I am very pleased with the response I have received from so many generous people. Additionally, I have really enjoyed meeting lots of new people and challenging myself in so many ways. I am looking forward to this year and making some even greater trades!

Something new I am going to try and do more often is do more of my "Trade Talk With Randy" videos which highlight each trade and gives everyone a closer look at what I have to trade. If you have not seen one of my "Trade Talk With Randy" videos, you can see them here: http://www.swapstartmybiz.com/TradeVideos.html

If you have any feedback on the videos or suggestions on how I can get the word out on what I am doing, please feel free to send me an email at randy@swapstartmybiz.com I would to hear what you have to say!

11/22/09: Randy: Bryan Adams, a Canadian born rock star that gained popularity in the 80's, would be proud of my latest trade! Find out why under Current Trades.

11/05/09: Randy: I got my first international inquiry! All the way from London! Nothing ever came from it, but for me it was exciting to find out that word is spreading around the internet about what I trying to accomplish!

10/21/09: Randy: Just posted a GREAT TRADE for the oil painting!

9/26/09: Randy: Posted 2 more trades today! If you are a fan of beer or like to decorate your home, you might want to see what I traded for the leather military map case and paper shredder!

9/24/09: Randy: What is red and white and loves bananas? My latest trade! I have a couple more coming that I will try and get posted this weekend. It has been a great week!

9/17/09: Randy: I just spent the last 3 days shooting, and editing a video to answer some of the most common questions people ask me. Check it out both on YouTube (search for Swap With Me) and also on the front page of swapstartmybiz.com!

9/14/09: Randy: I just posted another trade. This was very cool! It was sort of an unusual trade, but a most worthy one! I do not think I have ever seen a promotional cooler, but I liked it! I hope someone else does too!

8/22/09: Randy: I just updated the web site by adding a "News Room". The "News Room" can be used by reporters to download my Press Releases. I will also post any articles about my quest to raise capital as well as any interviews that May happen to do. Currently, I have one Press Release posted and one article written about what I am trying to do. Check out the "News Room".

8/16/09: Randy: I just listed a authentic, Hand-Made, Navajo Indian, #8 Spider web Turquoise Ring. Check it out and trade me for it!

8/15/09: Randy: Got another trade this weekend! I will try and get it posted tomorrow.

8/15/09: Randy: An article about me, the trading up and what I am trying to accomplish came out today in the Loveland Connection. It is a great article that really captures the feeling behind why am doing what I am doing! I will post it to the web site when I get a chance.

8/11/09: Randy: I just sent out a Press Release about SwapstartMyBiz.com and what I am hoping to accomplish! Here's hoping for some positive attention and some amazing trading!

7/26/09: Randy: I had 2 exceptionally great trades today! I met "Amy" at the American Furniture Warehouse this morning on I-25. Amy and her brother, David, were extremely nice. It was really nice of them to go out of their way and meet me half-way. Amy saw my ad on Craigslist and wanted a lariat rope for her 3-year-old son. Seems he likes to play cowboy and has been using the dog's leash to rope a steer head...picturing that in my mind really made me crack up. I know it's because I used to do the exact same thing, except instead of a steer head, I used to "rope" "Grunk", a large green frog my grandmother made me, and drag him everywhere...even "riding" him down the stairs! It was one of my favorite toys growing up. Thanks Amy and David for making the drive to meet me. Amy, I hope your son enjoys the rope!

6/22/09: Randy: Whoo Hooooo! I just had my 3000th hit on my web site! I wasn't sure I could generate that kind of traffic in just 3 months! Keep referring people to my web site!

6/21/09: Randy: Happy Father's Day! Give Dad a hug or a call and let him know you love him!

6/8/09: Randy: Father's Day is coming up real fast! Make it special by giving him the issue of National Geographic from the month and year he was born!

5/23/09: Randy: Just a quick update. I am starting to see signs of trading coming back. Seems the Craigslist scare is starting to subside and more people are checking out what I have to trade...Yayyyyyy!

I had to make a hard decision this last week. I was offered a very nice cultured marble bathtub for the glass-block window by Andrew. Definitely a "Bigger & Better" item, but I turned it down. I don't think there are very many people in the area that are in need of a pre owned bathtub. I hope I don't regret it. If you are in the market for a very nice bathtub...email me and I will get you in touch with Andrew! I hope in the future I will be able to trade with him.

I also have someone who is wanting to trade for some magazines and possible become a sponsor. All we need to do is find a convenient time and place.

5/10/09: Randy: Happy Mother's Day! Mothers, thank you for all the hard work, dedication, love and sacrifices you show on behalf of your family. Enjoy this day set aside just to celebrate you!

5/6/09: Randy: It's been a while since I have posted an entry, so I thought I would go ahead and update everyone on my progress and make sure you knew I was still alive and trying my best to reach my goal. The last month has been slow in the way of trading, but I haven't given up. I blame the "Craigslist Killer" for the slowdown. I have had a few inquiries here and there on some items, but not like it was before the media hype. I am optimistic that given time, the trading will pick up.

4/22/09: Randy: I'm not sure of how many of you follow the news, but one of the biggest news stories this week was the pursuit and capture of the "Craigslist Killer". From what I understand, he would meet with women who advertised their "services" on Craigslist and then rob them. The last one he killed. To be honest, I hadn't heard of him or about his horrendous crimes until after they caught him. From what I have read though, it sounds like they got the right guy. I hope so.

This news story hits close to home for me as I am posting all of my trades on Craigslist and once a trade is agreed upon, I ask complete stranger to set up a time and a place to swap with me. Although meeting someone for the first time is the best part of what I am doing, I can understand especially now, how that might feel intimidating or be uncomfortable.

I want anyone reading this blog and contemplating trading with me to know that I always strive and prefer to make the trades in very public areas of your choosing, not mine. I will not ask for your address or phone number and please know that you are more than welcome to bring as many friends or family members as you would like to the swap. I will not be offended, in fact, I would welcome them, plus it would be great to have them there to take the "trading" photo!

If you should have any concerns that are keeping you from trading with me ask a friend, co-worker or family member to make the trade for you. I really do not mind. Just make sure that they understand that they will need to "pose" for a photo with me in your place.

4/16/09: Randy: Spring is here and Summer is not far behind! I just posted a piece of exercise equipment that was donated to me!

4/13/09: Randy: I hope everyone had a a great Easter. I know we did. I'm still not hungry.

I got a great suggestion from Helen to list the items I am trading on Yahoo Classifieds. I'll be getting that done this week. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can get more exposure to the items I am trading or my cause, please send them in to me at Randy@swapstartmybiz.com.

4/9/09: Randy: I've posted all the items available for trade on Facebook, Craigslist, and this web site. If anyone has any other suggestions on where I could post the items on-line so that I can get more exposure, please let me know.

4/5/09: Randy: I just posted my first out-of-state trade! I consider it "most excellent!"

4/4/09: Randy: I apologize again for taking so long to get this week's trades posted. There is still one left to post, but I wanted to double check something before I posted it. I should have it up by tomorrow night. You should check out the 6 new items I posted. Read the stories behind the trades in the Meet "The Swappers" section.

4/2/09: Randy: I think I really let everyone down this week. I meant to have all the new trades up by now but I just couldn't find enough time to get it all done. Time just wasn't my friend this week! I hope to have them up by Saturday night!

3/30/09: Randy: WOW, this week is shaping up to be a busy one. I just received my first out-of-state trade up, and its a spectacular one! This one came all the way from Minnesota. Still working on getting them all photographed and ready to post.

3/29/09: Randy: Whew! Boy am I tired! I just spent the morning driving to Denver for three different trades. Got lost a couple of times, but I met with some very nice and interesting people this morning and made some good trades! I will try and get the trades up on the web site later this week. I can't wait to tell you about everyone I traded with. I think you will find them interesting as well. Keep telling people about what I am doing, it's working!

3/26/09: Randy: Is it the snow??? I don't know but there's been some more interest in trading! I have one solid offer that I have accepted. Hopefully we will be able to do the trade this weekend as long as the weather permits! I've also been contacted about three other trade items as well, but those are in the works! Stay tuned!

3/25/09: Randy: Alrighty! I made the changes I wanted to make and they might seem small or insignificant, but I feel the changes I made might help me reach my goal. I changed 2 things in the web site. The first is a name change to the "Sponsor's" web page. As you can see, I am now calling it "Sponsor's Showcase". Instead of asking for $100 to be a sponsor on my web site, I am accepting items to trade.

The "Sponsor's Showcase" section is dedicated to your skills, your services, your business! I am offering you the opportunity to promote and showcase your business products or services. Not only will you get an ad on the Sponsor's Showcase page and a link to your web site, if you have one, but you will also be featured in the "Meet the Swapper's" section as well. My goal is to promote you and your services personally and professionally, giving your customers the opportunity to learn more about you and what you do. As I said before, this web site is not all about me, it's about you too.

The second update is that I added 2 more items up for trade. These items were donated by Kelly from BBQ Bob's. His donations were the perfect way for me to illustrate the changes to the Sponsor's Showcase section and the Current Trades section. In the Sponsor's Showcase section you will see an ad for BBQ Bob's and in the Meet the Swapper's section you will learn more about Kelly and how I met him and why he wanted to help me.

For the record, I can not take credit for the changes. A visitor to the web site named Julie liked what she saw, but felt that promoting you and your business would be even more beneficial to my cause. I couldn't agree more! Check out the changes and let me know what you think!

3/24/09: Randy: I spent the last 2 days updating and rearranging the web site. I need to double check all the links and spell check it. I hope to upload the revised pages tomorrow. I will have some additional trades posted as well.

3/21/09: Randy: Today's swap didn't happen. Not sure what happened, but I am hopeful that we can reschedule.

3/18/09: Randy: Its been several days since I last blogged and many of you have been asking for an update. I have had several inquiries on many of the items. If you are interested in anything that I have already "swapped" for or any of the National Geographic magazines, keep in mind that it is a first come, first serve basis.

I have received a couple of trade offers, including my first from the Denver area that I am waiting to hear back from. The other one is from the Timnath area and I am hoping to complete that trade this weekend.

I would like to say "Thank You" again to Julie. She took the time to email me again and further explained her suggestion about the web site. I like her suggestion and I am going to give it a try. I hope to implement it by the middle of next week. Please continue to check the web site and spread the word on what I am trying to accomplish.

3/16/09: Randy: WOW! I just received an email with some very sage advice!!! I hope to learn more! Thank you Julie!

3/15/09: Randy: I spent a good part of the weekend making some changes to the web site. Besides posting several more trades which you definitely need to look at, I have added two features that I hope visitors will enjoy.

The first feature is one that I hope everyone will enjoy. It's a new section called Meet "The Swappers". This is your chance to see and meet the people I've met and find out why they traded with me. You'll learn the unique and various reasons why they traded something of theirs for old National Geographic magazines. I think you will find it interesting.

The second feature is another way for you to interact with me and the web site, as well as other visitors. I've added a Guestbook/Post a Message section. If you have any thoughts or comments on the web site or anything else related to what I am doing, or if you just want to sign the Guestbook, you can do that. I believe that any feedback offered can only help me to succeed. I hope to hear from everyone that visits!

I'll be spending the rest of the day writing a Press Release to see if I can't get more exposure to the web site. If anyone has any additional ideas for how to get the word out, I would love to hear them.

3/12/09: Randy: Two more items went up for trade tonight. I'll get to the rest of the items that need to be posted later on this weekend (I bet you can't wait to see what I have traded for). I know people are excited to see new items but it takes a while to play photographer, web designer and administrator. : ) I'm having fun though!

Just so you know, I have a new idea for the web site, but before I reveal it, I will need to build it. I'm going to try and get it done this weekend. Keep checking back on what is up for trade, and look around your house and see if there is anything you want to trade me. I've had several inquiries for some of the various items ...especially the massage. Seems people are a bit stressed these days and I am willing to bet it has something to do with the news and the economy. I would suggest that if you are thinking of trading for the massage, that you submit your trade offer sooner rather than later. You don't want to miss out! Remember, tell you friends, family, neighbors and coworkers what I am trying to do. I can't do it without you.

3/11/09: Randy: I was able to get some of the items I traded for, photographed and up on the web, but I still have several more to go. Keep checking back and please tell your friends, family, and co-workers about what I am doing. Thank you.

3/09/09: Randy: I woke up this morning and after checking email I feel like I won the lottery. I woke up to 9...count them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 trade offers, 1 sponsorship and 1 donation. My day just got full!

3/09/09: Randy: Sorry I didn't get my first trade up yesterday...we really needed to do taxes and it takes a lot out of me and my wife...I love you Sweetheart!

3/08/09: Randy: OK, I know many of you are wondering how my first trade went and when I am going to post it. I am going to try and get the new item(s) photographed and posted today. I have to say that my first trade went well, but not without a small hitch. I met with a wonderful lady named Gina. We had initially agreed to trade August 1966 for a "like new" desk lamp or a glass pearl necklace. Unfortunately, right before we met, she discovered the lamp no longer worked. So she improvised and brought a box of several different items. I'll admit I was a little disappointed, only because I was looking forward to trading for the lamp, but on the other hand I am thankful to her for being honest with me and not sticking me with a broken lamp that I would not have been able to trade up. This first trade was an eye opener and has taught me several things that I would like to share:

  1. I need to be flexible. I think I accomplished that!
  2. I really need to step outside myself and be objective with every trade. The items I traded for are definitely a trade up! They just do not appeal to me as a "guy" and I have to remember that it isn't about me, but about you. You are someone who I do not know. I have no clue what would interest you or what it would take to get you to trade with me. All I know for sure is, you are not me.
  3. Everybody has a reason for wanting to be a part of this adventure. Gina's reason for wanting to swap with me was a very unique one. I could try to to tell you her story as to why she wanted to trade with me for the August 1966 issue, but I do not think I could do it justice. So what I would like to do is invite Gina to email her story to me and the reaction of the the person she got the magazine for and I will post it in my blog.
  4. This revelation was mind-blowing. I saw first hand that this crazy idea is going to work. I believe Gina was just as excited as I was to make the "swap". If she wasn't, I do not think she would have met with me after finding out the lamp was broken or put together a box of different items to trade.
  5. Lastly, this was the first baby step towards fulfilling my dream of starting a business. It was a small, shaky one, but an important step in the right direction. Thank you Gina!

3/08/09: Randy: I like this blog, but it is very one-sided. I am going to work on setting up a guestbook area that so that you can post your thoughts and feelings.

3/08/09: Randy: I have accepted another offer to trade which is pending upon receipt of the item. I think this one is a good trade. It is coming from out of state so it may be a while before it gets posted.

3/08/09: Randy: In case you didn't know, I am on Facebook. Do a search for me (Randy Kady) on Facebook and become my "friend". I also have a "Group" that you can join called "Swapstartmybiz.com". I would love for more people to join my group and become my friend so invite your "friends."

3/07/09: Randy: I just received another trade offer that I have accepted. I will post that item on Monday/Tuesday. For anyone reading this...I am having fun!

3/06/09: Randy: Whoo Hoo...I've set up my first trade for tomorrow! Check back to see what I traded for.

3/06/09: Randy: Got the Craigslist posting fixed...I guess I needed to post under "Books & Magazines" not under "Barter"...Go figure!

3/06/09: Randy: Woke up this morning and checked email. I got a message that my Craigslist posting had been flagged and removed. Not sure who or why. I read the terms before and just now again. I can see this may not be as easy as I thought.

3/5/09: Randy: HOLY DONUT HOLES BATMAN! I just started posting my idea on FaceBook, MySpace, and Craigslist and I have already received a couple of offers and several calls from family! This is going to an adventure!

3/05/09: Randy: I just picked my son up from his friend's and he was very pleased with himself...Seems he and his friends tried to play "Bigger and Better" in the neighborhood. They started with a tennis ball and traded it up to a kickball, then they traded the kickball up to a cat cube (whatever that is) and the cat cube got traded up to a basketball (the guy with the basketball didn't want the cat cube so now they have two items to trade up). They are planning on continuing the game tomorrow.

3/05/09: Randy: I posted the website to Craigslist and registered the site to the search engines.

3/01/09: Randy: I posted my website on the internet and now I'm waiting for my world to change.

Disclaimer: Other than owning decades of National Geographic magazines, I am not affiliated or associated with the National Geographic organization in any way, shape, or form. I have not been paid any compensation by the National Geographic organization for my endorsement or this web site. However, in my opinion, National Geographic is an incredible educational organization and they deserve your support. Please visit them at: www.nationalgeographic.com