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Green Industry is Still Evolving
Michael Shonka, owner of Solar Heat & Electric (Omaha, NE), provides insight into renewal energy opportunities in Nebraska. Tax credits are available to help homeowners and businesses install solar panels, etc. to reduce electric consumption. (Check with the IRS to verify that these tax credits are still available). In Nebraska, space and water heating are the two largest needs which can be met by a solar-electric system. Like most states, Nebraskans now have net-metering which allows entities to sell electricity to and buy from the electrical grid. Wind energy is still evolving for urban use but does work well for rural areas. Technology is still evolving for the ethanol and methane industry. The challenges are applicability and financing. (http://www.solaromaha.com) View Video
Environmental Opportunities for Entrepreneurs
Michael Shonka, owner of Solar Heat & Electric (Omaha, NE), shares his ideas on upcoming green entrepreneurial opportunities. If you are considering growing green, look for a niche market that has a revenue stream with long-term potential. New federal legislation will open opportunities. Possible businesses include: Energy consultant – assess how companies use energy and how they can reduce consumption and costs. A “sustainability coordinator” — company-wide evaluation of energy costs and long-term impacts of processes. Other green demands will be in reconstruction, engineering, and research. (http://www.solaromaha.com) View Video
A Lifetime Experience of Farmers’ Markets
Robert and Ruth Johnson, owners of Johnson Farm Vegetables and Melons (North Bend, NE) share their 25 years of experience with Farmers’ Market. First step is to prepare the produce and package according to the sell, bulk or pre-packaged. Rent vending space by the season so people know where you are located each week at the market, bring own tent for cover. Price is set by comparison with retail stores or other market vendors. Customers vary – young and old, high and low incomes, ethnic groups. Customers are curious how product is raised and where it comes from. It’s important to establish a relationship with customers. Provide value and share recipes with customers. Information on available produce and a new recipe is add to their website each week. (http://johnsonfarmnebraska.com) View Video
Community Networking Revitalizes Business
Angela Graham, owner Graham Gallery (Hastings, NE), explains how a developing a network of local artists and supporters has kept her business growing over the past 12-years. Now boasting 80 artists, Angela sees the benefit of continuing to facilitate her artist, customer and business networks. Each month, Graham Gallery features local artists and heavily promotes the gallery and their works. Artistic diversity also helps to expand the networks by drawing in additional customers. Downtown businesses, including a coffee shop, bread store, and bookstore, share the same customer base and work to develop a community culture, one that is creating a downtown resurgence. (http://www.graham-gallery.com) View Video
Art, Design and Business
Sally Buss, owner of Sally Buss Sculpture and Art (Heartwell, NE), is a creative person who specializes in transforming mundane farm implements into treasured works of art. Art, like innovation, is an experiment that requires flexibility in the original plan. Flexible planning is also required when owning an artisan business. Sally developed a business plan to help guide her and keep her finances on track. Having went through the NebraskaEDGE business training, Sally developed greater confidence in how she was managing her business operations. (http://www.sculpturesbysally.com) View Video
Expanding Capacity with Interns
Dan Shundoff, Owner/President of Intellicom, Inc. (Kearney, NE) expands the capacity of his business through internships. By working with the nearby University, Dan developed an internship program that works for his business. More than 50% of the current staff had, at one time in their career, participated in the internship program. It’s hard work to provide a high quality experience for the students. First step is to build a job description with a start and end point. Once the task is completed and the credit hours reached, the internship is over. Interns with exceptional quality are then identified and hired as staff within the company. (http://www.intellicominc.com) View Video
Value of Technology Applications
Dan Shundoff, Owner/President of Intellicom, Inc. (Kearney, NE) states that technology is the competitive edge small businesses need. Having the correct line of business application for your industry is mission critical. These industry-specific software programs help to run the company, sales, and management of people. The key is getting value out of the investment and customizing it to your needs. Decide how critical the immediacy of communication is and purchase accordingly. Software and hardware, including mobile devices, need to provide business value and purpose. Use of virtual services help to reduce annual techology investments and allows businesses to pay for services monthly. (http://www.intellicominc.com) View Video
Importance of Agricultural Tax Planning
Tina Barrett, Executive Director of the Nebraska Farm Business, Inc. discusses farm tax issues common to farm operations. Minimizing the tax burden is critical to a farm business. Planning one to two years ahead helps the producer situate themselves so they are not paying for more taxes than necessary. Read more
The Emotional Side of Business Leadership
Jim Meier, President of Training and Consulting Connection (Omaha, NE) highlights three factors for success: believe in yourself; really, really want it; and do the work, both physically and mentally. Self-knowledge is an important factor as is leadership. You can be the visionary leader, the networking, collaborative leader, or the operational leader. Most people don’t possess all three leadership skills so you need to find others who help fill the void. Find someone you trust for advice and in turn, be coachable. Find people who can help you clarify your ideas, challenge or confront your concepts and nurture your soul. (www.tccomaha.com) View Video
Knowing your Business Self
Jim Meier, President and Championship Thinking Coach, owns the Training and Consulting Connection (Omaha, NE). Jim uses sports psychology and philosophy as it relates to business. In most situations, the biggest competitor is him or her self. Small business owners need to “really” believe in themselves and know how to management the doubts. Most business owners over estimate themselves in the sense of understanding all the difference facets of entrepreneurship that are needed to be successful. The business owner must understand their ‘blind spots” and know when to seek assistance. (www.tccomaha.com) View Video
