NxBizSuccess » Innovation

Green Industry is Still Evolving

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:00:17 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:55:00 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:45:51 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:19:18 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 01:09:04 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:55:45 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:22:55 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:35:33 +0000

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. Actions, such as income averaging, will depend on the farm’s history and current situation. Prepaying input or adding capital purchases are other techniques that can help. It can be difficult balancing decisions based on what is best for managing the farm versus what is best for minimizing taxes. These types of decisions need to be carefully weighed for each farm business. (www.nfbi.com) This video is supported in part by the Nebraska Tax Institute, (http://conferences.unl.edu/tax/). Where the tax professionals go to learn. View Video

The Emotional Side of Business Leadership

Tonia Franklin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:25:36 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:17:26 +0000

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