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Nebraska Business Development Center Overview
NBDC is a hidden treasure to many Nebraska business owners according to Odee Ingersoll, Director of the Nebraska Business Development Center at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. NBDC is a one-stop shop for new, expanding and exiting business owners. Most services are free and include services such as loan packaging, premium market research, and business planning. Fee-based premium services include business valuations, manufacturing efficiency, and exit strategies. 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
How To Become An Entrepreneur
Larry Humberstone and Pam Gunderson of PJ Lawrence and Associates (Omaha, NE) discuss key concepts individuals need to consider when starting a business. Individuals must discover their passion for the business, understand what drives them to succeed and consider whether the market is also interested in their passion and business idea. Individuals must be self-motivated to further research the idea. Use the Internet and mentors to help refine the idea. Write down the ideas, make connections, and take action. Validate what works and what doesn’t. When moving from idea to concept, Larry says there must be pain. That is, individuals now move from a comfortable position to putting personal credibility or financial commitment on the line for the business. (http://pjlawrenceassociates.com/) View Video
Applying the Cooperative Business Model
Jim Crandall, Program Coordinator of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, (http://ncdc.unl.edu) University of Nebraska-Lincoln details the services provided by NCDC: formation discussions, feasibility studies, board of directors training, building membership, and marketing the products. As a cooperative boardof directors one does have legal responsibility to the membership to create a successful business. The cooperative business model can be powerful if done correctly. Contact Nebraska Cooperative Development Center (http://ncdc.unl.edu) . View Video
Understanding the Cooperative Business Model
Be a price maker through the Cooperative Business model. Jim Crandall, Program Coordinator of the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (http://ncdc.unl.edu), showcases the Cooperative model and how it works as a business structure or marketing association. An advantage is the cooperative’s ability to access larger markets by aggregating products and increasing price through volume. Individual investments are financial as well as time and talents. There are 26 similar organizations across the United States. Contact Nebraska Cooperative Development Center (http://ncdc.unl.edu) View Video
Bringing a Food Product to Market
Add value to your farm or business by developing a food product and moving it to market. Jill Gifford, Program Manager at the Food Processing Center (FPC) (http://fpc.unl.edu), University of Nebraska-Lincoln talks about the processes needed to get a food product developed and on the grocery shelf. On the average it takes about one year and at least $35,000 to develop a new food product. Most difficult areas are converting the kitchen recipe to a manufacturing situation and package development that follows regulations and attracts the consumer. Contact the Food Processing Center for additional information (http://fpc.unl.edu). View Video
Assistance for the Food Entrepreneur
Where does one go to get help getting their family recipe into the food market? Jill Gifford, Program Manager at the Food Processing Center (FPC) (http://fpc.unl.edu), University of Nebraska-Lincoln highlights how the Food Entrepreneur Assistance Program can help the business owner move from the kitchen recipe to the consumer. Recommended FPC steps are: (1) food industry overview training, (2) develop a business plan, (3) develop the business and product, (4) address regulatory issues, and (5) design packaging and sales tools. Contact the Food Processing Center for additional information (http://fpc.unl.edu) View Video
Landing Government Contracts
Landing government contracts is not easy but a possibility. Jeffrey Hicks, Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSI) (http://www.21csi.com) details 21CSI’s experience accessing defense contracts through the SBIR (Small Business Innovation and Research) grant program. The plus is that a company can follow both a commercial and government application of the products at the same time. 21CSI has a balance of R&D, government contracts and commercial products. (http://www.21csi.com) View Video
Local Economic Developer is a Source of Assistance
Kevin Wilkins, Certified Economic Developer located at the Greater Fremont Development Council (Fremont, NE) describes how a community economic developer assists a business with community demographics, location assessments, gap financing, and helping owners succeed in their community. http://www.gfdc.net View Video
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