NxBizSuccess » Resources

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

Nebraska Business Development Center Overview

Tonia Franklin — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:39 +0000

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. Check out their website for a list of all services provided. Offices are located in Omaha, Lincoln, Auburn, Kearney, Wayne, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and Chadron. (http://www.nbdcunk.com) (http://nbdc.unomaha.edu)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

How To Become An Entrepreneur

Tonia Franklin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:20:01 +0000

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

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Applying the Cooperative Business Model

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:14:52 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:19 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:48:14 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:34:18 +0000

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

Tonia Franklin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:23:33 +0000

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