NCI Cereal Innovators Webinar Series | Neil Doty and Delore Zimmerman
Neil Doty Ph. D., NCI Business Development Manager
Each month, NCI updates the “Cereal Innovators” series that offers insight into the world of baking and cereal grains. This month’s webinar participants were treated to a Cereal Foods Manufacturing Start-Up Guide. This presentation featured two special guests: Dr. Neil Doty, Business Development Manager at the Northern Crops Institute, and Dr. Delore Zimmerman, President, and CEO of the Praxis Strategy Group.
During this hour-long presentation, participants understood the basics of a Cereal-Gain Business Start-Up Guide. Dr. Doty encouraged participants to begin this process with a self-assessment. Having the interest, energy, and a strong commitment are just a few ways that viewers can assess themselves. Often, businesses solve problems and understanding problems that arise for people daily can help create a business plan or idea.
Dr. Doty also noted that writing a business plan is essential for starting a business. Entrepreneurs need to do these things on their own. Dr. Doty has found that if individuals hire outside professionals to do their work, their businesses will likely fail. The reason behind this is to help the individual genuinely understand the ins and outs of their business plan. Dr. Doty said, “Starting a business is not like a regular job. You don’t end at 5 pm. You have to give it a lot more time and effort.”
Delore Zimmerman Ph.D., Praxis Strategy Group President and CEO
The Opportunity Assessment Model is also an essential part of a business plan. It will help individuals decide what the best course of action is when it comes to starting their own cereal-grain business. Delore Zimmerman told the audience that most people looking for advice will start the discussion by asking, “Is this a good business idea for anyone?” This is a pivotal question to determine whether to continue with this venture or abandon the idea altogether. If the business idea is suitable for anyone, it aligns with the personal resources, and the available resources and skills; it’s time to develop the business plan.
Delore gave participants insight into what business model to use depending on the business venture. Delore said, “It’s important to think about all aspects of a multi-faceted, concurrent approach.” He gave this advice to aid in any backtracking that might have to be done if all factors are not considered. Delore also stressed the importance of having a great team to improve ideas or business plans. It never hurts to have more help with individuals who have different expertise.
Northern Crops Institute greatly appreciates Neil Doty and Delore Zimmerman’s professional input and involvement in our webinar series. At NCI, we continue to work towards fulfilling our mission to support regional agriculture and value-added processing by conducting educational and technical programs that expand and maintain domestic and international markets for northern grown crops.
For more information about future webinars offered at NCI, click here
To view today’s webinar, click the recording below!