success.htm

General guidelines for success...

Cooperative Development Institute
P.O. Box 244
South Deerfield, MA 01373
phone: 1-877- NE COOPS, 413-665-1271
fax: 413-541-8300
info@cdi.coop

The Keep Local Farms program connects consumers with New England dairy farmers through promotion of all dairy products, education on farm activities and the potential for consumers to directly support dairy farmer-members of the New England Family Dairy Farm Cooperative. If you are interested in local food production, productive open land and your local community – click to learn more about the Keep Local Farms program.

1. Keep your focus

2. Keep members informed and involved

3. Build strong member leadership and commitment

4. Set realistic goals and assumptions

5. Conduct businesslike meetings

6. Follow sound business practices

7. Base decisions on market research rather than opinions

8. Create a comprehensive business plan

9. Use advisors and committees effectively

10. Forge links with other cooperatives

11. Identify and minimize risks

12. Maintain honest open communications

13. Invest in member, board, and staff education

14. Hire competent management

15. Raise sufficient capital

16. Establish a realistic market entry strategy

17. Make sure you have enough product to sell to a large enough market to make money.

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