The WSU Center for Entrepreneurship is rolling out new training series for entrepreneurs and owners of rural businesses. Growing Rural Businesses is an 11-week certifi cate program providing practical, applied knowledge customized for rural businesses. The cost is only $200 per person, which covers tuition, all materials, and refreshments during the 11 weeks of training. See below for the complete list of topics that will be covered.
The seminar sessions will be held on Fridays, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., starting September 7, 2012 at the Augusta, Kansas Public Safety Facility, 2100 N. Ohio.
For more information or to register, contact:
David A. Alfaro, Director
Butler County Economic Development
(316) 322-4242
or the Center for Entrepreneurship
(316) 978-3000
www.GrowingRuralBusinesses.org
Growing Rural Businesses Entrepreneurial Training Seminar Schedule:
1. Entrepreneurial Mindset for Small Businesses • September 7
Assessing your entrepreneurial spirit; building a business concept statement and vision.
- Dr. Tim Pett, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Professor
2. The Marketing Plan: The Roadmap for Success • September 14
Applying market research and market segmentation, components of a marketing plan.
- Dr. Chris Broberg, Assistant Professor
3. Strategies and Skills for Contract Relationships • September 21
Improving vendor relationships, negotiations, and contracts for positive (win/win) outcomes.
- Mr. Larry Spurgeon (J.D.), Larry Jones Faculty Fellow in Business Ethics and Senior Lecturer
4. Creating Value for Your Customers • September 28
Customer service/consumer behavior, exceeding customer needs before, during and after.
- Dr. Don Hackett, Family Business Fellow and Associate Professor
5. The Nuts and Bolts of Advertising • October 5
Ad strategy, placement, locating and reaching your customers, recognizing target markets.
- Mrs. Dotty Harpool, Director, Barton School Community Initiatives and Instructor
6. Basic Sales Techniques and Practices for Selling • October 12
Selling the concept and the keys of making a sale, identifying a potential customer.
- Dr. Don Hackett, Family Business Fellow and Associate Professor
7. Fundamental Tactics and Approaches of Merchandising • October 19
Point of purchase display, point of sale system, retail pitch plan, approaching gate-keepers.
- Dr. Jim Wol , Kincaid Faculty Fellow and Professor
8. Developing a Comprehensive Promotional Strategy • October 26
Media buying, press releases, how to develop and measure promotional materials.
- Mrs. Dotty Harpool, Director, Barton School Community Initiatives and Instructor
9. Getting the Best From Others: The Employee Factor • November 2
How to attract, retain and dismiss employees, feedback, building team consensus.
- Dr. Gaylen Chandler, Barton Distinguished Chair in Entrepreneurship and Professor
10. Keeping a Financial Focus: Impact on Marketing and Business Operations • November 9
Monitoring critical numbers and nancial control systems of your business.
- Mr. Ron Christy, Director, Kansas Family Business Forum and Instructor
11. Bringing it All Together: Developing an E ective Niche Strategy • November 16
Developing a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Dr. Jim Wol , Kincaid Faculty Fellow and Professor
