WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Farmers and rural entrepreneurs often have ideas for niche marketing or an agribusiness, but find themselves coming up short when it comes time to market that idea.

Bigger Profits through Targeted Sales is a one-day, hands-on workshop developed by the New Ventures Team at Purdue University. It is designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to improve their marketing and sales skills.

“I personally had the opportunity to participate last year as a facilitator and thought this was one of the best programs Purdue Extension has developed,” said Kelly Easterday, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County.

“It is hands-on and very interactive. You have the opportunity to network with many different people from various backgrounds. You will leave with an almost completed marketing plan for your business.”

The workshop includes:

•Short presentations to provide the foundation to develop a marketing plan and sales strategy
•An interview with a retail business owner to learn about customers’ perspectives and how to sell to them more effectively
•A series of worksheets and exercises developed especially for the workshop
•Small work group interaction and feedback
•Time to network with other entrepreneurs and small business owners, sharing ideas to help you make your business better

Workshops run from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dates and locations are:

•Oct. 25 - Purdue University, West Lafayette
•Nov. 10 - The Blue Gate Restaurant, Shipshewana
•Nov. 14 - Adams Mark Hotel at the Airport, Indianapolis
•Nov. 17 - The Bauerhaus Event Facility, Evansville

Cost is $100 per person or $85 per person if registered two weeks before the workshop. Register online at www.agecon.purdue.edu/newventures/programs

For more information, call Jane E. Anderson at 765-469-3099 or e-mail jane1@purdue.edu

This farm news was published in the Oct. 18, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.