Purdue University announced on March 16 that its Center for Food and Agricultural Business has launched a new course to address the demand for more ag sales education.
The “Value of Evidence-Based Sales Decisions” interactive course is being taught by Scott Downey, associate professor of agricultural economics. Downey is also the associate director of the center.
"The business world is changing, so sales professionals need to properly use data to make decisions," Downey said. "When used effectively, data creates knowledge and generates insights that, ultimately, lead to better strategy and long-term success."
The goal of the course is to help individuals learn how profitability is more valuable than total sales volume, as well as how sales equation drivers affect profitability. Students will have access to a complete customer profitability analysis tool.
"We want to give sales professionals the tools they need to be successful in a format that is easy to access," Downey continued.
The distance-learning format will allow students to complete the course within three hours at their own pace. Individuals can enroll in the course for $350 on the Purdue website.
By the end of the course, students will know how to use agricultural industry data in sales and marketing roles. Additionally, they will have the insight they need to analyze information to drive sales and profitability.