MISSISSIPPI STATE – Three upcoming webinars addressing e-commerce issues of importance to Mississippi entrepreneurs are being offered free through the Southern Rural Development Center.

Three hour-long webinars are scheduled. Web Site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic Small Businesses will be broadcast Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Marketing Food Specialty Products Online will be offered at 2 p.m. Dec. 3. Electronic Retailing: Selling on the Internet will be offered at 2 p.m. Dec. 10. To participate in the webinars, find links online at http://srdc.msstate.edu/ecommerce/webinar.html.

The sessions are made available through the Southern Rural Development Center as part of the National e-Commerce Extension Initiative and the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

“These interactive sessions are open to any interested person,” said Rachael Carter, an MSU agricultural economist assisting with the events. “To be heard, you must have a microphone on your computer, but this is not necessary if you only want to listen. Those without a microphone also have the option of typing questions or comments into a chat box so the instructor can view and answer them.”

The goal of the primer for Hispanic small businesses is to show how the Internet can open doors for these companies through effective Web site design and online shopping options. Participants will learn how to use the Internet to add value to a Hispanic small business or increase awareness of the products and services provided by these small businesses among Spanish-speaking consumers.

The session on marketing specialty products online will help participants gain skills in online business decision-making and learn to use the vast amount of online marketing options.

The webinar on electronic retailing will move participants past having a Web site to learning how to conduct business and sales online. Insights will be given into what motivates consumer decisions and trends so business owners can make practical choices for efficiency.

Carter said the online format of these seminars allows participants to discuss the material with the instructors in real time.

“Without the Web, participants would not have the advantage of seeing the learning material, hearing it described, and knowing how and where to locate it all at the same time,” Carter said. “Technology has allowed a nationwide audience to preview online learning offerings at the same time in a cost-effective manner.”

To learn more about these upcoming webinars, contact the Southern Rural Development Center at (662) 325-3207 or e-mail Carter at rachaelc@ext.msstate.edu.