Use the following files and discussion questions to teach face-to-face sessions:

1. The Internet and The Manager – This presentation will set the stage for the entire workshop.
• PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 20 minutes)
• Possible discussion questions:
• Discuss the growth of the Internet in the United States. What do you think will happen in the next five, ten, and twenty years?
• Explain how the Internet is organized.
• What is a browser?
• What is the difference between hardware and software? Name an example of each.
• What is e-Commerce?


2. The Internet as a Communications Tool – This presentation will discuss the five reasons or purposes for business communication. It will also introduce and provide examples of the many electronic communications methods available to farm business owners.
   • PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 25 minutes)
   • Possible discussion questions:
   • What issues do you need to consider in the quest for successful communication?
   • List the five reasons for business communications. What is the importance of each?
   • List and discuss three Internet-based tools for communication.
   • What is Netiquette?
   • Discuss advantages and disadvantages of each of the communication tools.


3. Business Planning and Market Research on the Internet – This presentation will highlight the business/marketing planning process. Participants will also learn how the Internet can be used to conduct business and marketing research.
   • PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 45 minutes)
   • Possible discussion questions:
   • Identify and describe the four major steps of the business planning process.
   • How might the Internet help you to complete a SWOT analysis?
   • Describe the difference between an objective and a goal.
   • Describe how you may be able to find information about your industry on the Internet.
   • Describe how you may be able to find information about your competitors on the Internet.


4. e-Commerce: Buying and Selling on the Internet – This presentation focuses on methods to buy and sell, with close attention to shopping cart technologies.
   • PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 25 minutes)
   • Possible discussion questions:
   • Name at least two different methods of making sales using your own website.
   • What are some important considerations for establishing a shopping cart on your website?
   • Describe what is meant by the term “online mall.”
   • How can you ensure customers that they may purchase with confidence on your site?


5. Developing & Maintaining Your Own Website – This presentation focuses heavily on managerial aspects such as choosing whether to develop a site yourself or have it done by someone else, for example.
   • PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 25 minutes)
   • Possible discussion questions
   • What should you consider when deciding whether to develop a website for your business?
   • What steps should be followed in the development of a website (as outlined in the curriculum)?
   • What issues should you consider when choosing a domain name?
   • Is it possible to purchase and register a domain name without creating a website? What would be the advantage to doing so?
   • What basic information should you always include on a website?
   • List some mistakes that people make when designing a website.
   • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to developing a website yourself and hiring a professional to create one for you.
   • What are the hallmarks of a well-designed website?
   • What issues need to be considered when choosing a hosting service?
   • What is the importance of website monitoring?
   • Why do websites need to be updated?
   • Is there a rule for how often to updates websites?
   • What should determine the frequency with which websites are updated?
   • What is one method discussed in the curriculum for improving a website? How can it assist in website improvement?


6. Promoting Your Website – This presentation should provide a broad overview of the importance of promoting the website as well as methods to promote the site.
   • PowerPoint presentation (time needed: about 20 minutes)
   • Possible discussion questions:
   • Discuss the importance of website promotion.
   • List the tactics covered in the curriculum for promoting your business's website.
   • What is the difference between title Meta tag, description Meta tag, and keyword Meta tag?
   • Describe the advantages and disadvantages to each of the promotion tactics.
   • Can you think of other promotion tactics not covered in the curriculum?


7. Course Review
   • PowerPoint presentation
   • Possible discussion points:
   • Describe the role of the Internet and e-commerce in the current business environment.
   • Describe the benefits that the Internet and e-commerce can provide to your business.