Workshop      on        Effective         Sales    And     Marketing      Strategies        for Entrepreneurs

Department of MBA in Association with Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC),

St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru, organized a workshop on ‘Effective Sales and Marketing Strategies for Entrepreneurs’ ,on 16 February 2026which aimed to provide students with practical insights into entrepreneurship, marketing, and sales strategies. The workshop was conducted by ProfVenkateshGoudar, Research Associate – Marketing , SDMIMD , Mysore who guided the participants through the concepts in a structured and engaging manner.

Professor Goudar commenced the session by explaining the 7 Ps of marketing, stating that Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Physical Evidence, and Process collectively define the framework through which businesses deliver value to their customers. He emphasized that a strong understanding of these elements is essential for achieving customer satisfaction, establishing a brand identity, and ensuring business growth.

Following this, the discussion moved to understanding entrepreneurship. Professor Goudar conveyed that entrepreneurship involves identifying opportunities, addressing customer problems, taking calculated risks, and creating sustainable value. He highlighted that a business opportunity arises when a genuine customer need is coupled with a willingness to pay for its solution. He further stressed that validating ideas before committing resources is crucial to avoid failure.

The session then focused on industry insights, where students were informed about the functioning of various sectors, their challenges, and emerging opportunities. Professor Goudar explained that knowledge of industry trends and competitor strategies equips entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and identify market gaps that can be leveraged for innovation.

The importance of market research and analysis was also highlighted. It was explained that understanding the target audience, assessing market demand, and evaluating competitor offerings are vital for making data-driven decisions. Professor Goudar advised that effective research reduces risk and increases the likelihood of business success.

The discussion on branding emphasized that a brand is more than a logo or name; itis the perception that customers develop based on their experiences and interactions withabusiness.ProfessorGoudarclarifiedthatstrongbrandingcreatesdifferentiation, encourages customer loyalty, and allows businesses to command a premium in the market.

Digital marketing and establishing an online presence were then addressed. Professor Goudar stated that platforms such as Google, Instagram, WhatsApp Business, and Facebook Business are powerful tools for visibility and engagement.He explained strategies like content marketing, influencer collaborations, referral campaigns, and targeted advertising as practical methods for reaching and retaining customers in a competitive marketplace.

The workshop further covered sales strategies, where Professor Goudar explained consultative selling, value-based selling, upselling, cross-selling, and handling customerobjections effectively. Heemphasizedthat trust,credibility, andrelationship building are essential for converting prospects into long-term customers.

Students were also informed about the reasons for startup failure, which included lack of market fit, poor financial management, operational inefficiencies, weak team coordination, and non-compliance with legal requirements. Professor Goudar highlighted that careful planning, disciplined execution, and continuous monitoring are key to avoiding these pitfalls.

CustomerRelationshipManagement(CRM) was discussedasacrucialpracticefor sustaining business growth. It was suggested that maintaining customer databases, regular follow-ups, personalizedservices, andfeedback mechanisms helpin nurturing long-term customer loyalty, even in the absence of advanced softwaresystems.

To provide practical application of the concepts, an interactive group activity was conducted. Students were divided into 10 teams and asked to develop a business idea addressing a public problem under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Each team prepared a Business Model Canvas, detailing their value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structure. Professor Goudar observed and guided theteams, highlighting theimportance of strategicthinking, creativity, andteamwork.

The workshop concluded with Professor Goudar reinforcing the significance of integrating marketing, branding, sales strategies, and customer management toachieve sustainable entrepreneurial success. He stated that a customer-centric approach, combined with consistent effort and strategic planning, forms the foundation of successful ventures. Overall, the session was described as highly informative, practical, and motivating, equipping students with actionable knowledge to approach entrepreneurship with confidence and professionalism.