Many attendees caught the final NAMM University Breakfast Session to find out the show's must-see products, selected by the panel members. “Best in Show—This Year's Hottest Products” was moderated by Frank Alkyer and featured panelists Greg Billings, Ted Eschliman, Alan Friedman, Pete Gamber, Zach Phillips, Liane Rockley and Victor
Salazar.

Rock god and media mogul Gene Simmons dropped by the NAMM U Breakfast Session on Thursday morning at the 2009 NAMM Show to share his unique perspectives on marketing and succeeding despite the odds. Even though NAMM President Joe Lamond barely got a word in edgewise, Gene mesmerized attendees with his quick wit and savvy business advice.

NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond discusses the current state of the industry and how the NAMM University Breakfast Sessions will help provide Members with answers, ideas and a plan of action for the year ahead.  

NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond interviews Mitsuru "Mick" Umemura, the President of of Yamaha Corporation Japan, about his career, the lessons he's learned over the years and how his company plans to move forward in today's uncertain economic climate.

To achieve success, you need to stay open to new and innovative ways to do business. In this segment, NAMM President/CEO Joe Lamond interviews three young, passionate retailers who  are doing exactly that: Jason Tavaria of Dolphin Music, Liverpool, England; Scott Silver of Chicago Music Exchange, Chicago, Ill.; and Billy Cuthrell of Progressive Music Center, Raleigh, N.C.

Change is a constant in our industry. That's why it's more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve. In this NAMM U Breakfast Session, moderator Bill Hinely addresses the new technologies, trends and social shifts that are now providing our industry with a variety of challenges and opportunities.

Make your store's Web site stand out from the rest. Danny Rocks shares an idea to post video of your store employees or customers playing their favorite instruments purchased from your store.

This record-setting Breakfast Session left attendees inspired and motivated to breathe new life into their businesses as hosts Alan Friedman and Danny Rocks served up "25 Ideas for Improving Your Business--NOW!" These great ideas aren't just theories; instead, they're practical, dealer-tested tips shared by some of NAMM's most successful retail members.

It's easy to make assumptions about customers.  Sometimes we fail to address the real reason why a customer visits our store.  Establishing the customer’s purpose is an integral step in the “Participative Sales Process.”  Likewise, qualifying the customer’s needs is one of the most valuable skills for a salesperson to understand and practice.  When you are able to properly qualify your customer

During this NAMM U session, master retailer George Hines of George’s Music shared his sales-warrior know-how by discussing opportunities that arise after the selling process. Hines called this the “sell after the sale” and stated, “It’s really about the long-term customer, not just a short-term event.” Discover his best practices—and what they could mean to your business.