Business Thought Leaders to Offer Practical ‘How to’ at Retail Boot Camp During The 2018 NAMM Show

For NAMM members seeking a jumpstart to retail success in 2018, The NAMM Show returns with the perennial favorite: Retail Boot Camp. On Wednesday, January 24, before the Show officially opens, retail business owners, managers, sales personnel, marketers and accountants can rev up their retail and financial know-how through two tracks: Sales, Marketing and Website; or Financial Management. Each track is designed to impart practical, easy-to-implement ideas and business strategies designed to impact the bottom line. Presenters include New York Times best-selling author and customer service expert Shep Hyken; digital marketing pioneer Larry Bailin; and financial experts Alan Friedman and Daniel Jobe of Friedman, Kannenberg & Co.

Retail Boot Camp will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 24 and include a NAMM-sponsored lunch. NAMM members interested in attending Retail Boot Camp are required to RSVP, as seating is limited. RSVP now here: /thenammshow/2018/educational-sessions/nammu/retail-boot-camp

Additional Retail Boot Camp details will be provided upon registration.

Sales, Marketing and Website Track

Create an Amazing Customer Experience—Right Away

Point blank, customer service sets you apart from other music retail businesses. It’s one thing to get a customer in the door or onto your website, but it’s another to get them coming back again and again. Not to mention your customers are expecting more from you than ever before, with other world-class retailers setting a high bar. Join Shep Hyken, customer service and experience expert, New York Times best-selling author and award-winning speaker, for a fast-paced, entertaining and information-packed Retail Boot Camp training session. He’ll share what you and your team can do right away to deliver an experience that will amaze your customers every time.

Online Marketing That Gets Results

In the first part of a two-part presentation, Larry Bailin will offer a masterclass in online marketing for 2018, and beyond. He won’t cover everything that can be known—just everything you need to know to achieve success. Bailin, an internet marketing pioneer, will reveal the platforms that matter most, the media to buy, what to say, what to do and how to turn buyers into lifelong customers. He’ll also look at what technologies are on the rise and why. Websites, mobile, Google, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat—find out what efforts bring you the most loyal customers, and how to make the most of the ones that matter.

Make Your Website Work for You

Your website can be your greatest asset or your worst nightmare. Does your website persuade or dissuade potential and existing customers? Here, Larry Bailin will take you on a live and unscripted journey of what works with retail websites and what sends you down the digital rabbit hole. He’ll call up real-world industry examples to show you what to do and, even more importantly, what not to do when trying to attract and sell to buyers online. Whether you sell products or services (e.g., lessons or repairs), you’ll discover how to avoid obstacles that get in the way of connection and commerce.

Financial Management Track

Celebrating its fourth year at Retail Boot Camp, the financial management track gets a big update for 2018. This year, NAMM members will get training on the two most critical hot topics facing every music retail business today: the always-challenging purchasing and management of inventory and the transition of a music store. This Retail Boot Camp “best-of experience” will be presented by longstanding financial experts Alan Friedman and Daniel Jobe of Friedman, Kannenberg & Co. And they’ll deliver vital financial education using their always-entertaining “Tommy Gunn Music Store” saga.

Inventory Management: Morning Program

The morning’s training will focus on proven best practices in the purchasing and management of music retail inventory. Discover how to buy the right mix and quantity of musical products and gear.

Business Succession: Afternoon Program

The afternoon training will feature a deep dive into business succession, presented for the first time. It will cover: the pros and cons of various store transition options; the effect each option has on cash, control and taxes; what does and doesn’t add value to your store; calculating the dollar amount of what your business is likely worth; vital tips for starting the succession-planning process; and five case studies

The 2018 NAMM Show returns to Anaheim, California, January 25-28, 2018. As the crossroads of the music, pro sound and event tech industry, The 2018 NAMM Show will offer nearly 7,000 brands on display, over 500 educational sessions, a variety of networking opportunities and a multitude of events each night of the show. NAMM members can secure their badges today by visiting /thenammshow/2018/attend