Canadian Music Trade - December/January 2018 | Page 17

By Joe Lamond
NAMM NEWS
If You Want to Win,
It Starts by Placing a Bet
Remember that old joke about the man who pleads with
God to win the lottery? Day after day he doesn’t win, which
only increases his urgent cries until finally the clouds part
and a booming voice says, “Can you at least meet me half
way and buy a ticket?!”
As we look towards a brand new year and all the opportunities that
a fresh start brings, I’m reminded of the choices that each NAMM
member must make on a daily basis. And with the accelerated pace
of change, the decision on which bets to make can lead to some
sleepless nights.
Risk is inherent in the choices we make, but in business,
hedging our bets with calculated risk is critical to success. It’s human
nature to look at successful businesses and think that it must have
been easier for them or that they got a lucky break. The reality is,
behind each of these success stories is someone who made a bet
and took the chance to try something new. Many probably had to
go long periods of time doubting their decisions and perhaps even
experiencing the ridicule of others.
How willing are you to take some risks in 2018? If you seek
better results from your business, what will you change? New prod-
uct lines? Expanded services? Remodeled stores and websites? Or
perhaps a new hire or two? With so many possibilities and questions,
where can you look for answers?
In my opinion, The NAMM Show is the number one place any
industry member can go to truly get a sense of clarity and direction.
When planning a successful strategy, it is critically important to
gather all the information you can to make wise decisions. While not
trying to be overly dramatic, I imagine many NAMM members feel
like they are “betting the farm” with each new move.
The key areas where The NAMM Show can help you grow your
business include: expanding your product selection, improving your
skills with continuing education, and connecting you to the passion
and camaraderie that gets us all through the tough times.
So now we are just weeks away from The 2018 NAMM Show.
The trade show team is ready to load in, the educational sessions are
scheduled, the exhibitors have worked all year to create new products
that your customers will want to use, the Anaheim community is
geared up for the influx of NAMM members and their guests, and
the best and brightest members in the industry are already booked
to attend.
Remember, taking risks is an essential part of being an entre-
preneur and has been at the root of every innovation and advance-
ment in history. If you’re still unsure about how a trip to NAMM
might benefit you and your business, yet you earnestly desire to
be successful in the year ahead, then may I suggest following the
guidance from above and buying a ticket? (Actually, they’re free for
NAMM members!)
We look forward to seeing you next month in Anaheim. In the
meantime, on behalf of the NAMM Board and staff here in Carlsbad,
we wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday season.
Joe Lamond is president and CEO of the National Association of
Music Merchants (NAMM), the global not-for-profit trade association
representing 9,000 manufacturers and retailers of musical instru-
ments and sound products. NAMM’s mission is to strengthen the
music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of
making music.
CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE
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