Myles Reck with Kevin Cranley and Madeleine Crouch.
An ever-popular feature of the RPMDA is the annual “Best Ideas” session, which culls new retail ideas from the minds of all in attendance. Here are six standouts, in no particular order.

*Create a networked website dedicated to “dead product exchange” among retailers. (Myles Reck, Music-Search)

*In accordance with a TED Talk by Stan Sinek, order your sales pitches in the strict hierarchy of “Why,” then “How,” and finally “What.” (Brian Hehn, Choristers’ Guild)

*Use customers as a database resource, leveraging their knowledge to help correct errors in your catalog. (Mike Watson, Remenyi House of Music)

*Pick a print music “buddy” and swap stores for a day, working in their department to get a brand new perspective on how business could be done. (Elliot Wessel, Music & Arts)

*Create customizable online jukebox programs so that visiting customers can create and save playlists while browsing your music. (David Ginter, Stanton’s Sheet Music)

*Work to get members of your staff involved with music outreach and membership on local education convention boards. (Becky Lightfoot, Art’s Music Shop)