Project Distinct Podcast
549 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 22 ratingsHow do YOU stand out in today’s competitive marketplace? What does it take to sell uniquely…and serve remarkably? How can customers tell a difference between you and your competitors? “PROJECT DISTINCT with Scott McKain” reveals what it takes to soar above the crowd and dominate your market. You’ll discover the elements required to make your competition irrelevant. Subscribe and join Hall of Fame professional speaker Scott McKain daily! What if you don’t listen…and your competition does?
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Episodes
S2 E694: Encore Episode - Examples of how companies deliver great customer experiences
April 15, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesNo employee — or the organization they work for — starts a day thinking, “Another chance to deliver lousy service to our customers!” However, many do. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT takes a look at several organizations in varied industries and examines the specific steps they take to deliver distinctive service. And, NONE of these are expensive — they’re all steps YOU can take, no matter what you do! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E693: Encore Episode - The sad standard of satisfaction
April 14, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesWhy is it that we accept “satisfaction” as success in customer relationships — yet, we find it so average in our personal ones? In part, Scott McKain suggests on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, because we are unwilling to drill more deeply into the negative aspects that have eroded our customer’s enthusiasm. We must eliminate the points of friction that prevent our customers from receiving an Ultimate Customer Experience®! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E692: Encore Episode - The importance of customer LTV
April 13, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutesAfter spending thirty nights in a Sydney hotel last year, a loyal customer assumed a problem would be addressed. He was wrong. Too often we overlook LTV — expressed as either Long-Term Value or Lifetime Value of a customer. On today’s new PROJECT DISTINCT recorded in Australia, Scott McKain talks about a critical aspect of business success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E691: Encore Episode - Derivative but distinctive — an approach to stand out
April 12, 2021 07:00 - 13 minutesIs it really better to be different? Scott McKain says, “Maybe not.” The distinctive professional or organization finds unique approaches that creates more traction and higher engagement with customers. So, where do you find the best ideas on how you accomplish that difficult task? On today’s Project Distinct, Scott reveals that — as counterintuitive as it sounds — the way to be distinctive is to be derivative…and he shows you how. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E690: Encore Episode - The single most important customer service skill
April 11, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesFor today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain researched several resources looking for the answer to the question: “What is the single most important skill required to deliver excellent customer service?” While many experts offered complex answers, today’s episode will reveal one from a post on CustomerThink.com that captured the essence of service and the one skill that will never fail to enhance any touchpoint with a customer. Do you have it — use it — and provide to your customers? Learn more...
S2 E689: Encore Episode - Three “show biz” steps to improve your business: re-shoot, re-cast, and re-edit
April 10, 2021 07:00 - 12 minutesWhen a movie is presented to a test audience, directors then have choices to make before they finish the product for the potential audience. As Scott McKain reveals in today’s Project Distinct, those same three options can help you connected with your customers at a higher level. Perhaps you need to “re-shoot, re-cast, or re-edit” at your business! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E688: Encore Episode - What you're doing that is driving your customers crazy!
April 09, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesWhen Indianapolis sports radio celebrity Kent Sterling posted about his horrible experience at a local McDonald’s because of the local managers, it reminded Scott McKain of a recent Forbes.com blog about the “Five Customer Service Practices That Drive Consumers Crazy.” Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT will reveal those five errors so you don’t inadvertently create for your customers a bad experience like McDonald’s did for Sterling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E687: Encore Episode - Changing customer expectations and the UCE
April 08, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesSalesforce reports that customer expectations are changing! That means the time is right for you to deliver what Scott McKain has trademarked as the “Ultimate Customer Experience.” In today’s Project Distinct, he’ll reveal the first step to the UCE —it’s just considering what one would be for YOUR customer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E686: Encore Episode - The future of leadership development
April 07, 2021 07:00 - 14 minutesIn a recent episode, Scott McKain mentioned that half of Millennials are dissatisfied with the education and training they’re receiving to help them grow. In today’s Project Distinct, he reports from a new Harvard study that HALF of senior leaders believe they aren’t teaching the skills necessary for future leaders — even as they spend billions to do so. We’ll take a look at why training and development isn’t delivering in terms of leadership — and offer the specific prescription that researc...
S2 E685: Encore Episode - The big 3 for customer relationships
April 06, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesProduct. Service. Experience. These are the “big 3” when it comes to the relationships you have with your customers. On today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain will outline the importance of all three and show how each plays an important role in the total customer experience — which can make or break repeat and referral business! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E684: Encore Episode - You gotta get emotional!
April 05, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutes“Emotion” is a word we don’t use nearly enough in business, according to Scott McKain. In today’s Project Distinct, he relates a story that brought that fact home to him — and shares the specific reasons why emotion is so important for EVERY business in today’s marketplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E683: Encore Episode - Refreshing the customer experience
April 04, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutesWhile a consistent delivery of the customer experience might first be appreciated, over a period of time the sameness will bore and disengage your customers. In today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain makes the case for refreshing your customer experience — and provides the six questions you need to ask to make it happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E682: Encore Episode - One of the most important things you can do is — nothing!
April 03, 2021 07:00 - 7 minutesDuring a remote recording from Hawaii, Scott McKain reminds us that while we are constantly chopping wood and working to grow our careers and organizations, we also must sharpen our axe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E681: Encore Episode - Keys to employee engagement
April 02, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutesYou cannot create distinction without an engaged team delivering an ultimate customer experience. On today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain reveals some shocking statistics about employee engagement — and gives you specific steps to take to enhance the involvement of your team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E680: Encore Episode - Dealing with a difficult boss
April 01, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesWe’ve all experienced managers who were tough to work for — and, if that’s what you’re dealing with now, how can you handle it? In today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain shares his story of a difficult boss — and how you can avoid the mistake he made. And, he’ll reveal simple, practical steps to help you be more productive when you have to work with a difficult personality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E679: Encore Episode - Millennials and Leadership Development
March 30, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesAccording to Harvard, Millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce. So, how is YOUR organization equipping them to be the leaders who will take you into the future? According to a recent study, probably not very well. Today’s Project Distinct looks at what Millennials want in training and development and Scott Mckain reveals the two steps you need to take NOW to ensure future growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E678: Encore Episode - Contagious Attitudes
March 29, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesWhether we realize it or not, the attitude that we display to others is highly contagious. And, this naturally means that the attitudes we reflect to our customers helps set the tone for their experiences with us. Today, Scott McKain reveals new research on the critical importance of sending out “good vibes” and what it can mean to our customer and employee relationships. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E677: Encore Episode - What Metallica can teach you about business
March 28, 2021 03:00 - 10 minutesIt’s hard to imagine any band customizing their concert performances more than Metallica does. In today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain lists how the supergroup makes each show a special event for local fans — and relates it to the steps we need to take in business to make our customers feel more engaged. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E676: Encore Episode - As Times Change, People Do, Too
March 27, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutesThere are massive changes in today’s world — everyone knows that. So, why aren’t some personal and professional practices keeping pace? In today’s episode, Scott McKain explains why we might not be keeping up with the times, and suggests the first step we should take to do something distinctive about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E675: Encore Episode - Five Leadership Styles that Fail to Create Iconic Results
March 26, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesIn today’s episode, Scott talks about the importance of leaders and discusses five leadership styles that fail to create the kind of iconic cultures that distinctive leaders should be developing. Based on a LinkedIn post by Suchitra Mishra, Scott reveals the five specific behaviors — and discusses why you need to get rid of these approaches to achieve success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E674: Encore Episode - More on ALL Business is Show Business!
March 25, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesIn this episode, Scott takes a look at the specific reasons WHY your business is a “show business” — and offers specific ideas on what you can do to enhance the customer experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E673: Encore Episode - Why YOUR business IS “show business”
March 24, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutesA remarkable event created Scott McKain’s unique business philosophy: “ALL Business is Show Business.” In today’s Project Distinct, he relates the story of how it happened, and why it’s important to you and your efforts. (If you’d like to hear the entire audiobook of “ALL Business is STILL Show Business,” it’s available on Audible.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E672: Encore Episode - Fighting commoditization
March 23, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesIn today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, it’s natural that commoditization is a magnet that pulls businesses and professionals back to the pack. In today’s episode, Scott McKain relates the story of how commoditization impacted his industry of professional speaking — and reveals the aspect of business that can help you prevent being a commodity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E671: Encore Episode - Three questions to create a compelling competitive advantage
March 22, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesEveryone seeks an advantage — however, we often fail to understand that what we perceive as a strength may not be compelling to customers in our market. In today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain offers three questions we should all be asking to make our competitive advantage enough to motivate our customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E670: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part Three)
March 21, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesScott McKain concludes his examination of the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of customer relationships. Today, it’s the final two levels — client and advocate. What happens when the repeat customer becomes more engaged and exclusive with you? And, what does it take to grow a client into an advocate who will promote your business for you? Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand al...
S2 E669: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part Two)
March 20, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesScott McKain is examining the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of customer relationships. Today, it’s the next two levels — first-time buyer and repeat customer. What happens when a prospect decides to make her first purchase? And, what does it take to keep them coming back for more? Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand all six levels…continuing today! Learn more about your ad c...
S2 E668: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part One)
March 19, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesIn this series, Scott McKain examines the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of the relationships you have with customers. Today, it’s the first two levels — suspect and prospect. You’ll discover how those who may not have the need or ability to buy move up into a prospect with whom you can do business. Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand all six levels…starting today! Learn more...
S2 E667: Encore Episode - How can I become a better speaker?
March 18, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesIn this episode, Scott McKain answers one of the questions he’s asked most: How can I improve my speaking skills. With research published by Harvard, combined with his own wealth of experience, here are tips to help you attain the speaking skills you desire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E666: Encore Episode - The clarity of Nido Qubein and High Point University
March 17, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesAs the Corporate Educator in Residence at High Point University, Scott McKain has just spent a couple of days on campus at one of the nation’s most innovative institutions of higher learning. In this episode, he reveals one of the first steps that his friend, Dr. Nido Qubein, President of HPU, took to dramatically change the fortunes of the school — and how you can apply the same approach to your business or career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E665: Encore Episode - The problem with the “hustle”
March 16, 2021 07:00 - 11 minutesSo many are talking about the importance of the “hustle” on social media, Inc. Magazine asks if we’ve devolved it into “hustle porn.” There’s no doubt we need to make an effort to attain success — but, is there a problem with all the 10Xing and the “hustle”? In today’s episode, Scott McKain shares what really matters as we seek to create distinction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E663: Encore Episode - Make your customer the star of the show
March 15, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesIn today’s “experience economy,” perhaps the most important aspect is the connection you have with your customers. In today’s episode, Scott reminds us we should make our customers the star of our organization’s “show” — and gives three specific ways we can make that happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E664: Encore Episode - It’s not about you — and how to make sure the customer knows it's about them!
March 15, 2021 07:00 - 10 minutesWhen you make your conversations with customers and colleagues about them, you grow loyalty and expand your leadership abilities. In today’s episode, Scott McKain explains why this is such a critical factor — and gives you specific tactics to make this concept work for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E662: Encore Episode - What’s the difference?
March 14, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutesIn this episode, Scott McKain addresses the difference between being “distinctive” and becoming “iconic.” And, he reveals the starting point for separating yourself from the competition — whether it’s for an organization…or, even an individual hoping for professional success or promotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E661: Encore Episode - As Times Change, People Do, Too
March 13, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutesThere are massive changes in today’s world — everyone knows that. So, why aren’t some personal and professional practices keeping pace? In today’s episode, Scott McKain explains why we might not be keeping up with the times, and suggests the first step we should take to do something distinctive about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E660: Encore Episode - Five Leadership Styles that Fail to Create Iconic Results
March 12, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesWelcome to a second season of NEW podcasts on distinction with Scott McKain! In today’s episode, Scott talks about the importance of leaders and discusses five leadership styles that fail to create the kind of iconic cultures that distinctive leaders should be developing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E659: Encore Episode - Fighting commoditization
March 11, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutesIn today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, it’s natural that commoditization is a magnet that pulls businesses and professionals back to the pack. In today’s episode, Scott McKain relates the story of how commoditization impacted his industry of professional speaking — and reveals the aspect of business that can help you prevent being a commodity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E658: Encore Episode - Three questions to create a compelling competitive advantage
March 10, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesEveryone seeks an advantage — however, we often fail to understand that what we perceive as a strength may not be compelling to customers in our market. In today’s Project Distinct, Scott McKain offers three questions we should all be asking to make our competitive advantage enough to motivate our customers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E657: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part Three)
March 09, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutesScott McKain concludes his examination of the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of customer relationships. Today, it’s the final two levels — client and advocate. What happens when the repeat customer becomes more engaged and exclusive with you? And, what does it take to grow a client into an advocate who will promote your business for you? Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand al...
S2 E656: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part Two)
March 08, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesScott McKain is examining the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of customer relationships. Today, it’s the next two levels — first-time buyer and repeat customer. What happens when a prospect decides to make her first purchase? And, what does it take to keep them coming back for more? Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand all six levels…continuing today! Learn more about your ad c...
S2 E655: Encore Episode - The Six Levels of Customer Interaction (Part One)
March 07, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesIn this series, Scott McKain examines the six levels of interaction that revolve around the intensity of the relationships you have with customers. Today, it’s the first two levels — suspect and prospect. You’ll discover how those who may not have the need or ability to buy move up into a prospect with whom you can do business. Whether it’s B2C or B2B, the principles are the same — and you’ll grow both your business and your career when you understand all six levels…starting today! Learn more...
S2 E654: Encore Episode - How can I become a better speaker?
March 06, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesIn this episode, Scott McKain answers one of the questions he’s asked most: How can I improve my speaking skills. With research published by Harvard, combined with his own wealth of experience, here are tips to help you attain the speaking skills you desire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E653: Encore Episode - The clarity of Nido Qubein and High Point University
March 05, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesAs the Corporate Educator in Residence at High Point University, Scott McKain has just spent a couple of days on campus at one of the nation’s most innovative institutions of higher learning. In this episode, he reveals one of the first steps that his friend, Dr. Nido Qubein, President of HPU, took to dramatically change the fortunes of the school — and how you can apply the same approach to your business or career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E652: Encore Episode - The problem with the “hustle”
March 04, 2021 08:00 - 11 minutesSo many are talking about the importance of the “hustle” on social media, Inc. Magazine asks if we’ve devolved it into “hustle porn.” There’s no doubt we need to make an effort to attain success — but, is there a problem with all the 10Xing and the “hustle”? In today’s episode, Scott McKain shares what really matters as we seek to create distinction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E651: Encore Episode - It’s not about you — and how to make sure the customer knows it's about them!
March 03, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesWhen you make your conversations with customers and colleagues about them, you grow loyalty and expand your leadership abilities. In today’s episode, Scott McKain explains why this is such a critical factor — and gives you specific tactics to make this concept work for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E650: Encore Episode - Make your customer the star of the show
March 02, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesIn today’s “experience economy,” perhaps the most important aspect is the connection you have with your customers. In today’s episode, Scott reminds us we should make our customers the star of our organization’s “show” — and gives three specific ways we can make that happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E649: Encore Episode - What’s the difference?
March 01, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutesIn this episode, Scott McKain addresses the difference between being “distinctive” and becoming “iconic.” And, he reveals the starting point for separating yourself from the competition — whether it’s for an organization…or, even an individual hoping for professional success or promotions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E648: Encore Episode - As Times Change, People Do, Too
February 28, 2021 07:00 - 9 minutesThere are massive changes in today’s world — everyone knows that. So, why aren’t some personal and professional practices keeping pace? In today’s episode, Scott McKain explains why we might not be keeping up with the times, and suggests the first step we should take to do something distinctive about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E647: Encore Episode - Five Leadership Styles that Fail to Create Iconic Results
February 27, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesIn today’s episode, Scott talks about the importance of leaders and discusses five leadership styles that fail to create the kind of iconic cultures that distinctive leaders should be developing. Based on a LinkedIn post by Suchitra Mishra, (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140716071001-16121309-five-management-or-leadership-styles-that-should-be-banned-from-the-work-place/) Scott reveals the five specific behaviors — and discusses why you need to get rid of these approaches to achieve succe...
S2 E646: Encore Episode - The people create the experience no matter your size
February 26, 2021 08:00 - 9 minutesAs Scott McKain was flying to a speech near Portland, Oregon today, he revisited an important lesson: no matter the size of your organization, it’s your people who deliver the customer experience. The important question becomes — especially for smaller organizations or entrepreneurs — how are you training and monitoring your team’s performance to ensure that they deliver as you desire? That’s the topic of today’s PROJECT DISTINCT! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E645: Encore Episode - The first 3 things to fix to deliver great customer service
February 25, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutesAccording to Shaun Belding, writing on Entrepeneur.com, companies are losing $75 BILLION a year because of inferior customer service. On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain will reveal the three aspects you need to fix — which is, in fact, three great places to start, as well — if you want to deliver the “Ultimate Customer Experience.®” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices