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?
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
S2 E393: Encore Episode - Quality is more than product or service
April 07, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutesWe hear so much about improving the quality of our product or service — but, Scott McKain cautions us that is not the only area where quality is critical. On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, he relates a story that happened to his close friend, speaker and humorist Mark Mayfield, that teaches an important lesson about where customers REALLY value quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E392: Encore Episode - Five awful management styles
April 06, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutesWe’ve all worked for bad bosses — however, few of us want to admit that sometimes WE may be the one who is guilty! On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain does just that. By letting you know of his managerial failures in the past, he can relate to the five awful management styles that your employees may be encountering. This episode is a look at bad management — so that we can all get better at leading others! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E391: Encore Episode - The decline of customer service
April 05, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutesMany experts argue that despite the millions (billions?) being spent by organizations of all sizes, customer service is declining. Most will tell you that customers, in general, are less satisfied that ever. Why is that the case — and what can we do about it in our organizations or our career? Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT discusses the work done by groups like Ritz-Carlton and Porsche — where employees have probably not experienced the level of service that their customers have come to expect. An...
S2 E390: Encore Episode - Getting started (part two)
April 04, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutesBecause yesterday’s episode generated such feedback, Scott McKain devotes another day to helping you get started on the path of creating distinction. If you’ve ever wondered what you need to do to get what you want in business and in life — and how to get started in achieving it — this edition of PROJECT DISTINCT is especially for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E389: Encore Episode - How to get started
April 03, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutesSome of the questions that Scott McKain is constantly asked is, “How do I start to create distinction? How do I start to improve my business? What does it take to have a better life?” On today’s important episode of PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott reveals the way to start to grow your business and fulfill your dreams. Sharing his personal experience, what he learned working with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the insights of others, Scott outlines what you need to do to launch a better business…a better...
S2 E388: Encore Episode - The 5 questions for great customer service
April 02, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutesCustomers who have a great experience with you and your organization take three wonderful steps: they repeat their current business, they enhance their significance of purchases, and they refer you to their friends and colleagues. That means delivering a great customer experience should be “Job #1” for every employee! What if five simple questions could help you ignite a higher level of service? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain will relate a quintet of simple queries that can help yo...
S2 E387: Encore Episode - Are your people an asset or expense?
April 01, 2020 07:00 - 7 minutesReturning to a location where he experienced horrendous customer service, Scott McKain learned that changes and improvements had been made — not to the decor of the resort, instead with the people who worked there. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT focuses on the old saying, “Our people are our greatest asset” and asks the question, “Then why do you treat them like an expense?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 E386: Encore Episode - Customer expectations are rising — is your ability to deliver being upgraded, too?
March 31, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutesAs he relates on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain has been writing for almost two decades about the rising expectations of customers. On this episode, he’ll share new information from a recent study on how much they are rising — how the expectations of Millennial customers compare to those of Baby Boomers and Gen X — and why delivering a great experience for your customers is your best marketing strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E385: Encore Episode - People first or process first?
March 30, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutesIt’s almost “chicken and egg” — which comes first for your organization, department, or career: people or process? Do you put the process of creating and delivering your products or services ahead of the people you serve and work with — or do you put them ahead of the process? Scott McKain explores how cultural changes have impacted the way that leaders need to respond — and offers his choice — on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E384: Encore Episode - What do you do to make it right for customers?
March 29, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutesA forgotten briefcase at the Las Vegas airport generated repeat business for a private car company. How can errors with customers turn them into loyal clients of your products and services? That’s the topic of today’s PROJECT DISTINCT — what steps do you take to “make it right” when mistakes are made with customers. Scott McKain explains how to turn bad experiences into positive relationships on this edition of the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E383: Encore Episode - How Jody shapes the company culture
March 28, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutesWhen the group Scott McKain is speaking to in Maui entered the ballroom for the conference's farewell dinner, they saw that Jody — who had served the attendees on opening night — was once again their bartender. Spontaneously, the group burst into applause at the sight of her. Her attitude and enthusiasm was infectious…to a degree that it uplifted both her customers and her colleagues. How can YOU attract more “Jodys” to your team? And, what role does your culture play in that effort? On today...
S2 E382: Encore Episode - Why your marketing isn't working
March 27, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutesThere is a fundamental reason why your marketing — and even your advertising — is not creating the engaged, loyal customers that you desire. Whether you’re a senior executive at a large organization…and entrepreneur building a business…or a sales professional trying to expand your efforts…this episode of PROJECT DISTINCT from Scott McKain is critical for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E381: Encore Episode - Do you WANT to deliver great customer service?
March 26, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutesIf you’re not delivering great customer service, it’s because you evidently don’t WANT TO. That’s what Scott McKain is emphatically stating on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT. He suggests that if Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles can do it — there’s no excuse for any of the rest of us. If you’re not a fan of your local BMV…you may be SHOCKED — and learn about commitment to customer service -- from what you hear on today’s episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E380: Encore Episode - Are you disconnected from your customer's experience?
March 25, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutesOn today’s episode, Scott McKain suggests that MOST organizations are disconnected from what their own customers are experiencing as they do business with them. And, this lack of understanding even spreads to the front line people on your own team! Learn what to do to reconnect your thinking with that of your customers — and, what Scott says is one of the “saddest shows on television” relates to this phenomenon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E379: Encore Episode - Does introspection always lead to improvement?
March 24, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutesWe tend to think that analyzing what customers are thinking and feeling — and reviewing our own errors in judgement and action — will always create a better result. But, is that really the case? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain relates how a recent dinner conversation motivated him to learn more about the value (or lack thereof) of introspection and evaluation as we try to improve our organizations, our careers, and ourselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...
S2 E378: Encore Episode - What happened to customer loyalty?
March 23, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutesDoes it seem as though your customers aren’t as loyal to you as they used to be? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain reveals the “Three Levels of Customer Loyalty.” And, he’ll discuss the three reasons that loyalty from customers is on the decline — and what you can do to change that for yourself and your organization! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S2 E377: Encore Episode - Sleep soundly by preparing properly
March 22, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutes - 9.56 MB“Have a Little Faith?” by Mitch Albom was recently brought to Scott McKain’s attention — and, especially the story of the farmer and the new farmhand. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT uses that story to ask, “How well are you prepared to grow your business and yourself?” In this episode, Scott will outline three important steps you need to take to ensure you’ll sleep soundly because you’ve prepared properly.
S2 E376: Encore Episode - Focusing your efforts through a High Concept
March 21, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 10.5 MBAs we continue on PROJECT DISTINCT to examine the importance of clarity and focus, today Scott McKain reveals a tool that can help you — the High Concept. As you seek to sharpen your clarity, the specific steps that Scott outlines today will help you center your efforts on what’s really important to your team and your customers.
S2 E375: Encore Episode - More on the power of focus to differentiate
March 20, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBFollowing up on your comments and questions about yesterday’s episode, today we will drill deeper into the subjects of focus and clarity. Scott McKain starts today with a rant about non-focused organizations and professionals, then provides the example of High Point University as proof that every type of organization can grow when it first strives for clarity. It’s an important PROJECT DISTINCT for you!
S2 E374: Encore Episode - What do you do? The power of focus
March 19, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutes - 9.57 MBWhen a customer or prospect asks you that all-important question — “What do you do?” — how do YOU answer? Scott McKain conducted research to try to ascertain what the differences are between elite performers and those who were doing very well, but weren’t at the highest level of their respective profession. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT reveals the answer — and relates why it is so critical to your success!
S2 E373: Encore Episode - The business philosophy of Ric Flair
March 18, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.77 MBWhile it might not seem that the legendary “stylin', profilin', limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin' n' dealin' son of a gun” known as the “Nature Boy” in pro wrestling would even possess a philosophy on business, today’s PROJECT DISTINCT reveals one of significant impact for every professional. If you want a distinctive, championship business, Scott McKain relates — with a “WHOOOOO!!” — what Ric Flair teaches that we should all do.
S2 E372: Encore Episode - The Biggest Problems in Business— with Larry Winget
March 17, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MBWhat are the biggest problems facing leaders in business today? Regardless of the size of the operation — or your role in it — what challenges transcend all businesses? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT to tackle this critical topic, Scott McKain welcomes one of his partners at the Ultimate Business Summit, the six-time New York Times bestselling author who has spoken for 400 of the Fortune 500 companies and appears regularly on Fox News Channel — Larry Winget!
S2 E371: Encore Episode - We irritate and confuse our customers
March 16, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.62 MBWhether it is blind adherence to (perhaps outdated) company policies or misguided attempts to communicate technical information to non-technically oriented buyers, we often irritate and confuse our customers. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT tackles that issue, as Scott McKain provides some ideas to consider to help remove friction between us and those who purchase our products and services.
S2 E370: Encore Episode - Why is vision so important — and how can we become more visionary?
March 15, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.72 MBWe hear top leaders complimented all the time with the accolade that they are “visionary.” But, what does that really mean? Is it important to the success of our business or career? And, if so, how do we become visionary? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain focuses on a part of the new book, “Do Business Better” by his friend, Damian Mason. (https://www.amazon.com/Do-Business-Better-Actions-Succeed/dp/1119566282) In the episode, you’ll learn why vision is critical to your future — and ...
S2 E369: Encore Episode - I hate closing
March 14, 2020 07:00 - 9 minutes - 9.68 MBYou should never close the sale. Get ready — this will be a controversial episode of PROJECT DISTINCT. Scott McKain reveals why he HATES the term, “closing the sale” — and why you and your team should have a totally different perspective in these rapidly changing time.
S2 E368: Encore Episode - Hire great teams
March 13, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 10.3 MBWe hear so much about the importance of hiring “A” players for our organization’s team. Is that truly the superior strategy? Inspired by a blog post on fs.blog, Scott McKain relates that sometimes in business — as in sports — the best players don’t always combine their efforts to produce the superior team. How we need to hire and work with one another is the important topic of today’s PROJECT DISTINCT.
S2 E367: Encore Episode - Blanchard CARE
March 12, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 11.2 MBDr. Ken Blanchard — a former member of Speakers Roundtable, the mastermind group that has also been a part of Scott McKain’s career for two decades — is one of the world’s authorities on customer service, leadership, and organizational management. Blanchard’s companies teach a specific four-step approach to attaining a high level of customer service. On today’s episode of PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott takes a look at Blanchard’s approach and helps us understand what we need to do to keep customer...
S2 E366: Encore Episode - How frequently should we conduct training for our team — or ourselves?
March 11, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBTraining is a critical function for every organization — and each professional. To achieve maximum results, how frequently should we conduct training sessions? How often should training initiatives be launched? How quickly should attendees put the new information to use to be certain they take action? A surprising answer is in store for you from Scott McKain on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT!
S2 E365: Encore Episode - The 4 keys to designing a distinctive product or service
March 10, 2020 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBWe all want the services we sell and the products we market to stand out from the competition. So, how do we incorporate distinction into the way we design our products and services? On today’s episode of PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain reveals the four factors required to ensure that we are creating work that moves us to the front of a hyper-competitive market.
S2 E364: Encore Episode - Beyond product - creating a customer focus
March 09, 2020 07:00 - 8 minutes - 8.32 MBOn yesterday’s episode, Scott McKain discussed the problems that organizations and professionals create when they focus obsessively on their products and not on their customers. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT discusses an all-important step: a customer focus in every phase of your business. Whether you’re a solopreneur or in a large corporation, this message can play an important insight for your success!
S2 E363: Encore Episode - Why we focus on product more than customers
March 08, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.4 MBYou’ve probably had it happen to you — a sales professional that tells you more about the product than you want to know, while ignoring your needs. Why does that happen? Why do we often fall into the same trap with our customers? That’s the topic of today’s PROJECT DISTINCT with Scott McKain. We’ll take a look at the two major reasons that we often are so focused on our products that we don’t center our approach on our customers. It’s a revealing insight for you on today’s episode!
S2 E362: Encore Episode - More on storytelling as a business tool
March 07, 2020 08:00 - 8 minutes - 8.48 MBFollowing up on yesterday’s episode, Scott McKain dives deeper into the importance of storytelling, why you can never start as the hero, and why it’s so critical that you tell the story of your company, department, or team. In fact — you should be telling YOUR personal or professional story, too! That’s the subject for today’s PROJECT DISTINCT!
S2 E361: Encore Episode - The most important professional skill for the future? Storytelling.
March 06, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.5 MBWhat’s the most important skill a business or professional can possess in the 21st Century? The ability to tell stories, according to “The Futurist” journal. Do you identify more with the airline started by two guys in a bar writing on a cocktail napkin — or a conglomeration of smaller brands you don’t remember with no narrative that’s told? Learn the importance of your story from Scott McKain on today’s PROJECT DISTINCT!
S2 E360: Encore Episode - Latest trends in small business ownership
March 05, 2020 08:00 - 9 minutes - 9.06 MBOn today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain reports on a new study by FreshBooks (https://www.freshbooks.com/press/annualreport) on the latest trends in small business ownership. Who does better — those entrepreneurs with…or without…a college degree? Who does better…those with or without multiple streams of income? All that and more on today’s episode!
S2 E359: Encore Episode - They forgot who they are
March 04, 2020 08:00 - 7 minutes - 7.64 MBIn a recent conversation with an Australian businessman, Scott McKain was surprised to learn of an American-based company that is rapidly losing marketshare. “They forgot who they are,” was the reason offered by the business leader. On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott discusses the importance of clarity — and why it’s critical to deliver to customers what they expect that we are…even as we grow and change for their benefit.
S2 E358: Encore Episode - What to do when you’ve made a mistake
March 03, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.2 MBEvery human being has made a mistake of some kind. Yet, some handle them well and turn them into learning experiences, others deny, delay, and — even worse — never let it go. Today’s PROJECT DISTINCT with Scott McKain looks at what you should do after you’ve made a mistake to ensure that you not only learn from your mistake, but grow from it to help create distinction.
S2 E357: Encore Episode - Two approaches to employee engagement
March 02, 2020 08:00 - 8 minutes - 8.61 MBWe know that we’re more profitable and productive when our teams are engaged in their work. So, how do we hire and keep engaged employees? Today from Hong Kong, Scott McKain shows two different approaches — and provides insight on why one way is superior to the other. Which one describes your efforts? It’s today’s episode on PROJECT DISTINCT.
S2 E356: Encore Episode - Smaller, Faster, Compelling
March 01, 2020 08:00 - 6 minutes - 6.9 MBWhile working on the road this week, Scott McKain attended a rugby tournament — Hong Kong Sevens. A special version of the game of rugby — of which Scott freely admits he knows nothing about — gave him ideas for three specific steps we can take to make our businesses stand out: 1) Make your efforts smaller and more intensive; 2) Make it faster for your customer; 3) Make it more compelling to do business with you. It’s the formula that attracts tens of thousands of fans to the Sevens tournam...
S2 E355: Encore Episode - The three business lessons from Wrestlemania
February 29, 2020 08:00 - 7 minutes - 7.75 MBOne of the world’s largest annual sporting events was recently held — although it’s technical classified as “sports entertainment.” It’s Wrestlemania! If you are a WWE fan — and especially if you aren’t — here are three serious business lessons that you can learn from the success of Wrestlemania 2019. It’s a “no hold barred” edition of PROJECT DISTINCT from the man in that corner, Scott McKain!
S2 E354: Encore Episode - How to design and create the Ultimate Customer Experience ®
February 28, 2020 08:00 - 7 minutes - 7.58 MBYou can’t be distinctive unless you’re delivering an Ultimate Customer Experience ® to those who are doing business with you. In today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, recorded from Hong Kong, Scott McKain (whose company owns the Federally registered trademark on the term “Ultimate Customer Experience”) reveals the initial steps required to get started. It’s an important topic for every professional because it gets you closer to your customer so you can enhance retention and referrals. A vital message i...
S2 E353: Encore Episode - The primary problem with customer journey maps
February 27, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBCreating a “customer journey map” is all the rage among customer experience professionals. And, whether you work for a large organization — or you’re a solopreneur working out of a back bedroom — you need to work on enhancing the experience that your customer has at every touchpoint with you. However, there is a singular problem with this approach that goes against the grain of the relationships we desire with our clients — and that’s the topic of today’s episode. Scott McKain will reveal t...
S2 E352: Encore Episode - Give them the pickle!
February 26, 2020 08:00 - 8 minutes - 8.02 MBWhen Scott McKain and friends visited a winery in Hunter Valley, Australia, they were denied the chance to sample one of the wines on the vineyard's menu because they were told, “We aren’t tasting reds today.” As they left without purchasing any of the wines they were selling, Scott was reminded of the great customer service story from Bob Farrell of the old Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlours: “Give ‘em the pickle!” That powerful story is at the center of today’s episode of Project Distinct.
S2 E351: Encore Episode - Sales training in changing times
February 25, 2020 08:00 - 8 minutes - 8.61 MBThe statistic caught Scott McKain’s eyes: “53% of sales professionals had not been to any type of sales training for five years!” In today’s Project Distinct, Scott looks at the importance of sales training — and how it has to change in the rapidly evolving world of selling. The movement from subscription to transaction means that sales professionals need training more than ever before. Yet, few look for what they really need — and scant organizations provide it. Today is a controversial and...
S2 E350: Encore Episode - Derivative but distinctive — an approach to stand out
February 24, 2020 08:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBIs 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.
S2 E349: Encore Episode - Three “show biz” steps to improve your business: re-shoot, re-cast, and re-edit
February 23, 2020 08:00 - 11 minutes - 11.2 MBWhen 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!
S2 E348: Encore Episode - Changing customer expectations and the UCE
February 22, 2020 08:00 - 9 minutes - 9.08 MBSalesforce 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.
S2 E347: Encore Episode - The future of leadership development
February 21, 2020 08:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIn 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 resear...
S2 E346: Encore Episode - The big 3 for customer relationships
February 20, 2020 08:00 - 9 minutes - 18.5 MBProduct. 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!
S2 E345: Encore Episode - You gotta get emotional!
February 19, 2020 08:00 - 9 minutes - 18.4 MB“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.
S2 E344: Encore Episode - Refreshing the customer experience
February 18, 2020 08:00 - 7 minutes - 7.7 MBWhile 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.