Project Distinct Podcast

No 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

Why 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

After 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

Is 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

For 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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When 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

When 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

Salesforce 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

In 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 research suggests to help you become the leader you want to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Product. 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

“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

While 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

During 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

You 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

We’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

According 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

Whether 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

It’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

There 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

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. 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

In 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

A 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

In 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

Everyone 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

Scott 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 all six levels…concluding today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott 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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 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

As 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

So 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

When 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

In 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

In 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

There 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

Welcome 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

In 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

Everyone 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

Scott 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 all six levels…concluding today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott 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 choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 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

As 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

So 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

When 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

In 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

In 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

There 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

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.  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 success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 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

According 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

We all desire higher levels of engagement with our customers and employees. Did you know there are three specific qualities that are required in order to make that happen? On today’s PROJECT DISTINCT, Scott McKain outlines for us these three qualities — and gives us the critical reasons why they are vital to our professional and organizational success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices