The Collapse of Distinction addresses one simple question: do consumers know the difference between you and your competition? According to McKain, distinction in the marketplace has “collapsed into beige uniformity,” which results in the “death of businesses.” Businesses need to differentiate themselves to survive, and thrive.

The Collapse of Distinction discusses the reasons for the collapse and provides action-steps for businesses to make themselves distinct. McKain dedicates the fi More...

This book encouraged a mental shift from, "How can I sell more stuff?" to "How can I make my product more distinctive?" I've never thought about it in those terms specifically, and the arguments for doing so were compelling. The book practices its "distinction" notion by offering a free audio and ebook for download. (I won't be doing so since I've borrowed the book from the library and it doesn't seem ethical. Still, it's cool there's that option.)

Each c More...

Do you have to compete on price?
Do you need "added value"?
Do you have to make business with everyone?
Do you have to be just like everyone?
Is imitating your competitors a must?

According to Scott McKain, the answer is no.

Clarity, Creativity, Communication and Customer-Experience Focus are the four cornerstones you can build your business upon.

Defining clearly who you are and who you are not, who your customers are and who are More...

The Collapse of Distinction by Scot McKain was one of the two business books I read last year. The first was geared towards photography and focused on making yourself stand out, but in a community-building, “everyone can win” way. Then I read the Collapse of Distinction. It also focused on distinction, as you can tell from the title, but in a more classic way.

My first impression was very good. The book is part of the new Thomas Nelson line called NelsonFree where you can download the More...

How are you different from your competitors? What is your story?

I really liked this book. McKain is more than just and guru or thinker, he's a successful entrepreneur as well. The section on NOT following "best practices" should be read, and re-read by every manager in America.