Insights
Ideas & Strategies to Stand Out and Earn More
On “best practices”… and distinctive design
One of the points I made in the book, “Create Distinction,” is that “best practices aren’t always ‘best’ for your organization.” In other words, what made Starbucks distinctive can provide you with some great ideas and concepts — however, it is NOT a blueprint that...
A Lesson From My Dad
It’s impossible for me to describe how popular my father was back home. Suffice it to say that if I were elected President, my hometown news would proclaim, “Dallas McKain’s Son Wins!” Our family owned a grocery in Crothersville, Indiana. The way my Dad treated people...
How Jim Ed Brown Changed My Life
I was playing drums in a family band that opened for the country star at a concert at the little high school I attended. After the first of two shows, Jim Ed approached me and said, “I’m looking for a new drummer — and I’d like it to be you!” I couldn’t believe it — a...
Here’s an example of how “distinction” can work in YOUR business!
If I ask you to think of affluent communities, there are some names that come to mind. One that jumps to the top of my list is Carmel, California. The entire Monterey Peninsula is nothing short of spectacular — and, in many locations in that region, it’s quite...
The effect that Ebert had on me…
In my book, “Create Distinction,” I write about a phenomenon I called “The Ebert Effect.” It’s based upon a powerful lesson I learned from the famed movie critic, Roger Ebert, who passed away at age 70 after an extraordinarily valiant battle with cancer. As I relate...
Is that REALLY What Makes You Different?
I recently received mail that included a business card. Interested in the organization — as it is a business very similar to the one my late wife, Sheri, worked in for many years — I visited the website address listed. I noted something that really struck me… It was...
