Scott McKain : The Author

As I have been giving presentations over the past few months leading up to the release of "Collapse of Distinction," I've been posed a very basic question on several occasions - and one that I have to admit that I hadn't previously thought much about: "What made you want to write this particular book?"

The more I considered the question, I realized there was one major reason - although, I really do hate to admit what it is. I was mad.

Don't get me wrong...I do not mean a destructive kind of anger in any way whatsoever...instead I mean that kind of "irritated frustration" that can move and motivate someone to take action.

Candidly, I was upset that another book that I considered to be so erroneous had grown to the point that its findings were being accepted as a type of "business gospel" without any real dispute. I felt that truly "great" companies found a way to make themselves distinct in their respective markets - instead of the approach touted by another book.

It also really got under my skin that small-town business owners and small-company entrepreneurs like my father were ignored when it came to nationally released books on business. It's easy to find the examples of Nordstrom, Starbucks and Southwest Airlines out there - and, with good reason. (And, you'll find me mentioning them, as well.) However, it is almost impossible to discover a book that promotes great organizations ranging from H.H. Gregg's to Les Schwab Tires - and totally inconceivable there would be one that would feature a tiny grocery story in a rural town. Yet, I would argue, the examples set by people like my Dad have infinitely more relevance in today's difficult economy than the ones so often discussed.

Finally, and frankly, I was frustrated that more people hadn't read my previous book, "What Customers REALLY Want." Just about every review - not just in the U.S., but in places like India and Korea, as well - said that it "hits you like a ton of bricks" in terms of how businesses could get closer to their clients. You can find reviews on Amazon.com that say things like "I don't know why this book wasn't a bigger hit."

In all honesty, the reason that the book didn't do better was because I was unable to give it the promotion and attention it deserved. "What Customers REALLY Want" was released just about the time my wife of twenty-four years was going into hospice in the final stages of a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. And, obviously, immediately following her passing, I was in no condition to start aggressively promoting a book. I eventually became borderline obsessive about getting another opportunity to passionately discuss what I believe in so fervently.

It wasn't that I wanted to be a "guru" like a Peters, Collins, Covey, or Blanchard. After watching the struggle that my late-wife went through - and how she refused to let cancer define her life through her commitment to help others - I became passionate about wanting to make a contribution that would help uplift businesses, and the professionals who work for them, during an economically challenged time.

And, it leads to a request: If "Collapse of Distinction" is of assistance to you and your organization...pay it forward. When we help each other stand out and move up, we remove the malignancy on our economy. It's time for growth...

Scott McKain is the author of two other #1 business bestsellers -- ALL Business is Show Business and What Customers REALLY WANT.

Literally thousands of organizations and readers have improved their profitability and enhanced their business from Scott McKain's concepts.