Collapsing World

In the present homogeneous business environment, where retailers and companies are beginning to look more and more like each other, those that engender a distinct difference gain attention and also reap the rewards. In the most recent book I reviewed for Thomas Nelson publishing, Collapse of Distinction, author Scott McKain asks and then answers the question, "How do customer's distinguish you from your competition?"

After the first 50 pages, I was ready to write this book off as just another business book that points out the flaws in the current business environment, especially in light of the dwindling economy, with out anything new and insightful to add to the conversation. It took a dramatic turn as McKain launched in the four cornerstones of building distinction; clarity, creativity, communication and customer-experience focus. McKain is spot on in his insights regarding these cornerstones and how they play together to create distinction.

The chapter on communication and the stories we, our employees and customers share regarding about our company and product struck a cord with me. This chapter would be helpful for any company to consider how they communicate what makes them the superior company and has some great simple tips for normal communication.

After building the case and moving into the cornerstones, the only place McKain lost me was at his attack on Good to Great by Collins. I felt it was unnecessary in support of his opinions.

Each chapter is capped with an executive summary and discussion questions that would be useful in discussing this book with co-workers and other executives in your company. This book is also part of the Nelsonfree line of books, that enable you to get a free ebook and audio version of the book that you purchase. This makes the book very versatile in a busy world, allowing you to peruse in anywhere.

This is a book that I will use and recommend to those in any line of business as well as those that are looking to make a distinction between themselves and the competition in their own workplace.