Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Scott McKain, Founder of The Distinction Group, LLC., located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Distinction Group helps organizations and individual professionals distinguish themselves from the competition through enhancing customer and employee experiences, crafting more compelling stories, and our proprietary research and strategies. As a result, we help companies and entrepreneurs stand out and earn more.

Tell us about yourself

I was fortunate to be influenced by mentors who inspired me to think big and not be afraid of following my own path. Being able to pass that forward to others is both an incredible opportunity and a tremendous privilege. That keeps me motivated to bring it to my clients every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

It's easy to say that being inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame and the Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame — or having several bestselling books, the latest named by "Forbes" as one of the "10 best business books" of the year — would be the biggest. However, seeing the results that our clients attain from their application of our concepts — when combined with their hard work — remains the most gratifying.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I think it's that success isn't linear. It's not a straight line from point A to B. Success is more like a roller coaster. You have thrilling achievements, but you also get punched in the gut at times. The key is to stay true to your vision, even when times are difficult.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. The first Cornerstone of Distinction is Clarity. You must be clear and precise about what makes you unique and why a customer or prospective employee would choose you as opposed to the competition.
  2. Another Cornerstone of Distinction is Communication — and perhaps not in the way many perceive it. It's crafting and relating a compelling narrative that engages and involves your prospects, clients, and team members. Too many will list their accomplishments or recite recommendations... but they do not tell their story.
  3. Be willing to question the standard business cliches. For example, your "why" is critical for you — but it is not what your customers purchase. If your "how" isn't extraordinary, no customer will care about your why. Another one is that the "people on the bus are more important than where the bus is going." That's ridiculous. The right people will never board a bus without knowing the destination. If you want to start, run, and grow a business today, you have to relate what makes you distinctive to prospects, customers, and your team — and invite them to join you on the journey to that destination.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Here's the basic motto of what I believe: the purpose of ANY business is to profitably create experiences that are so compelling to customers and employees that their loyalty becomes assured.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://scottmckain.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IconicBusinessBook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottmckain/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scottmckain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmckain/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.