Trump

1. Embrace big thinking and audacious goals

"I like thinking big. I always have. To me it's very simple: if you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big."

Think beyond limitations. Trump's success stems from his willingness to envision and pursue grandiose projects that others might dismiss as impossible. This mindset allows him to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and to push boundaries in ways that can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Cultivate a winning mentality. By setting ambitious goals and maintaining unwavering confidence in his ability to achieve them, Trump creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of success. This approach not only drives him to work harder but also inspires those around him to elevate their performance.

Challenge conventional wisdom. Trump's big-thinking approach often involves questioning established norms and seeking innovative solutions. This willingness to challenge the status quo has led to groundbreaking projects and deals that have redefined industries and skylines.

2. Master the art of negotiation and deal-making

"The worst thing you can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. That makes the other guy smell blood, and then you're dead."

Leverage is key. Trump emphasizes the importance of having something the other party wants or needs. This position of strength allows for more favorable terms and outcomes in negotiations.

Maintain emotional control. By remaining calm and composed during negotiations, Trump avoids revealing weaknesses or desperation that could be exploited by the other party. This poker-face approach keeps opponents guessing and often leads to better deals.

Be prepared to walk away. Trump's willingness to abandon a deal if the terms aren't favorable demonstrates confidence and often results in the other party making concessions. This strategy requires a clear understanding of one's bottom line and the discipline to stick to it.

3. Build a powerful personal brand and leverage media attention

"I play to people's fantasies. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do. That's why a little hyperbole never hurts."

Cultivate a memorable image. Trump's distinctive persona, marked by confidence and flamboyance, has made him instantly recognizable. This strong personal brand has opened doors and created opportunities across various industries.

Harness media power. By understanding the media's appetite for compelling stories, Trump has consistently managed to generate publicity for his projects and himself. This free advertising has been invaluable in promoting his businesses and enhancing his reputation.

Control the narrative. Trump actively shapes public perception by being proactive in his communications and quick to respond to criticism. This approach allows him to frame discussions on his terms and maintain a strong public image.

4. Prioritize location and quality in real estate investments

"Location is everything, and I always go after the best locations."

Prime real estate appreciates. Trump's focus on acquiring properties in top locations has consistently led to substantial returns on investment. These prime locations tend to appreciate in value over time, even in challenging market conditions.

Quality attracts quality. By developing high-end properties with luxurious amenities, Trump attracts affluent tenants and buyers. This strategy not only commands premium prices but also enhances the overall value of the surrounding area.

Create value through improvement. Trump often sees potential in undervalued properties in great locations. By renovating and reimagining these spaces, he dramatically increases their worth and creates new landmarks in the process.

5. Learn from failures and adapt quickly

"Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war."

Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. Trump views failures not as defeats but as valuable lessons that inform future strategies. This resilient mindset allows him to bounce back stronger from setbacks.

Flexibility is crucial. The ability to pivot quickly in response to changing circumstances has been key to Trump's success. By remaining adaptable, he can salvage deals that might otherwise fall through and capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

Analyze mistakes objectively. Trump emphasizes the importance of conducting honest post-mortems on failed ventures. This critical analysis helps identify areas for improvement and prevents the repetition of costly errors.

6. Surround yourself with competent, loyal team members

"I've always felt that a lot of modern art is a con, and that the most successful painters are often better salesmen and promoters than they are artists."

Value loyalty and competence. Trump prioritizes building a team of skilled individuals who are also fiercely loyal. This combination ensures that his vision is executed effectively while minimizing internal conflicts.

Delegate but stay informed. While Trump trusts his team to handle day-to-day operations, he remains actively involved in key decisions. This hands-on approach allows him to maintain control while leveraging the expertise of his staff.

Reward performance. Trump believes in incentivizing his team based on results. This merit-based system encourages excellence and aligns the interests of employees with those of the business.

7. Take calculated risks and trust your instincts

"I've never been afraid to walk away from a deal. It's something I've done many times in my life."

Balance risk and reward. Trump's approach to risk-taking involves careful analysis of potential outcomes. He's willing to take significant risks when the potential payoff justifies it, but always with a clear understanding of the downside.

Trust your gut. While Trump values data and expert opinions, he also places great importance on intuition. This blend of analytical and instinctive decision-making has often led him to spot opportunities others miss.

Have a backup plan. Even when taking risks, Trump always prepares for multiple scenarios. This strategic foresight allows him to pivot quickly if circumstances change, minimizing potential losses.

8. Overcome obstacles through persistence and creativity

"If you're going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big."

Persistence pays off. Trump's tenacity in pursuing his goals, even in the face of significant obstacles, has been a key factor in his success. He views challenges as temporary roadblocks to be overcome rather than insurmountable barriers.

Creative problem-solving. When faced with complex issues, Trump often finds unconventional solutions. This outside-the-box thinking has allowed him to navigate regulatory hurdles and financial constraints that might stymie others.

Turn negatives into positives. Trump has a knack for reframing setbacks as opportunities. This ability to find silver linings and capitalize on unexpected turns of events has often turned potential disasters into successes.

9. Capitalize on market trends and timing

"I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. That's where the fun is."

Stay ahead of the curve. Trump's success often stems from his ability to anticipate and capitalize on emerging market trends. By staying informed and acting decisively, he positions himself to benefit from shifts in the economic landscape.

Timing is crucial. Many of Trump's most successful deals have resulted from his knack for entering markets at opportune moments. This sense of timing allows him to buy low and sell high, maximizing returns on his investments.

Be prepared to act quickly. When opportunities arise, Trump emphasizes the importance of being ready to move swiftly. This preparedness often gives him an edge over competitors who may be slower to react.

10. Balance ambition with ethical business practices

"My philosophy has always been that if you ever catch someone stealing, you have to go after him very hard, even if it costs you ten times more than he stole. Stealing is the worst."

Maintain integrity. While Trump is known for his aggressive business tactics, he emphasizes the importance of operating within ethical boundaries. This commitment to integrity helps build long-term trust with partners and customers.

Negotiate firmly but fairly. Trump's approach to negotiation involves pushing hard for the best deal possible while still respecting the other party's interests. This balanced approach helps create win-win situations and fosters lasting business relationships.

Fulfill commitments. Trump stresses the importance of following through on promises and contractual obligations. This reliability enhances his reputation and opens doors to future opportunities.

Last updated: January 22, 2025