Donald Trump in Trump 101 by Donald Trump
On Principles & Values:
Passion overcomes many difficult impossibilities
Q: What is it that gets you through the resistance to change?DJT: Passion is the number one ingredient. It can overcome many difficulties and so- called impossibilities. Getting anything started requires passion. Your enthusiasm can convince others
to go along and see things your way. Resistance can be good if it gets you to improve your idea. When someone can discourage you, you probably aren't determined enough. Be resolute. That's what it takes to get things done.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 5
Oct 20, 2006
On Education:
I'm deeply and actively involved in Trump University
I have a real passion for learning. My books and my professional experience always included a strong education or "lessons learned" slant. This book is a collection of my beliefs and about business and life-my basic rules and principles. It also contains
questions submitted to me on the Trump University blog and my answers.Another purpose of this book is to introduce you to Trump University, which grew out of my desire to impart the business knowledge I accumulated over the years and to find a
practical, convenient way to teach success. Trump University doesn't just bear my name; I'm actively involved in it. I participated in creating the curricula, and my words, ideas, and image have been woven into the courses we provide.
I'm deeply and
actively involved in Trump University because I firmly believe in the power of education and its function as an engine of success. I want to help people, and, simply put, the Trump University students want to be successful. I'm on their side.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. xix-xx
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Think on "Trump scale" and make a BIG statement
I like to reach for the stars. I'm constructing the two tallest residential towers in New Jersey that, not surprisingly, will bear the Trump name. Although I'm the largest developer in Manhattan, I decided to go across the Hudson River to Jersey City
because I saw incredible potential there. I am good at predicting trends, and I think Jersey City has a big future... or I wouldn't be there. Don't limit yourself.
Think in what I call Trump Scale and make a BIG statement. Don't build a single- family house without first seeing how much more it would take to make it into a multiunit building or even a development.
Explore how to make everything you tackle bigger, better, bolder, and more exciting. Although you may not be in a position to realize your dreams now, you could be laying the groundwork for terrific future projects.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 11-3
Oct 20, 2006
On Corporations:
First real estate deal: 1,200-unit residential foreclosure
In college, I spent my spare time reading about real estate and foreclosures. I read on my own because I was interested and truly wanted to learn, not just to pass a test. My extracurricular studying led to my first successful real estate deal in which
I earned enough money to start building my own business. I found a 1,200- unit residential development that had 800 vacant apartments. It was a disaster.
Although the developers had gone under and the government foreclosed, I saw it as a great opportunity. I worked hard and learned a lot, which gave me confidence and increased my thirst to move forward in my real estate career. I've continued the pattern
I began with that first deal throughout my life: Before I commit to any venture, I study it fully because I want to know all the facts.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 27
Oct 20, 2006
On Budget & Economy:
Known for "You're Fired!" but it's unpleasant & disruptive
It's ironic that I'm most known for the phrase, "You're fired!" [the catchphrase from The Apprentice]. It shows the power of television. I've come to terms with being so closely identified with a phrase that no one likes to hear or say. Firing anyone,
even the worst, most unpleasant, inept jerk, isn't fun. It can also be very disruptive to your business. Making the decision to fire an employee can be agonizing, and actually firing the worker can be tough to carry out.
Firing an employee can leave your business in a hole; that's why so many companies hang on to less- than- desirable workers. To replace an employee, you have to go through the entire costly and time- consuming hiring process again.
But frequently, you have no choice. If your business is to move forward, unproductive people must go.
Firing can be an essential and responsible business decision. It isn't pleasant, but lopping off a branch can save the tree.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 32-3
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Many people are afraid to fail, so they don't try
Many people are afraid to fail, so they don't try. They may dream, talk, and even plan, but they don't take that critical step of putting their money and their effort on the line. To succeed in business, you must take risks. Even if you fail, that's
how you learn. There has never been, and never will be, an Olympic ice skater who didn't fall on the ice. Skaters acquire their skill and master their moves by doing and falling, not just by watching or talking.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 39
Oct 20, 2006
On Corporations:
Do your research, but then trust your instincts
Questions from Readers of the Trump University Blog:Q: I'm starting a small business, and I have a clear vision of what I want my business to become. What do you think are the five most important aspects to consider when opening a small business in a
small but global (when tourism is considered) town?
- Know the market.
- Do your research.
- Go with your gut. Trust your instincts.
- Be prepared to work every single day at full capacity.
- Don't give up--ever. Be tough and tenacious.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 54
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Beauty and elegance are my signature and my brand
Everyone knows how important beauty is to me. I always try to have it in my life. I hire the best people, find the most fabulous locations, and use the finest materials to make sure that every project I undertake is truly exceptional.
Being surrounded by beauty makes me feel great; it enhances every part of my life, and I deserve it.Beauty and elegance, whether in a woman, a building, or a work of art, is not just superficial or something pretty to see.
Beauty and elegance are products of personal style that come from deep within.
My style is based on trying to make whatever I do breathtakingly beautiful. People react emotionally to my style; they want more of it. It's no accident that I'm so involved
with beauty; it's my signature, my brand, and I think it's best to have it in spades.
Contact with beauty exposes successful people to an excellence from which they can learn, grow, and improve their lives. Beauty rewards people for all their hard work
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 55-7
Oct 20, 2006
On Foreign Policy:
Persuasion, not power, is diplomacy at its best
I believe that the key to striking a deal is persuasion, not power. Persuasion is diplomacy at its best-the ability to convince people to accept your ideas. You don't want to force people to accept your ideas.
That's a recipe for disaster. Instead, you want them to think that the decision was theirs, which gives them a greater sense of power and control.
Your objectives should be to make your adversaries feel like they're your partners, not your victims.
Present your ideas in a way that will not intimidate your adversaries or make them feel that they are being forced to surrender. In successful negotiations, all parties should feel satisfied with the outcome.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 60
Oct 20, 2006
On Corporations:
Learning to be spontaneous takes preparation & practice
When I started in business, I spent a lot of my time researching every detail that could affect the deals I was considering. I still do today. People often comment on how quickly I think on my feet, and they think I've had this gift from birth. Actually,
I make decisions quickly because I always do my homework. Outsiders never see the thorough research, analysis and all the other preliminary work. They only see the results, which are just the tip of the iceberg. Ironically, learning to be spontaneous
takes preparation and practice.Few people are naturally gifted extemporaneous speakers, but most can learn. It usually takes training, experience, and discipline. If you want to learn how to talk on your feet, know your subject inside out so that you
will never have to hesitate or bluff because questions will not surprise or stump you. You'll know every answer, and each question will give you a great opportunity to show how good you are and how much you know. Master your subject; know it cold.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 64-5
Oct 20, 2006
On Budget & Economy:
Money is part of your reward for succeeding
I'm the last person you would expect to downplay the importance of money, since I've been fortunate to earn lots of it. People associate me with money, and it's given me a remarkable life.
But making money should not be your primary purpose because if it is, you can end up with little else.
In reality, most of us need to make money; we have bills to pay. However, other objectives can be equally, or more, important, including the stimulation and satisfaction you receive from your work and its challenges.
There's also the pleasure of helping others and doing good or the opportunity to learn, grow, and deal with outstanding people, to name just a few.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 85-6
Oct 20, 2006
On Foreign Policy:
Countries and corporations must both evolve, or fade away
Much of life and business is about survival, and Darwin taught us that to survive, we must adapt. Evolution is constant in business and life.
Even the most powerful empires have come and gone. Just look at history, the Roman, Ottoman, and British Empires once dominated the world, and then each faded away.
Since everything always changes, constantly reevaluate the big picture. Reexamine the landscape; see what's changed and what those differences could mean to you.
Then figure out how you can keep up with and make the changes work for you.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p. 99-100
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Change isn't an admission that you were wrong
- Any new action can bring strength. Adaptation is an old theory but it's a solid one.
- Understand that life is unpredictable and that things will change.
Realize that your methods and goals must change for you to keep pace and succeed.
- Keep abreast of what's happening around the globe.
See how you can integrate recent development into your world. They can open the door to new interests and excitement.
- Be willing to move out of your comfort zone and try new things. Take some chances, be daring, and embrace the new.
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Always be open; listen attentively and be willing to change. Change isn't an admission that you were wrong or a sign of defeat; it's frequently a smart thing to do.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.109-10
Oct 20, 2006
On Government Reform:
Speak simply & clearly, even when addressing Congress
Q: Your testimony to Congress didn't slip into jargon. Why do you think people use jargon when simple words will do?DJT: Insecure people are often long-winded when they try to convince others that they are important or have special knowledge.
I believe in getting to the point in the most direct way possible. It saves everyone's time and teaches you to distill information into sound bites that cannot be misinterpreted. I move quickly in business, so I don't have the time, the desire, or the
need to pontificate or sound important. Oftentimes, this backfires. Being concise is more effective, but not necessarily easier. Sometimes I ask people to explain things to me in less than three sentences to make sure they've got it down.
Condensing your thoughts is a great technique for both speaking and writing. Busy people work in sound bites; anything more can be a waste of time or cause confusion. I prefer to speak simply and clearly whether I'm addressing my employees or Congress.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.117-8
Oct 20, 2006
On Budget & Economy:
In early 1990s, I was $9B in debt; but I never went bankrupt
In the early 1990s, I had some financial troubles. In fact, I was $9 billion in debt. This amount of indebtedness would have crushed most people, but it made me determined to fight back. I took an attitude check and resolved to remain positive about my
circumstances. I knew the conditions would change for the better, and they certainly have.I honestly believe that my attitude, willingness to work hard, and determination pulled me through. Things are so much better now than they were back then, and
I came out of it better than I had been at my previous best.
The most important lesson I learned from that ordeal was that I could handle pressure. At that time, many of my friends also fell deeply in debt. Some went bankrupt.
Despite my tremendous debt and all the pressure, I never went bankrupt. I was able to work it out, and I learned I could take the heat. You don't know what pressure is until you owe billions of dollars to banks and they all want their money at once.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.122-3
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Look at people non-judgmentally, without right or wrong
The clearest way to see people and events is to examine then nonjudgmentally--to see and record the facts without coloring them with a "this is right" or "that is wrong" attitude. This follows a journalistic approach in its purest sense news without a
slant. A nonjudgmental approach collects and reports the facts without jumping to conclusions or interpreting their meaning. This approach may require you to do a little more thinking, which can only be a good thing. Never presume that your way is
the only way, whether you're talking about work, ethics, or politics. Be tolerant of diverse opinions, practices, and views. Be grateful for the diversity in our lives and for the benefits of being exposed to so many different backgrounds and beliefs.
Take the time to try to understand other viewpoints--how and why those people feel and act as they do. Gather information, get the whole story, and don't jump to conclusions or judge. Results are what matter; the rest is style.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.131-2
Oct 20, 2006
On Corporations:
Move quickly from seeing problems to seeing solutions
Pay attention to your business. Find out what problems exist and anticipate those that are likely to arise. Nip problems in the bud before they grow into more serious and hard- to- solve issues. In other words, take responsibility.
People who take responsibility have no need to blame or continually find fault with others. Naysayers rarely contribute much, and they usually don't amount to much.
By now, I've been in business long enough to have had ups and downs. I've enjoyed magnificent victories and suffered painful defeats.
I've learned to go quickly from seeing problems to seeing their solutions. The secret to resolving problems is to emphasize the solution more than the problem; accentuate the positive without ignoring the negative.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.141-2
Oct 20, 2006
On Corporations:
12-hour working days are my norm, not an exception
People are surprised to learn that I put in 12- hour working days. For me, that's the norm, not the exception. To remain successful, I have to be persistent and work hard; I work long hours to get everything done.
If you usually work a 40-hour week and then add on another 20 hours a week for a few weeks, you'll be surprised at how much more you can accomplish. Productive people accomplish more for a reason--they work long and hard.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.146
Oct 20, 2006
On Principles & Values:
Give others a fair chance, but eliminate scoundrels
You have to learn when to quit and when to move forward. This can be tricky because a fine line frequently exists between acceptance and resignation. Since everyone makes mistakes, try to be understanding when other people fail.
Don't immediately give up on them; you wouldn't want others to write you off without a fair chance.
The fine line widens when you find out that someone is a scoundrel or incompetent and will never change.
When that's the case, break off the relationship, cut your losses, and eliminate that person from your life.
Source: Trump 101, by Donald Trump, p.165
Oct 20, 2006
On Education:
FactCheck: More than figurehead at Trump U
One key issue in the ongoing class-action lawsuits against Trump University is whether Donald Trump was just a figurehead (and any responsibility for wrongdoing is on his subordinates) or instead was personally involved (and any responsibility for
wrongdoing is on him).Our conclusion: Trump was involved in guiding Trump U in the same manner he guides any real estate development project. Trump doesn't do any construction on his buildings: he designs them and oversees implementation. Similarly,
he designed a lot of Trump U and oversaw its operations.
One strong piece of evidence is the location of Trump U--at 40 Wall Street. That building is featured in its own chapter in Donald's book "The Art of the Comeback" (1997)--Donald worked for
years on that building. Donald located Trump U at the jewel in the crown of the Trump empire--he meant Trump U not as just a money-making venture, but as a showpiece for his name. Trump U may have failed, but Donald Trump intended it to succeed.
Source: OnTheIssues FactCheck on Trump 101, by Donald Trump
Jun 9, 2016
Page last updated: Feb 25, 2019