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41 of 46 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Trump Trumps Trump, April 27, 2009
This review is from: Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life (Hardcover)
I thought Donald Trump's last book was his best to date. In the same way that each of his buildings seems to trump his most recent, so too with this book. Trump has once again trumped Trump. This is his best book yet (why do I have a feeling that an even better book is already in process???).
This is an easy book for critics to dismiss as a celebrity fluff piece. But, the book really is far better than that. The fifty short essays, in and by themselves, are first rate commentary on important concepts for business and life. Taken together, the fifty essays provide a wonderful insight into the way Trump thinks and acts. And, gaining an insight into how Trump thinks and acts is worthwhile for he is world's pre-eminent master at personal brand building - a competency needed for almost every successful person.
Each of the fifty essays is well written, and each concept is illustrated by a short story to reinforce the point being made. The result is a book that almost invites speed reading...but I urge readers to slow down and really think through each of the fifty points being made. Even better yet, challenge yourself to grade yourself, as I have, on each of the fifty points. By grading yourself, I expect that you will gain new respect for Trump and new insights into just how brilliant Trump is.
Let's take the example of "You Can Better Your Best at Anytime." The fact that Donald Trump walks the talk with this mantra is readily apparent. Each of his buildings outdoes his previous best. As does each of his books. Etc. Etc. Prior to reading this book, that life philosophy was not woven into the fabric of my life. In a world where many guru's are preaching "good is good enough," Trump exhorts us to make our efforts a masterpiece. Now making everything a masterpiece could easily put someone into a state of frozen perfectionism, but Trump's philosophies also embrace a "get it done" style that is the antithesis to being frozen in perfectionism.
My greatest take-away from the book was one that came indirectly from the book. As I absorbed all that I was reading about Trump, the wisdom of Mike Robbin's terrific book Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity was heavy on my mind. Trump is the essence of the authenticity that Robbins suggests can be so powerful. As a result of these two books, I now see Trump as being bold, rather than just brash. A man who speaks his mind in a direct manner from which we can all learn. A man whose branding is based on the power of authenticity. And, a man whose real life gift is being a walking example of living an authentic life in an era where so many of our role models have been shown to be so lacking in authenticity.
Awesome book, especially for those who treat it like a classic and really, really reflect on the inner meaning of this collection of fifty thoughtful essays.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
50 Motivating Essays from Donald Trump, May 9, 2010
Love him or hate him, Donald Trump on many fronts has been extremely successful. While some say it's just because he got a good head start from his father, the truth is, Trump would not be where he's at, and would not have succeeded as he's done without many contributing factors. One such factor is his optimistic, positive charged, enthusiastic big thinking. If you want to model success, modeling the way Trump thinks is not a bad place to start. In his book "Think Like A Champion" written with Meredith McIver and starting with a Foreword by Robert Kiyosaki, Trump shares with readers what he calls an informal education in business and life. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the fifty essays in this book, and if you liked any of Trump's previous books, I'm sure you will really like this one.
The essays are mostly two to four pages long, with many being right around two and a half pages. So they are very easy to read. You could read the entire book through quickly, or just pick an essay or two a day. First, I found the essays very positive and uplifting. I think it would be difficult to read this book and not feel a bit motivated to pursue great accomplishments upon reading The Donald's advice and examples. However, I think the book goes beyond a motivational "vanity" piece. The essays really do have substance, and some very practical and sound advice on a variety of topics.
I also like that each essay has a quote at the heading. Trump mentions that he likes quotes, and so do I. The essay titled "Have the Right Mindset for the Job" has a quote by Henry Ford at the heading, "Don't find fault. Find a remedy." I'm using that quote in a conflict resolution program I'm teaching next week.
In one of the essays, Trump mentions how he likes to get right to the point. He does not have time for people that beat around the bush and don't succinctly tell him what they need. I felt he did the same with these essays. They are well written and make his point in just the right amount of space. Some of the fifty topics he covers include: Innovation, Strive for Wholeness, Wisdom, Think Like a Champion, Confronting Your Fears, Financial Literacy, Keep the Big Picture in Mind, Develop a Tempo When You're Working, Think Like a Genius, Set the Standard, and Building Your Reputation.
Again, I really enjoyed this book and felt Trump was writing thoughtfully and authentically. If you really think about what is contained in these essays and how you can apply the themes, strategies, and suggestions to your own life, I truly believe you will find they help you along your journey toward success. On top of that, they will motivate you to actually succeed in business and in life.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer.
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18 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love Him or Hate Him - Still He Is A Champion, April 19, 2009
This review is from: Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education In Business and Life (Hardcover)
Donald Trump's name has become a brand like Coca-Cola - you may love him or hate him but you expect quality and you get it. This book proves that Trumps talents exceed business acumen and TV personality - he can write and share his insight in the highly attractive (and not very easy) form of an essay.
This collection is rather broad - it includes Trump's comments on current politics, business, investments, psychology but also literature. Actually, it is quite interesting to listen to Trump's comments on matters which seem to be outside his area of expertise. He approaches them with ready intelligence and openness which are sometimes more valuable then experience or erudition (though frankly speaking - he has an impressive amount of both), it is only from a different angle that we can see aspects we have missed so far.
Obviously, the most practical value is to be derived from Trump's comments on business. I liked his insistence on sticking to one's guns (or as he would more likely say "protecting one's assets" or "going against the tide") - he has certainly proved with his life that this a policy which makes sense in the longer run.
If you think about going into business, Trump has a lot to teach you. If you are in business, Trump can help you get better at what you're doing. The truth is that whatever you do you can achieve more if you learn to take advice from wise people. This book proves that Donald Trump is one of them.
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