Customer Reviews

Think Like a Champion: An Informal Education in Business and Life

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The book keeps form with Mr. Trumps value for brevity in that it is concise, only 198 pages, but offers his valuable insight on an informal education on business and life from a seasoned entrepreneur.

Trump places a quote atop each chapter by such individuals as Albert Einstein, Aristotle, Henry Ford, Napoleon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Abraham Lincoln, Socrates, Henry David Thoreau, etc. Some of the author's suggestions that I found valuable include:

"Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success. - Henry Ford" (11).
"...a good way to handle difficult and even tragic times - to find blessing in the midst of adversity" (14).
"Never think of learning as being a burden or studying as being boring. It may require some discipline, but it can be an adventure" (17).
"The more you learn, the more you realize what you don't know" (35).
"As Jack Dempsey said, "A champion is someone who gets up when he can't" (39).
"I view my work as an art form" (43).
"Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world" - Ralph Waldo Emerson (51).
"Business is no place for stream of consciousness babbling, no matter how colorful you might think you are being. Whatever you're doing, keep it short, fast, and direct. (61)
"People appreciate brevity in today's world" (63).
"Don't find fault, find a remedy" - Henry Ford" (65).
"We are all businessmen and women, whether you see it that way yet or not. If you like art and can't make money at it, you eventually realize that everything is a business, even your art...I see my business as an art and so I work at it passionately." (86).
"Men are born to succeed, not fail. - Henry David Thoreau" (101).
"You can better your best at any time" (121).
"The important thing is not to stop questioning, curiosity has it's own reason for existing. - Albert Einstein" (131).
"Be sincere, be brief, be seated. - Franklin D. Roosevelt. Know your audience." (157).
"Build your reputation" (169).
"Diligence is the mother of good luck - Benjamin Franklin" (173).

The author guides the reader through a series of short and concise educational lessons that he has picked up along his business and life journey. Trump is a businessman but also an educator in this work, this book is a good resource for those wanting to advance themselves in business and life. To learn more about Donald Trump's book go to [...] or his organization go to [...].

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For better or for worse, Donald Trump has managed to etch his persona onto the modern American conscience. His overgrown fame is only matched by an equally colossal ego that oozes out of all of his pronouncements. Yet, there is something about his voice and the delivery style that makes it hard for me to take him too seriously. I also find it utterly ridiculous to see someone of his oversize ego publish a tiny 3" x 3" size "book." I was curious to find out what some of his most inspiring insights were, but all I found was a bunch of platitudes and business-speak mambo-jumbo that is no different from a gazillion other "business advice" books. The only truly inspiring parts of the book were the quotes by famous individuals (such as Victor Hugo, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Mark Twain) liberally sprinkled throughout the book. Unfortunately, these great quotes only end up highlighting the paucity of insight in Trump's bromides.

An excellent book; I enjoyed it tremendously. Here in Atlantic City area, I've heard some negative comments about Mr. Donald Trump during the years. However, I really don't know the facts, so I could not judge him by rumors. This book and a couple of his other books have won my respect. They are the great lessons for anyone who strives for professionalism and excellence. I whole heartily agree what he said in the book. I could feel that he puts his whole heart into the book, and really cares others to do well. I could also feel his passion for all his works from each line of this book.

During the years, I've been reading many books. This is a my very first and only book review I ever wrote because I appreciate Mr. Trump puts his spirit, his energy, and experiences into the words which help me immensely in one of the worst time in my life. I started a business consulting practice. Yet, I still haven't finding my true callings. "Think Like A Champion" "Think Big and Kiss Ass" "Trump 101" and "The Art of the Deal" have really been helping me to review my life, rethink, reshape and looking deep into my potentials. What he wrote are conformed by my good and bad experiences in the pass. I am sure that many readers have same feelings when read his books.

I am going to purchase all his books and a couple of more this book passing them to my friends who work so hard and demand to be successful. I think those books are the best gifts I can give to my friends. Thanks Donald.

On the jacket of his latest book, THINK LIKE A CHAMPION,
Donald Trump notes:

* I may be successful already, but I learn something new
every day.

Though I obviously have not achieved Trump's success,
that exactly sums up what I try to do every day; i.e., learn . . . and
it is the reason why I liked this book so much.

In a collection of short essays, Trump openly shares his ideas
and about what works for him--and, also, what
doesn't . . . he covers a diverse number of topics, ranging from
President Obama to the stock market and including the need
to keep the big picture in mind, Stephen King, imagination and
building your reputation.

Golf, one of his passions, is covered as well:

* Most of you know that I'm a golfer. I've always said that golf is
a brain game, which it is, but it is a demanding sport technically
and is a game of finesse. You cannot play golf halfheartedly and
expect to get anywhere with your game. You have to concentrate
and you have to have patience. As the legendary golfer Bobby
Jones said, "It is nothing new or original to say that golf is played
one stroke at a time. But it took me many years to realize it." We
win in our daily lives by being careful with every day, by having
a champion's view of each moment.

However, it was this tidbit that really caught my attention:

* Some financial courses are dry-but necessary. I was able to handle
them by making them more interesting in my own mind by
applying the principles immediately to some imaginary project I
would come up with. By doing this, I was already working in the real
world while I was in school, which I think saved me a lot of time
when I actually got started on my own. I had been multitasking
before I knew what multitasking was.

What a great idea to apply when it comes to any course, seminar
or meeting we attend!

I think I've read about all of Trump's 13 book . . . if he keeps
coming up with others winners such as THINK LIKE A CHAMPION,
I'll remain a fan and look forward to his next one.

Written with the assistance of Meredith McIver, "Think Like A Champion" is a compilation of advice and commentary from one of the country's best known entrepreneurs -- Donald J. Trump. This outspoken and often flamboyant real estate tycoon and television impresario covers a wide spectrum of topics and issues ranging from Barack Obama as a political phenomena, to our currently troubled economy, to the necessity for entrepreneurs to take chances in the marketplace, to establishing a reputation, to the necessity for financial literacy, to the use of imagination as a tool for commercial and personal success. "Think Like A Champion" is 'must' reading for the legions of Donald Trump fans -- and a popular and very highly recommended addition to any community library collection.

Donald Trump does it again! Authors write because they feel the need to express with others something they have learned, taught, experienced, created, or just feel the need to Help people grow. Donald Trump is saying go against the tide and he's right, because what he's really expressing, is to be yourself, follow in your own footsteps and don't be afraid to follow what's in your heart. I would buy any one of Donald Trump's books because his passion behind his work is truly inspirational and helpful. Hats off to a man who wants to better the world! "Think Like A Champion," is a wonderful read that will get you thinking, motivate you to live your dreams, and help you to understand that challenges in life are always going to arise, it's up to you to learn how to master the art of winning these battles!


Michelle Rossi

Author/ All About Me

Contributing Author Chicken Soup for the Soul

This is an excellent book. I recommend this book to everyone. Great quotes.