Learn From the Master

Most of us will never achieve the financial success and notoriety that Donald Trump has, but every small business owner can learn some valuable lessons from Mr. Trump. Whether you like him or not, you have to admire his talent for self-promotion. He may specialize in building skyscrapers and amassing real estate, but his methods would probably work for any business. He has the knack for speaking candidly while still promoting his brand. And his brand, of course, is Trump, which is well known all over the world for quality and creativity.

We don’t see much of his personal life behind closed doors, but when he’s in public, Trump is always “on.” No matter what subject he’s questioned about, he always gets that plug in about his TV show or one of his casinos or golf courses. I think it just comes naturally to him, and it has paid off handsomely along the way. Everyone who has a new idea wants to partner with him and capitalize on the Trump name.

I recently saw him on a talk show, and he promoted everything he’s currently into, including Trump University. But Trump didn’t make it sound like a series of commercials; he appeared to just be making conversation. But he managed to spread the word about new ventures that many of us hadn’t previously heard about.

Donald Trump didn’t become a huge success overnight. It took years of hard work and promotion to get him where he is today. That is what a small business person needs to realize: what you do today and tomorrow will pay off in the future. You can’t get to the Emerald City unless you start now at the beginning of the yellow brick road, then keep walking. The rewards won’t automatically come to you; you must go to them. A little progress every day will get you there. And once you build your own brand and market awareness, it will help you be successful in good times and bad. Just ask Donald Trump.