Book Review - “The Art of the Deal” by Donald J. Trump
Co-written by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz, “THE ART OF THE DEAL” was published in 1989, when Trump was 43 years old. However, even at 43, he was already known by many around the world as America’s most enterprising billionaire. In this book, Trump talks about how he loves making deals. He explains that his love for making deals is what keeps him going. New York magazine called him the personification of hustle. After all, it has to be about more than money if you already have more money than you can ever spend, right?
Throughout “The Art of the Deal,” Trump gives real life examples of deals that he has made in the past on his way to success. The book really gives a backstage pass into the mind of Trump as he navigates the world of business, competitors, employees, partners, and “The Art of the Deal.” Trump tells the stories like no one else could as this book also includes photos of celebrities, business moguls, presidents, and the like that Trump has had relationships with.
The person Trump credits as having the biggest influence on his life growing up is his father, Fred Trump. Fred Trump was a very successful business man as well. Donald credits his work ethic, ability to motivate people, and the ability to operate efficiently to his father. Although he learned a lot about business from his father, he also learned that he did not want to be in the exact same business as his Father. His father dealt in a lot of low income housing. Trump saw this as a tough way to make a buck. Rather than go that route, Trump went towards the path of luxurious hotels with grand entrances, beautiful artwork and stunning views.
In one section of “The Art of the Deal,” Trump describes the concept of dealmaking more directly. He suggests that the worst thing one can possibly do in a deal is seem desperate to make it. Instead, it’s important to have leverage. Leverage is having something the other guy wants. Or better yet, needs. Or best of all, simply cannot do without. To go into more details about how Trump used leverage to secure some of the most expensive pieces of real estate in New York, read the book. I read this book to see the deal from the eyes of Trump, who can read a deal better than most people. “When it comes to no nonsense, nuts and bolts retelling of his big deals…..He Delivers.” -San Francisco Chronicle.
Whether you are a fan of the politician Donald J Trump, or not, I believe this book is valuable if you are interested in looking into the mind of one of the most successful business people in America.
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