“My style of deal-making is quite simple and straightforward. I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I’m after.”
What does a typical day look like for a successful businessman? For Donald J. Trump, there was no typical day. Each day had its own unique collection of phone calls, meetings, press coverage, family time, site and building inspections, talks with lawyers – but it was all part of making deals. When the book was written, Trump was one of the richest Americans.
Sometimes reading a book can help you understand a person better. Ever since Donald J. Trump was elected president, I’ve wanted to read The Art of the Deal. My husband and I listened to the audiobook while taking a road trip. There was no wait for the audiobook from our local library through Libby.
The Art of the Deal was written in 1987 and talks about Trump’s life as a businessman and dealmaker. The book talks about his daily life, some deals from start to finish and about his family life growing up. In each deal he describes, he talks about his business philosophy, which led him to come under or at budget and on time with most of his projects. He kept an eye on the real estate market to make bids on property when the price would be low. He would be patient and wait until the time was right to build or ask for exceptions from the local government. The book ends with him expressing a desire to give back to society somehow, with his time more than just money. I think his project to restore and ice skating rink in New York City was very interesting. He was able to complete the project much quicker and cheaper than the local government ever could.
I think the book provides some great insight into how Trump thinks and works and should be an interesting read whether you’re a fan, lukewarm or hater of Trump. Knowing more about how a person thinks is always a good thing.
Have you read The Art of the Deal? What did you think? Share on the blog!