How Trump Conquered Manhattan at Age 25
Hello readers! Today, I’ll share a rather special story with you.
“Madman” vs “Genius” – these are the most common words people use when describing Donald Trump. What do you think?
Today, we’ll explore the story of ‘businessman Trump,’ specifically how he managed to dominate Manhattan at the age of 25, and uncover his hidden business philosophy.
Young Trump’s Success by the Numbers 💰
Wait! Before we dive into the story, let me share some fascinating numbers:
* Age 25: When he entered Manhattan
* $4.7 million: Monthly income inherited from his father
* 150x: Value increase of his first hotel project
* 5x: Room rate increase after renovation
* 3 months: Time to reach full occupancy
How was this possible?
From Troublemaker to Military School’s Most Popular Student 🏫
“He punched his music teacher when he was nine.” This is an anecdote from Trump’s childhood. He was literally a ‘problem child.’
His father, after much consideration, sent him to military school. Surprisingly, this rebel became the most popular student there.
What’s interesting is the method he chose to win the popularity vote. He would appear at school with different beautiful women each week. Doesn’t this already show signs of a ‘marketing genius’?
A College Student’s Unique Hobby: Reading Auction Papers 📰
While ordinary college students were doing their usual things, Trump was searching for real estate auction information.
“While other students were drinking and talking about sports, I was reading auction notices.”
Interestingly, Trump doesn’t drink alcohol at all. Even now, he only drinks cola. His father strictly prohibited alcohol, tobacco, and drugs from an early age.
Age 25: The Challenge Towards Manhattan 🌆
“I’ve seen enough of Queens. Now I’m heading to Manhattan.”
This was Trump’s declaration at age 25. His first target was the Commodore Hotel, a worn-down hotel on 42nd Street.
Trump’s Negotiation Strategies Learned in the Field 📈
Here, Trump demonstrates his unique negotiation philosophy:
1. “Assume the Worst Case”
“What’s the worst case? Getting rejected. I don’t even own this hotel yet. I have nothing to lose!” With this mindset, he made seemingly unreasonable demands.
2. “Think Big”
* Requested 40-year tax abatement
* Applied for urban development subsidies
* Asked for various regulation exemptions
3. “Turn Weaknesses into Strengths”
* Utilized New York City’s economic depression as an opportunity
* “If this hotel revives, it will create thousands of jobs”
4. “The Media is My Ally”
* Actively utilized even negative press
* “Bad press is better than no press”
Trump’s Unexpected Talent Management Philosophy 👥
“I prefer an employee who delivers results in one hour over one who works for twelve hours.”
In the 1970s, Trump was also notable for his revolutionary talent recruitment:
* Hired female construction site managers (revolutionary for the time!)
* Boldly hired ex-convicts
* Introduced performance-based evaluation systems
* Implemented dramatic compensation structures
The Hidden Key to Success: Network Management 🤝
There’s a lesser-known secret to Trump’s success: networking.
Do you know what he did first when he came to Manhattan? He joined a social club called ‘Le Club’.
At first, they wouldn’t even take his calls. But Trump didn’t give up. He called every day until he finally got a chance to speak with the chairman directly.
“Always negotiate directly with the decision-maker” – this is Trump’s golden rule.
What Modern Companies Should Learn from Trump’s Management 💡
Isn’t it still impressive? Trump’s strategies align with modern corporate strategies:
Crisis as Opportunity: Like Amazon during COVID-19, Trump invested during New York’s decline
Media Utilization: The pioneer of strategies now used by Tesla’s Elon Musk
Brand Power: Like modern-day Apple, he branded his own name
Today’s Lessons ✨
Trump’s story offers us several lessons:
1. Think Differently
* While others drank, he read auction information
* Saw investment opportunities during economic downturns
2. Turn Weaknesses into Strengths
* Young age? Made it appear as passion and drive
* Bad reputation? Used it as a marketing tool
3. Never-Give-Up Persistence
* Called the same club every day
* Kept trying despite rejections
Madman or genius? Perhaps both. But one thing is clear: his success was no accident. I’ll be back next week with another fascinating story about Trump! Until then, have a great week! 💌
