Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Intramuros Manila
Graduate School of Management
MBA-Top Executive Program (TEP)
Book Report: Think Big: Make it Happen in Business and Life
By Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the subject Marketing Management
Submitted by:
Bustillo, Nicole Lance O.
Submitted to:
Dr. Edza Zialcita
Title: Think Big Make it Happen in Business and Life (Think Big and Kick Ass)
Author: Donald Trump and Bill Zanker
Main Learning Point: How “thinking big” can help you become successful in business and in life
Summary:
This book of Donald Trump is about him, discussing the things he had done that lead to him to become who he is right now, as well as the proper attitude one must possess to become successful. The book also showcased insights from Bill Zanker, President/Founder of The Learning Annex, an educational institution which focuses on entertainment and filmmaking. The insights he give in the book helps the readers to comprehend more on what Mr. Trump wants every readers to absorb in his book: to think big to become successful in life.
The book is divided into 10 Chapters. Each chapter has a very important message every readers is expected to comprehend. The following are the summary of the important points in every chapter of the book:
Chapter 1: Do you have what it takes?
The starting point of the book. It aims to build the reader’s mind setting about aiming to become successful in life and in career. Generally, this part gives the readers an overview about what ideas are he/she about to unveil upon progressively reading the book that one must: a. Dream Big b. Aim High c. Take Action d. Acquire Knowledge e. Be passionate f. Trust your gut g. Never lose your focus h. Hire the best, but don’t trust them i. Get even to those who have done you wrong j. Get prenuptial agreement
Chapter 2: Passion, Passion, Passion!
There’s no greater thing in working than having your work as a passion. Loving your work means that you enjoy every part of it; both the good and the bad side. In order to become successful, one needs to learn to get out of his or her comfort zone, handle pressure, bounce back from failures and never give up.
By learning those, you prove to become passionate enough to work and the joy part will come eventually after overcoming those.
Chapter 3: Basic Instinct
Instinct is very important in decision making. Having enough experience could let a person rely enough with his/her gut. Proper timing and getting all the facts is vital in using your gut. Once you used it, you need to closely monitor everything that will happen around your decision. Because once you made that decision, either by facts or by gut feel, you cannot turn your back anymore.
Chapter 4: Creating Luck
It is a reality that some people are born luckier than the other; but that is just a small headstart. Hardwork can still beat all the luck in the world. You just have to be open to new ideas, think positive, not let anyone get in your way and stay confident even if you experience a lot of bumps in the road. Once you’ve done everything, luck will eventually come in your way.
Chapter 5: Fear Factor:
Life is not easy. The world is a brutal place full of vicious people. You’ll thought first that sometimes, people like you but eventually, once they’re close enough they will be ready to stab you at the back. In order for you to avoid that from happening, you need to be respected. And in order for you to command respect you need to show to them that you know your worth and your stuff. As to the relationships with your colleagues and staffs, only get the people with the positive attitude and remove the “bad apples” fast. Inspire your people with a powerful team spirit and value their loyalty most. Always set your standards high and expect and made them feel that they can achieve your standard.
Chapter 6: Revenge
Do not let others screw you. When someone do, screw them back in spades. You may forgive good people from their mistakes, but never forgive the bad ones. When someone attacks you publicly, strike back. Always have a good reason to get even. Always be prepared so that people will avoid messing with you. Finally, when someone made a mistake with you and apologized, forgive them, but never trust them anymore.
Chapter 7: Big Mo! (Momentum)
At the beginning of your journey, you have no momentum yet, Momentum will build up one you began taking action and accomplishing every task you need. Once you build your momentum, others would want to be part of it but you can fully achieved momentum if you focus on a specific goal with passion and intensity. Keep on challenging yourself to keep the momentum because if you stop, momentum will stop too. Once you reach the top, never forget to give back to the society.
Chapter 8: Never Take Your Eye Out of the Ball
Being successful is not an easy process. You must take your work seriously. Focus on doing what you love even if times are tough. You acknowledge your problems, but focus on what feels good. Remember that time is on your side, even if you’re going downward, it will not continue to go that way forever.
If you’re already married, your spouse can impact your ability to focus. If your husband/wife is fully supportive, you can focus the most on your target goal and remove the worry factor because being worried destroys focus. Being focus, however, doesn’t mean you need to be narrow-minded or rigid. Be flexibly focus instead.
Chapter 9: I Love You, Sign This
Lives get destroyed because of not having prenuptial agreement. In the US, 58% of marriage ended up in divorce. Do not let love cloud your judgement. There is nothing more terrible than a man and a woman who used to love each other now clawing each other’s throats for money and property. Nobody plans to get divorced. But getting a pre-nup prepares couples terms in case it will happen. It may not be the most romantic thing to do, but is needed.
Like in business deals, it is best that everything should be in writing. It will serve as your insurance once something went wrong with your agreement.
Chapter 10: Think Big and Kick Ass in Business and Life
Thinking big have led to humankind’s greatest achievements. But before you can think big, you need to think of yourself as someone who is important. You need to develop self-esteem that you can achieve anything. Overcome your biggest fears and insecurities. Focus on what you really want to happen. Speak out like a big thinker and hang out with other big thinkers like you. Put your big thoughts into actions right away. Build confidence by starting from small success which will eventually continue to build up towards greater success. Avoid sinking into self-criticism and if ever you stumbled along the way, pick up yourself and start thinking big again as soon as possible. Think big but always keep your feet on the ground. Think big but never forget about the basics. Think big and you’ll kick ass in business and in life.
Donald Trump have already shared his secrets to his success. It is clear in the book that even a person as great as him, have experienced set-backs and failures. It is because of his attitude that bring him to the top. And if he did it, he believes that you, the reader by following his formula can do it as well.
Recommendation:
I strongly recommend this book to be read by people who has a dream to become successful, not only in business but also in whatever field they want to become successful with. The formula to success discussed by Mr. Trump is highly applicable to anyone who has a dream of becoming big. The approach used in this book is very direct to the point. The examples give additional idea as to how to apply the formula. It doesn’t matter how lucky a person is, it’s a matter of how eager a person is to become successful.
I also recommend this book to couples who are open-minded. This will give them an additional insight that supporting each other can lead to the success of both. In addition, they can also understand the benefits of having a pre-nuptial agreement. It may not sound that good but it is needed in case love fails between them.
Finally, I recommend this to students who has no idea yet what to do after they graduate. As early as their stage, they must know Mr. Trump’s success formula. I believe if they take time to read this, it will open a path to anyone to start thinking big and start doing something to achieve such dream.
