Archive View (January 2009)

The sea gets sick but never dies. This is a well known Greek motto that I think is pertinent to today’s economic situation. The Greeks have been around for a long time and they’ve watched the ebb and flow of history for many centuries. Their saying is based on observation, and we’d do well to give it some thought. If someone or something is sick, it means it has to be allowed to get better. That can take some time. It also takes care and a proactive commitment to a return to health. Here we are in 2009 and we need to more...

CBS Evening News with Katie Couric is producing a special primetime broadcast that will air tonight at 8 p.m. EST (Channel 2 in NY). It is the first time CBS Evening News has ever been broadcast in primetime.  The show will feature a story examining possible solutions to stabilize the commercial and residential real estate markets.  CBS is interviewing Mr. Trump to get his views on what he believes the US Government and private industry can do to stabilize real estate prices and provide a foundation for economic recovery. This interview should be at the top of the show. Stay tuned tonight... Updated 1/29/09 more...

After watching the movie Frost/Nixon I was thinking about Nixon's children. Where are they?Whether you liked Nixon or not, family is family and I find it incredible that no one has surfaced to defend him. Did they just disappear? Why haven't they defended him? I would hope my children would fight for me more than his kids fight for him. I have a feeling they would. I also think Nixon would go to bat for his children, just as I would for mine. Their silence is a mystery to me and while I know it was a humiliating time in their more...

Ever notice how when you attend a class or seminar, you automatically place the lecturer on a “pedestal” and give him/her credit for being more knowledgeable than you on that particular subject? So, it only makes sense in your business, to find strategic ways to get in front of your target audience (prospects) and teach them things from your unique prospective.   When you “lecture” to your prospects, you have instant credibility with them and become the “expert” in their eyes.  You are able to “slant” your class toward your company, product or philosophy all while gaining their trust. I host 3 monthly more...

It takes all kinds. That’s something we’ve noticed in the past year in the news, with Bernard Madoff topping it off.  We have a saying in construction when the structure of a building is completed--a ‘topping off party’ to signify the top floor has been put in place. Somehow, the past year got its own topping off party but not in the best sense.   My opinion is that we should all try to be grateful. There’s a lot to be thankful for and being positive is certainly more productive than being negative. But I have to say I got another surprise more...

I have always respected people who were loyal and faithful--which brings to mind Kelly Preston. A long time ago, before I was married, I met Kelly Preston at a club and worked like hell to try and pick her up. She was beautiful, personable, and definitely had allure. At the time I had no idea she was married to John Travolta.   In any event, my track record on this subject has always been outstanding, but Kelly wouldn’t give me the time of day. She was very nice, very elegant, but I didn’t have a chance with her, and that was that. When I more...

I consider myself a creative thinker and in-touch with the problems facing the housing markets and lending markets around the country.  The surplus real estate inventory with fewer people who can qualify is only going to get worse before it gets better, I am afraid.  I say this because with all the financial bailouts going on, lawmakers really aren’t focused on getting the vacant houses filled as much as they are about playing the blame game with the mortgage industry.   Let’s keep that in the peripheral but look at what reforms can be made to get homes bought and sold and more...

Trump University came out with a book last year called Entrepreneurship 101: How to Turn Your Idea into a Money Machine. I wrote the foreword and first chapter, and entrusted the very knowledgeable Michael E. Gordon, PhD, with writing the rest. I was reviewing it again recently and realized how valuable a guide it is for today. There’s not a specific college degree for being a great entrepreneur, but this book will set you up and on your way in a very comprehensive way. In my introduction, I mention that entrepreneurship starts with vision. Without a vision, nothing of consequence will happen more...