Page 193 - Midas Touch

of the celebrity life made real through our properties and the products that
bear our name. This small thing has become a very big thing for me and
The Trump Organization. This seemingly small desire that people have
has become the foundation for our entire company. Do you have an idea

what that small thing could be for you or your business?

When Robert talks about thinking small, I have to laugh because I’ve been
known for my “think-big” credo. I’ve never been accused of thinking
small, and I take that as a compliment. Big has served me well, but I’m
also known for being detail-oriented. Big leads to countless details that
require attention. In fact, to be very successful, you have to realize that
there are no little things. Everything matters, particularly when you have a

brand that is known for luxury. As someone once said, and as I’ve said
before, “A tiny leak can sink a ship.”

Robert says that if he lost all his money, he knows he could make the
money back again. That represents power to him. He has that power
because he is very educated financially and has many experiences to draw
upon.

I know the feeling, because I went through a major financial upheaval in
the early 1990s, and I survived it. I came back to be far more successful

than I had been before—largely from having learned a great deal in the
process. I wouldn’t want to go through it again, but I realize that it served
a purpose.

My CFO, Allen Weisselberg, who has been with me for over 30 years,
advises to “operate your day-to-day business as if bad times are always
here,” which is a great precaution.

When Big Is Big

When you think big, you will automatically trigger more details because
details are the major component of making anything big. They are the
stepping stones to high quality and a strong structure.

I think in construction terms, and a blueprint is something to consider as
you begin your business. Is it a small blueprint? Can it be expanded?

Wouldn’t it save time to just start with a big blueprint? Many years ago I
was quoted as saying, “If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might