No one can argue the fact that the billionaire business mogul Donald Trump is a successful entrepreneur. His latest venture -- running for President of the United States -- might just be his boldest endeavor yet. Entrepreneurs who are just starting down the path should pay close attention to the way Trump is running his Presidential Campaign. You don't have to agree with his politics, his firebrand statements or his blunt delivery. Whether you love him or hate him, Trump's campaign showcases five classic traits of entrepreneurship at its best:
1. Have a Clear Vision
Trump is fed up with politics as usual in Washington. He's fed up with the corruption, the insider privileges and general lack of concern for the American people. This self-made billionaire is a businessman with the resources and chutzpah to do something most people can't: he's running for president. Trump believes the American dream (working hard to lead a good life full of prosperity) is dead. He vows he will bring it back, "bigger, better and stronger than ever before." His campaign slogan is "Trump: Make America Great Again!" Donald Trump is displaying a necessary trait for entrepreneurs. An entrepreneur must have a clear vision.
2. Have Passion
As many TV personalities and reporters have found out, engaging Donald Trump in a discussion can be like kicking a hornets' nest. He gets downright volatile when he deems a question to be stupid or "unfair." The Donald always has a personal opinion. If you clash with his views or provoke him, he will come back fast and verbally annihilate you. A fundraiser for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker publicly called him a "dumb-dumb." Shortly after, Trump announced "the gloves are off," and began bashing Walker's campaign from all angles. Those that cross his path should try not to take it personally. The Donald is just showing his unbridled passion for his goals and beliefs. An entrepreneur must be passionate about his cause.
3. Be Fearless
Donald Trump isn't intimidated by the powers that be. Nor does he accept the status quo. Upon announcing his campaign for President, one of his first shocking statements was, "I'm using my own money. I'm not using the lobbyists. I'm not using donors. I don't care. I'm really rich." He doesn't need their money and hence, can't be controlled by them. This is an unheard of political stance. It's why Washington insiders, Wall Street fat cats and lobbyists can't stomach him. The press doesn't frighten The Donald, either. He frequently calls out reporters and entire networks when he dislikes their coverage of him. For example, he barred the Des Moines Register from his campaign event in Oskaloosa, after Iowa's largest newspaper called him a "feckless blowhard." An entrepreneur must be fearless when pursuing his goals.
4. Know Your Competitors
It seems like Donald Trump has stirred anger in every sector and group involved in the next Presidential election. Both Democrats and Republicans have taken shots at him. He threatens to leave the Republican Party and run as an Independent if they rile him enough on a daily basis. None of the backlash from either party seems to bother Trump. No matter who attacks him, he always has a swift, blunt retort. Donald Trump is able to stand on his feet and reply quickly because he has a vast knowledge of his competitors. This knowledge enables him to throw their weaknesses in their faces when they come on the attack. He does so with the skill of an expert flame thrower. An entrepreneur must know everything about his competitors.
5. Take Action
Donald Trump doesn't sit on the sidelines waiting for the poll numbers to dictate his actions. He and his campaign team have been holding speaking events in strategic cities across the nation. He doesn't turn his back on the controversy he creates, either. Right after he made a sweeping statement about illegal Mexican immigrants being "rapists," he took a tour in the U.S. border town of Laredo, Texas. His race is a sprint until the end, not a marathon. He doesn't pace himself; he continually pushes towards his goal. A entrepreneur must continually take action to further his goals.
At the center of Donald Trump's every action, he has a belief system- a cause and a WHY. If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you might take a look at Donald Trump's example during his Presidential campaign. He displays five traits which are necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur, no matter what endeavor you choose. He has a clear vision. He is passionate. He is fearless. He knows his competitors. Donald Trump continually takes action. These five traits will not guarantee success but they will propel entrepreneurs along the path faster than any other attributes.
Love & Success,
Loren Ridinger