3 comments about Three Master Secrets of Real Estate Success (Audio Business Course).

1. The two lecturers have lots of experience in the method they describe. Lots of specific examples to support the methodology, and not full of hype. I will use some of the tips to buy my first investment property. I bought this for $49 in a book store, but it appears lower prices are available in the "new and used" vendor search on Amazon. The set also includes a 4th CD that is a CD-rom that also gives you an "online course" which NOT another course, but is really some downloadable online information files. The CD also provides access to an internet discussion group that doesn't have a lot of action, but some more details, depending on who posts an answer. There is also a 55 page pdf workbook on the supplemental CD-rom containing sections where you define your own action steps based upon the audio lessons. It follows a method of learning defined on another supplemental file, and is an effective means of making you take some action and develop some plans. If you follow it, it will get you close to taking action which is the intention. Occasionally, the lecturers may post a leading question on the online discussion forum to get the conversation going, but they don't actively post answers. I have more than one of the Trump audio courses and found that they both direct you to the SAME online forum, thus I saw that lecturers from both audio courses occasionally posted the questions. About 4-5 posts appeared each days with one or more answers to each. You can spend quite a bit of time clicking thru the answers to gather additional tips.
   However, my CD #2 had about 6 bad tracks and I have not been able to find how to get a replacement or download the bad tracks.
   To use this set fully, load and read the files on the CD-Rom, and register in the online forum and see what it is like. Download the info files from the website. Then listen to all three audio CD disks and take notes. Then do the 55 page workbook. Even if you can get this for less than $49, it is worth it for the mix of learning materials and specifics.
   AND, the online forum hits you with ads on the side for bigger buck Trump University courses, including a six month program with "limited" enrollment but NO info on pricing.
   Good Luck... I also have another Trump set and it works the same way.
   Written from Baghdad, Iraq where I have time to do this (no Disney land here!)
   VJ



2. Curtis Oakes, Peter Harris and Donald Trump do a fine job here -- I got a lot more out of this audio business course than I've gotten out of real estate conferences, seminars, expos and even classes, all of which cost much, much more than the $39 I invested in this product. I especially enjoyed the honesty and candor of the presenters -- it was refreshing.
   
   "Three Master Secrets" is entertaining, informative, fast-paced and fun. The online program is good, too. I definitely ecommend this product.
   
   FWW, I also liked the "Bubble-Proof Real Estate Investing" product with Trump, Gary Eldred and Dolf de Roos, too.



3. The level of explanation and knowledge shared in this product was very elementary. I expected much more from a Trump product. If you want some good real estate info read George Roth's book or Robert Kiyosaki, who by the way I think the two guys on this Trump set were trying to be like.

2 comments about The Wealth Builder's Blueprint.

1. The Wealth Builder's Blueprint is a terrific product, jam-packed with wealth creation tips, tactics and strategies from Donald Trump and his wealth creation team. If you're a Trump fan -- or if you like the television show "The Apprentice" -- you'll love this product. Trump's DVD lays out his tips on how to be successful, set the standard, never give up and create wealth. It's classic Trump: bold, pithy and entertaining. Dolf de Roos (real estate), Jeff Burrows (entrepreneurs), Les Hewitt and Dr. Stephanie Burns are also terrific on their CDs in this product. This would make a great gift for any Trump fan; it's well worth checking out.



2. This CD set is by far the best compilation of material amassed of how a business man should see the world. I was skeptical at the high price of admit ion and thought that maybe it would be another one of Trumps name dropping "I've done this," like his books. WOW I WAS DEAD WRONG. Trump assembled a group of the best specialist and had them speak on what they know best. Your end result is a masterpiece of knowledge on all subjects that are life changing and mindset changing. All I can say is that I was not disappointed at any moment and would have gladly paid 3x the price of admit ion! The information in this CD set is truly powerful, and a must have for anyone that wants to strengthen there business character.
   
   Only Con I have is that I wish I had found this CD set when it first came out a few years ago!

5 comments about My Life and Work - Henry Ford.

1. I read about this book while doing some research into Lean management. Taiichi Ohno, "father" of the Toyota Production System noted that he learned many lean principles from Henry Ford. After finishing this book, I would recommend that EVERY CEO in this country be REQUIRED to read it. It is a wonderfully clear description of management and leadership principles that all companies should embrace. Mr. Ford is clear on the purpose of a company - to build products and provide services that meet the needs of its customers. If we do this, as he notes, the money will follow. We get it backwards so often these days - we think the purpose of a company is to make money or increase its share price.
   
   As opposed to most business books where one idea is promoted and beaten to death, Mr. Ford's book is full of good ideas on all aspects of managing a business. It's a delightfully refreshing read!



2. "A manufacturer is not through with his customer when a sale is
   completed. He has then only started".
   
   "Even as late as 1910 and 1911 the owner of an automobile was
   regarded as essentially a rich man whose money ought to be taken away
   from him. We met that situation squarely and at the very beginning. We
   would not have our distribution blocked by stupid, greedy men."
   
   You will read dozens of frases like this, reminding us that great ideias can become lost in time, that stupid people can if fact take control of our companies, media and what not, and we can slowly drift into oblivion.
   
   An eye opener.



3. In reading the book I keep thinking what Henry was saying in 1922 could be said today. War profiteering, patriotism, interest rates, bureaucracy, education are all topics that sound so familiar in today's news. Henry had it right then in lots of ways and I think a lot of what he put forth it could be used in today's society.



4. Anyone who has read "My Life and Work" will understand exactly what is wrong with our country today. There are three ways to create wealth--grow it, mine it, or make it--and activities like flipping houses or trading carbon credits do not qualify.
   
   Ford developed what is now known as the Toyota production system, and readers will see a very explicit description of just in time manufacturing (and its benefits) in "My Life and Work."
   
   Ford also summarized effective labor relations in one sentence: "It ought to be the employer's ambition, as leader, to pay better wages than any similar line of business, and it ought to be the workman's ambition to make this possible."



5. Henry Ford is the classical writer on management. He stands on a same line with Sun Tzu, Niccolò Machiavelli, Robert Owen, Frederick Taylor and Henri Fayol.
   
   This is the foundation of all the management literature, and every modern manager should be aware with the works of the authors above mentioned.
   
   In the book "My Life and Work", Henry Ford presents his view on different things: management philosophy, social life, human abilities and capabilities, the role of the bankers in the production, good debt and bad debt, the labor and the speculation, the roots of poverty and the ways to solve it, the role of the government, and other important topics.
   
   You will also find an autobiography in this book, but there is a lot of things that Henry Ford avoids in this book, e.g. how did he took the controlling stake in the Ford Motor Company. He didn't write in the book that he have started another company, Henry Ford and Son, and made a show of taking himself and his best employees to the new company; the goal was to scare the remaining holdout stockholders of the Ford Motor Company to sell their stakes to him before they lost most of their value. The ruse worked, and Henry and his son purchased all remaining stock from the other investors, thus giving the family sole ownership of the company.

5 comments about Take Command: 10 Leadership Principles I Learned in the Military and Put to Work for Donald Trump.

1. This book by Apprentice winner Kelly Perdew is a worthwhile read. Written in the style of many military-business leadership books, it swtiches back and forth between Perdew's Apprentice exploits and anecdotes from great military veterans turned business leaders. The stories about Perdew's career, Apprentice tasks, and about others are both inspirational and entertaining. I am giving 4 stars because he talks about principles, but does not go deep into the reader's application of them.
   
   Nevertheless, this is a worthwhile read for both the Army or corporate officer.



2. This is a great book that draws comparisons between Kelly's military service and his rise through the entrepreneurial ranks. I know Kelly personally, and he is not only a successfull businessman, he is also a devout humanitarian. Highly recommended!



3. I grew up with some idea of what military life was like due to my Dad being in the Navy - but I must admit it's never held a lot of interest for me. Reading Kelly's book did actually shed a whole new light on what advantages military service can bring to other aspects of someone's life. The principles that are discussed in the book (Duty, Impeccability, Passion, Perseverance, Planning, Teamwork, Loyalty, Flexibility, Selfless Service and Integrity) are all really worthy reading for anyone in business and the military slant I found surprisingly gave it more bite and interest.



4. Kelly writes in a compelling way creating parallells and connections between him winning the various tasks on The Apprentice and his military experience. I like his style and his sense of taking responsibility even when things go wrong. Humility is deifinetely a trait a leader must develop!
   
   I found the book a pleasant read and I liked the fact Kelly was talking a lot about the lessons he learnt in life and how these experiences enabled him to move on.



5. Perdew's book is a collection of anecdotes from famous people who are exceptionally talented and successful. So far as I know, all of these people are gentlemen and scholars and eat their veggies. Theyre attractive. They have the right stuff. They were born on 3rd base.
   
   But most of us arent born on 3rd base, and are forced to make-do with the hand life deals us. Most of the time this hand is a collection of not much. Add to this a toxic neighborhood, dysfunctional family, and the usual assortment of idiots, psychopaths, and gold bricks who rule our world, and the average Jill is lucky to keep her job and her samity, much less be a knee-pad boy for The Donald.
   
   This book doesnt provide any hints or lessons for coping with the insanity and injustice of life. Perdew's recollections of West Point nonsense almost defy any sort of reasoned utility. The hazing he experienced creates egotistical martinettes to populate the officer corps with.
   
   I didnt learn anything new from reading this book.

5 comments about Trump: Surviving at the Top.

1. OK, so he is egotistical. That doesn't change the fact that his life makes for really interesting reading - in fact, he is an amazing man, whether you like him or not. This book is about "surviving at the top" and he should know! He wouldn't have gotten to where he is, if he did'nt know how to survive.
   I love any books on Trump - they are always interesting and easy to read, because he just tells it like it is.



2. Who knows more about Trump than Trump himself? This is a good book if you want to know more about Trump. At times he is sincere; like when he tells of the various disadvantaged people he has helped. At times he sounds really fake; he mentions how he admires the courage of gamblers. That is alot of boloney. At times he is boastful; the Trump Princess is the best yacht ever built. But hate him or love him, he says it like it is. He seems very vindictive as evident with his numerous attacks on some very famous people throughout the book. But for those who are his friends, he has nothing but praise for them. He doesn't play politics, but what he does do is make deals and makes a whole bunch of them in this book. One of the recurring themes of the book is to wait for the right price even if it means giving it up and not to let emotions dictate the price. In many instances, the deal comes back to him and at an even better price than ever.



3. Who knows more about Trump than Trump himself? This is a good book if you want to know more about Trump. At times he is sincere; like when he tells of the various disadvantaged people he has helped. At times he sounds really fake; he mentions how he admires the courage of gamblers. That is alot of boloney. At times he is boastful; the Trump Princess is the best yacht ever built. But hate him or love him, he says it like it is. He seems very vindictive as evident with his numerous attacks on some very famous people throughout the book. But for those who are his friends, he has nothing but praise for them. He doesn't play politics, but what he does do is make deals and makes a whole bunch of them in this book. One of the recurring themes of the book is to wait for the right price even if it means giving it up and not to let emotions dictate the price. In many instances, the deal comes back to him and at an even better price than ever.



4. Any book Trump pens is a good investment, and in this his second offering, he tells stories, names names, and provides worthwhile insight. But compared to The Art of the Deal and his third book, The Art of the Comeback, he seems to have done this one lying down. There is significantly less material, fewer hot scoops, and less of the bottom-line rhetoric Trump has made his style.



5. For those seeking a noteworthy sequel to the Art of the Deal (a book I rated very high), you will be sorely disappointed. This book contains none of the charm or the excitement behind the building of Donald's empire. Instead, in Surviving at the Top, we are merely given a plain account of Trump's dealings since the time of his first book. The information is written in a manner that is not any more articulate than one might find on Wikipedia.
   
   I give this book two stars instead of one because it does contain some information that would not be available had Donald not decided to put it in print; thus those with a deep interest in Trump will find some value. I personally just could not get past the fact that Donald put together this book as a quick narrative of events to cash in on his last book success rather than provide a quality piece of work on the level of the Art of the Deal.

No comments about CRAZY BILLIONAIRES SPEAK: Motivational quotes by billionaires on success, business and life.

1 comments about The World According to Trump: An Unauthorized Portrait in His Own Words.

1. A three-page Donald Trump bio serves as an introduction, hitting most of the major points of his life and career. That's followed by 284 quotes on 15 general topics including money, deals, golf, women, politics, etc. The selections were taken from print and nonprint sources dating from 1983 to 2004. Most of them are from the last six of those years, with a focus on the success of "The Apprentice." Here you can read Trump's words and notable sayings, the good ones and the not-so-good ones:
   
   "Money makes life easier, but it doesn't make you happy."
   
   "There's a big difference between creating wealth and being a member of the lucky sperm club."
   
   "I do believe I'm too forthright to be a politician."
   
   "If someone screws you, you screw them back harder."
   
   Yes, Trump provides the media with memorable sound bites. The compiler adds a bit of explanation whenever the lines are taken out of context. The last chapter contains 30 quotes from other individuals who know Trump or who have had some kind of contact with him. Some support him, some don't. This treatment is at least as neutral as it can be when it comes to painting a picture of its subject.
   
   If you are truly interested in learning about Donald Trump, "The World According to Trump" won't tell you much. Instead, pick up Timothy L. O'Brien's "Trump Nation: The Art of Being the Donald" for the best current biography of the real estate mogul. Just like "The World According to Martha," this little book is nice enough for a 45-minute scan, but then it's time to move on to something more substantial. The cover photo is probably one of the best close shots of The Donald available, though. True fans and devotees may want to purchase this book just for that image, which is suitable for framing.

2 comments about Bubble-Proof Real Estate Investing (Audio Business Course).

1. This is well worth the $49 I spent on it. Gary Eldred, Dolf de Roos and Donald Trump are all masters of real estate -- they've all make millions (in Trump's case, billions). They know what they're talking about, obviously.
   
   There's a TON of great information on this audio CD. Plus, the website support -- 12 months of access to ask questions, get resources, etc. - is terrific.
   
   But best of all: Trump, De Roos and Eldred are all really entertaining presenters.... they keep you interested!



2. The only thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars is that Donald Trump's input was limited to maybe one or two minutes of the begining, yet his name is all over the product.
   
   I've read and own several of Gary Eldred's and Dolf De Roos's books and they both live up to the same level of quality that they've offered in their books. Dolf de Roos tends to be more of a motivating and convincing presence. He does a great job of making an argument for real estate, but for most of us shelling out the price of this course, do we really need convincing? It was nice to hear his take on it anyway. He proves his understanding of other investments and highlights key differences between the stock market for example and real estate. Although yes, you can buy stocks on margin it's not as powerful as the leveraging that a bank gives you. Also he's critical of the definition of a bubble burst in real estate (3%) vs. the stock market (40%) in one year. He doesn't think it's fair to refer to that 3% as a bursting vs. the 40% as a "minor correction".
   
   Gary eldred probably offered the most useful and new information of all three of them. He does a great job of giving the listener point after point after point of things to do, watch out for and prepare for. His advice is invaluable.
   
   Curtis Oaks also offers good advice but it could probably be compared to meat and potatoes. It gets the job done in a solid way but doesn't really excite you. He talks about the velocity of money, and tying up the property, two great ideas, although the second one might not apply to people outside of a hot market.
   
   Although the interviewer is taking the role of someone who doesn't know anything, he clearly knows a lot about real estate and does an excellent job of directing the focus of interviews and going into detail where necessary.

No comments about The Art of War.

No comments about Donald Trump- Building a Fortune in Business, 16 Disc Set w/FREE Travel Case.