Apprentice Lesson #3:

"The Art of the Deal:

Negotiation is a very, very delicate art.

Sometimes you have to be tough.

Sometimes you have to be sweet as pie.

You never know, it depends on who you're dealing with.

I've always said that negotiation is not really learned, it's almost innate, it's in the genes.

A negotiator is born." - Donald J. Trump

Don't negotiate with underlings

"it's very simple, deal with the boss wherever possible" - Donald J. Trump

episode lessons:

• speak with the boss directly
• think outside the box
• sound marketing and communications strategies are important toolkits in any endeavor
• set your sights high; visualize success
• reward loyalty; read another way, do not let down people who are loyal to you!

"The men's team, Versacorp, compete with the women's team, Protégé Corporation, on a more advanced business project this week. They are to produce a print ad, TV commercial, proposal and media plan for Marquis Jet, luxury business travel."

Location, location, location!

A few lessons:

• location is key, but having the right partners is even more important
• be courteous towards your superiors
• 'you have to act, not just listen'
• do not disqualify yourself
• celebrate, but don't let it get to your head, get ready to be back in the 'competition' quickly

"The inaugural episode of the series has virtually all the same components that propelled it to 15 seasons. There are 16 candidates in a 13 week job interview with the promise the winner gets a "6 digit salary" in the Trump organization."

Protect the Downside and the Upside Will Take Care of Itself

"might as well think big"

"one of keys to thinking big is total focus"

key elements: Intelligence, Instincts, Courage, and Good Fortune

• approach to media: criticism can go both ways
• approach to getting what he wants in negotiations: reads the room, understands other party’s drive and motivations, proposes a relatively good deal, is willing to walk away, balances patience with persistence; comes back to it with different offers as market conditions evolve
• approach to costs: lavish for personal space, very careful and cost-conscious in professional settings

Lessons learned:

- create compelling spectacles / know how to entertain

- when attempting to secure a deal, first highlight the points that the other party will like - being comfortable talking is a skill that helps in sales

- Trump prefers earth tones to primary colors (for building decorations)

- nailing costs is the name of the game in real estate development

- speak directly to the owner/manager if you want your case handled with more expediency and competence

- always be willing to walk away

- put pressure on mid-level staff by emphasizing the high expectations set with the owner/manager at project iniatiation

- remind the other party why you are, and potentially will continue to be, a great partner for business - be determined and unfazed by (corporate) scare tactics

- speak up your mind

- cultivate great relationships for character references, with people you sincerely admire

- be efficient; your family life demands will require you to level up in efficiency

- set golf dates (or other outdoor informal entertainment) on weekends, with current & prospective business partners

- have extremely high standards, for your career and your personal life

- encourage people who work for you to keep up the good work, and directionally, to work harder

- sometimes, with some people, less (talk) is more

- again, don't give up on your extremely high standards and ambitions ("I tell the guy on the phone that I’m still interested in a plane, but that he should keep his eye out for a 727, which is what I really want.")

- follow-up.

- in general, be kind, courteous, and generous with your time

[and that wraps it for a first week at

@TrumpTower

with

@realDonaldTrump

]