Saturday, May 9, 2015

Book Marketers Can Still Learn From Donald Trump



Some people say Donald Trump is a rightwing joke with his silly birther movement (protesting President Obama on unsubstantiated claims that he was not born in America).  Others think he’s a savvy businessman and an even better showman.  Many would like him to run for president.  The billionaire builder, casino maverick, author, reality show star and paparazzi favorite certainly is animated, controversial, and always interesting to listen to.  Love him or hate him – and you can’t be indifferent – he knows how to promote and market his brand second to none.  This is why I wrote about him in my very first blog post four years ago, on May 13, 2011.  Here’s the link: http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/donald-trump-branding-lessons-for.html.

What is it that Trump does so well?

·         He speaks with boastful – even shameless – confidence.
·         He has a soothing and convincing voice.
·         He comports himself like he is the star.
·         He touches upon something with a memorable line and just enough truth to make you look up.
·         He diversifies – he could’ve remained a NY builder but instead he has a global brand and dabbles in publishing, television, politics, and other areas like motivational speaking.
·         He makes you feel good about yourself but also lets you feel that you should strive to be like him.
·         He makes up claims that sound ridiculous but challenges others to prove him wrong in a way that makes you feel you can't beat him.

Can you promote a book the way The Donald would?

You don’t have to be Trump to be convincing but it certainly helps to adapt a wining mindset that knows how to call upon style over substance.  Book promoters are too intellectual at times, even moralistic.  They promote ideas, words, and books because they believe in books and the arts – as opposed to promoting a corporate widget, where no passion or soul is required.  But maybe book promoters need to borrow from a guy like Trump, so they can get to a new level and become the marketers they are truly capable of becoming.

When I grew up in Brooklyn I learned to value the styles of my childhood enemies and threats – the tough-talking, bullying, attention-getting morons that dominated the playgrounds as kids but likely ended up as marginal adults.  I knew then that the way one comes off or acts can influence how you react or interact. If the kids I despised used humor or sarcasm – or just a threatening tone – it would serve a purpose.  There’s no harm in borrowing their style – or Trump's – just don’t fully turn into those people or you’ll live an unfulfilled life,

So when Trump wants to come off as a visionary, a self-righteous deal-broker, or a person who warrants attention, we listen.  Watch, learn, and even borrow  – but never become him. No one can.

In Case You Missed It…

Can You Overcome 16 Obstacles To Being A Successful Writer?

Print Book Sales Are Growing

Ready For The $500 Book?

How you will master the book marketing science of Captivology


Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter @theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog © 2015


No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.