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PR... Trump Style

If anyone knows how to toot his own horn it's Donald Trump. How does he get away with it? How can you follow in the footsteps of his success?

1. Balance Your Bragging with Boyishness
Sure, Trump is a loud mouth, but he's also self-deprecating, making fun of his hair, his bimbos, and his appetites. He let's you know that he knows he's being a braggart, but it's all in good fun. You can do the same by making light of your foibles while touting your achievements.

2. Coin a phrase
How many times had we heard the words "You're fired!" before Trump used it in The Apprentice Boardroom? Trump made the phrase new by using it in a surprising way. Once he discovered its effectiveness he made it his trademark. He's fair, but tough. He walks his talk by making instant decisions, then pointing that fat finger at one of the unsuspecting apprentice hopefuls and uttering the feared phrase. Is there an age old phrase you can make yours by some unique gesture or by using it in a surprising circumstance? Phrases are all a part of branding. Find a few that suit you.

3. Do Something Outrageous
The public loves a daredevil--be it with words or actions. Trump lives large. He jets around in big planes. He owns big places. He has lovers with big bosoms. He has big hair. While "bigger" isn't necessarily better, bigger gets noticed. It's not my style, but maybe it's yours.

Big comes with many faces. The public loves actions that take courage--or a lot of money. What impresses me isn't money, but the adventuresome spirit. Adventure filmmaker Scott Lindgren, who is considered one of the extreme sport's most prominent heroes, kayaked down the Tsango River in Tibet. Navigating down it was likened to "snowboarding down Everest." Lindgren is devoted to doing treks in wild and challenging rivers in circumstances that haven't been done before. He's after a "pure" experience, and eschews publicity and moneymaking. The irony is that he gets both.

Ultimately, no matter how much publicity you want, it's letting go of the need for it that will take you to places that perhaps Trump or even Lindgren have not gone.

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