I have always had  an issue with this sentence. I do understand the theory behind it: it’s about make money before anything. I just find it so hard to do. I mean what are we if not personal people, what exactly are we supposed to do when it comes to business? turn stone cold? put all emotions away from ourselves?

And besides, what is so wrong with being personal? everything starts with being personal doesn’t it? the very business you are negotiating is personal to you isn’t it? so really all we mean when we say it’s not personal it’s business, is that it’s not personal to us because we are caring more about our goals, money and desires than about the people no?

I think there are 2 things, if you are repeating to yourself this sentence, you are probably trying to reassure yourself that it is ok for you to be a total asshole to someone simply because you are trying to make money. OR you are trying to make yourself feel better about the fact that you have just gotten rejected and you are thinking this is not personal to make yourself feel better about someone not wanting to do business with you, not wanting to hire you, not liking your ideas, etc. basically thinking it is not about you!