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It's Not Personal, It's Business....

By Ingrid Laine

Mortgage and Lending with Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. NMLS#292396/VA#MLO-6503

May 23, 2010 08:39 AM

When I hear that line, it sounds so sleazy and disingenuous. Say it… Then think of how would it sound if someone you loved said "it's not personal...it's business" to you.

It's always personal when you are working with a person. The only time it's not personal is when you are working with a robot or a machine, then maybe it isn't personal, but it still could be. Normally, business transactions are between people. People take news and actions personally if their trust gets violated. It really doesn't matter if it's in or out of business. I know things are tough out there, but sacrificing character and morality in the name of business is sad… and it's personal when dealing with people’s homes and livelihood. Let’s keep treating others like we want to be treated and maintain integrity in the Real Estate field.

This may be an odd blogging topic, but it's just on my mind… Hey, it's not business… it's personal.

-Ingrid

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Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner

Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA

Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

yes, but the flip side is that it IS business....when agents take things personally and start getting angry or hurt, that's just silly. We are all doing our jobs.

May 23, 2010 08:42 AM

Ingrid Laine

Sun West Mortgage Company, Inc. - Virginia Beach, VA

Loan Officer

I can see your point here and I think I am on the same side, but you may miss it in my blog because I took out a line about having the fortitude to admit that it is business and personal and that's what I am blogging about.

My point being that becoming sleazy and blaming it on "business" is no way to be. It just cheapens the sales profession and is a reason why some non-sales professionals look down on our field.

May 23, 2010 08:53 AM

Not In Real Estate Any Longer

Autaugaville, AL

Hi Ingrid,

I think I understand what you're saying here, but business is business and as professionals it is our job to keep emotions out of the equation, even for our clients. We must remind them, for instance, not to take low-ball offers personally or take it personally when their offers are refused.

Now there are business people that will take advantage of a customer/client's emotional state, which is acting on something very personal, but the bottom line for that is just bad business.

May 23, 2010 09:09 AM

Christopher Watters

Watters International Realty - Austin, TX

Austin Realtor (512-829-8000)

I always try to remember to take the emotions of out of the equation when working with clients to close a transaction. I get your point though, In some contexts it does seem pretty sleezy.

May 23, 2010 09:48 AM

Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer

Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

The only time someone said that to me I already knew that the person didn't like me, so I wasn't surprised that "it wasn't personal, just business."

Jun 07, 2010 01:54 PM

Joshua Zargari

MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY

MJ Decorators Workshop

Try to separate your emotions from business...

Jul 24, 2010 01:06 PM

I am very level headed or so my parole officer tells me... just kidding

I am just not one to tolerate excuses like "It's not personal it's business." It is always personal to the families of the employees you fire. It is personal to the people you hurt when you do not follow through on your word implied or otherwise in business. I wish people in business would not try and pretend otherwise. When someone even has to say that line they know it is personal. I am just advocating that people just man or woman up and be honest with each other and act with character.

Just in case people don't know:

"It's not you... It's me" = nope its you.

"It's not personal... Its business" = its personal

"Hey guy... You're my number one customer" (with the two finger guns and a wink) = no you are not

"Don't call us... We'll call you" = you were not convincing enough

"Can i borrow your towel?... My car just hit a water buffalo." = Chevy Chase's funniest line

"E" = mc2

I can do these all day.... -Ingrid

Jul 24, 2010 01:43 PM

It's Not Personal, It's Business....

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