This quote emphasizes the importance of focusing on the key elements that drive a business rather than obsessing over profit margins. The “top line” refers to a company’s revenues or gross sales, which can be influenced by the strategy, people, and products of the business. In essence, Jobs is suggesting that if a company has a solid strategy, a talented team, and quality products, then profits (the “bottom line”) will naturally follow.

The “strategy” refers to the overall plan a company has to achieve its goals. This involves everything from market research and brand positioning to growth tactics and competitive analysis. The “people” refers to the employees who execute this strategy. This includes not only their skills and talents but also their motivation and alignment with the company’s vision. The “products” refer to what the company is selling. These need to be high-quality, solve a real problem for customers, and be positioned correctly in the market.

Applying this idea in today’s world, companies should focus on honing their strategies, investing in their teams, and improving their products instead of being solely profit-driven. For instance, tech startups often prioritize user growth over immediate profitability, knowing that once they have a large and engaged user base, monetization can follow.

On a personal development level, this quote can be interpreted as advising individuals to concentrate on their own “top line”: their skills, knowledge, and passions. By focusing on these areas, success (the “bottom line”) will naturally follow. For example, instead of fixating on earning a high salary (the bottom line), one should focus on improving their skills, gaining knowledge, and pursuing what they are genuinely passionate about. In the long run, these efforts can lead to better job opportunities, career advancement, and, consequently, higher earnings.