I certainly did not expect to find tips on business and networking in Tina Fey’s book “Bossypants”, yet there it is on pages 84 and 85.  It is entitled: The Rules of Improvisation.  Within these two pages are solid advice on how to socially interact with others.  The gems of wisdom are part sales technique, part interpersonal communication and how to succeed in business.  She says the first rule is: AGREE; by agreeing, you are respecting what your partner (target customer, new acquaintance) has created.  She points out that we all know people whose first answer to anything is no. As in, “no we  can’t do that, no that’s not in the budget.”

The second rule is to not only say yes, but to say yes, and.  This is good advice to follow in business or social networking settings; how to keep a conversation going.  Agree with something the person talking to you is saying and then add something to that.  It is your responsibility to contribute and add to the discussion.

The third rule is “Make Statements”. “Whatever the problem, be part of the solution.  Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.”

The last rule is: “There are no Mistakes”, only opportunities.

The other ~280 pages of the book are very funny and witty and I highly recommend reading this book.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bossypants/113835875370231?fref=ts