MSNBC has an article up about how flirting your way to the top might not work. It states that flirting in the workplace “blurs your intentions and can easily confuse others around you. Consider what you really want to communicate to others. When in doubt, ask yourself: Would I feel comfortable if my partner — or my grandmother — were here?”. Frankly, if I conducted every conversation like my grandmother were in the room the only things I could ever talk about would be the pope, the weather and this place up in Lindstrom that makes the best pies.

What’s strange about the article is that it seems to go back and forth a bit on whether flirting in a professional environment actually works. To get a more concise answer, I decided to try some flirting myself to see if it actually helps. As a comedian, my bosses are club owners and booking agents so I enlisted the help of friend, comedian and booker of Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy Mike Brody!

NOTE:  While this conversation was conducted via IM, Brody only agreed to do this if I made it very clear that he will never, under any circumstances, book a comedian via IM.  Send an email if you want work.  

The scene is set.  It’s a week after I’ve featured at his club.

ME:  Hey, thanks for the work last week. I had a great time.  So, is that a banana in your pants or are you ready to book me again as a feature?

BRODY:  Excuse me?

ME:  I’m pretty “open” if you get my drift (raises eyebrows).  My entire December is “open” or I can go into the next year. I’m quite flexible (lifts leg above head, licks inner thigh)

BRODY:  I don’t know if I have anything in December. But with that flexibility you just flaunted, you can enter the MN’s Got Talent variety show this August.  Contortionist Bill.  I think I’m going to need to see a tape, though.

ME:  Ha!  Well, do you have any thoughts. Did you feel like you were more inclined to book me when I used flirtation instead of a less personal approach?

BRODY:  Honestly, I felt like I was more inclined to throw up.  Nobody should have to visualize you licking your inner thigh.  It haunts me.

While I can’t tell if that just didn’t work or if he was just playing hard to get, I’ll be opening for Mike Brody all week at the House of Comedy August 3-7(click for showtimes/tickets/candy)! Come on out!