Conduct Business Like A Pickup Artist

Pickup artists have developed lots of strategies, some of which might actually be applied in the workplace. Others... not so much.

Author:: David Seaman
Publish date:: Sep 23, 2009 3:31 PM EDT

Ever see Mystery on VH1's reality show The Pickup Artist? He's also a best-selling author and has built his life and business around telling men how to attract women. There's also former New York Times reporter Neil Strauss. He wrote "The Game," a best-selling book all about getting girls to like you. They've, and countless other pickup artists have their rules, but are they universal and can they be applied to other areas of your life... like work? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Photo Credit: Giorgio Montersino

Mystery talks and writes frequently about "opening the set" which is when you approach a new group of people and introduce yourself in a novel way that makes them interested, rather than indifferent or annoyed. This is good advice both for the club and the board room. If your elevator pitch is dull, you are unlikely to get anywhere. Especially when pitching important decision makers in a creative field, it can be useful to "open" in a way that is original and sparks discussion. Mystery uses magic tricks to "open" on a new set, for example. Perhaps you can fine-tune an icebreaker of your own. Photo Credit: the1secondfilm

You have a lot of "social proof" when you roll into a club with a huge group of girls and introduce yourself to people with natural confidence. You have what the pickup artist community calls "negative social proof" when you roll into a bar alone, and spend most of the evening mumbling to yourself and sipping on a can of PBR. When trying to sell co-workers on a new idea or project, it is helpful to have as much social proof as possible. If you can, for example, mention that Erica in accounting loves the idea and that someone in production said it could be done without much hassle or expense, you are providing social proof. Photo Credit: marfis75

Although playing it cool and acting laid back certainly pre-dates the Mystery craze (think Swingers), it is always a good idea to not act too interested in what you're selling. Whether in the boardroom or in the bedroom, desperation can be a turn-off. Photo Credit: ecmorgan

Just as a male peacock uses its extraordinary plumage to attract a mate, some pickup artists "peacock" by wearnig outrageous clothing meant to get female attention... and break the ice. Mystery consistently confounds his viewing audience with his get ups, but it seems to be working, so more power to him. Unfortunately, dressing like a goth cowboy pirate is not appropriate for the workplace. Frankly, sometimes a tie that's too loud can kill a deal. Better to stick with classy and relatively conservative. Photo Credit: respres

In pickup artist lingo, the "three second rule" means you approach a woman within three seconds of initially seeing her at a bar or other location. It demonstrates strength and decisiveness. It's also good for getting to a girl before other guys approach her. It is hardly an effective workplace strategy, however. If you pitch your prospect before they are ready to listen, and you are completely prepared, you could lose the sale. Photo Credit: robbie73

According to the pickup artists, the practice of casually insulting, or negging, someone you are interested in may work (although probably not) in a romantic situation (or in kindergarten). The theory behind this is that an attractive woman who is frequently approached will be impressed that you are not simply complimenting her as other men do. But it certainly won't work with the boss. Insulting others, casually or not, is a good way to become known as the office punk. Save those "negs" for the night club. Or maybe just forget you ever heard of this idea. Photo Credit: zieak

Some strategies work, others don't...

Ever see Mystery on VH1's reality show The Pickup Artist? He's also a best-selling author and has built his life and business around telling men how to attract women. There's also former New York Times reporter Neil Strauss. He wrote "The Game," a best-selling book all about getting girls to like you. They've, and countless other pickup artists have their rules, but are they universal and can they be applied to other areas of your life... like work? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Photo Credit: Giorgio Montersino