By Greg Star

George Costanza needs no introduction; he is one of the most legendary characters in sitcom history.

While most people just think of George as a neurotic character who celebrates Festivus (for the rest of us!) here are some helpful business tactics that he has inspired.

1. Always carry a big wallet

Make sure to pack  and maintain your wallet with business cards. Whenever I have a 10 to 15 min lull in my day (early for a meeting, cancelled appointment, etc.), I look through all the cards I have on me, find someone who I haven’t spoken with in a while, and just give them a friendly call. This small gesture of checking in with people goes a long way, and a large wallet enables me to do this consistently.

2. Leave on a high note

The ability to end an interaction with a positive emotion (like laughter) makes your connection with someone you met considerably stronger.

Tom Carper, the senior Senator from Delaware, is a master at this. He ends every speech or interaction with an emotional story that has you somehow laughing and crying at the same time. It’s no wonder he has held elected office since 1976! He must be a Seinfeld fan as well

3. Reflect and act (Do the opposite!)

Having the self-awareness to identify what is and isn’t working is incredibly important.  Whether it’s daily reflections, or a once a month 80/20 analysis, understanding where you time is best spent, and following up on your analysis with action, is invaluable.

Bringing it together:

Even from a character like George you can take away some winning strategies.  Stay in touch – people like their friends better than strangers. Be engaging – find a way to make everyone you talk with feel good, or silly, or even smart. Be thoughtful – in the true sense of the word. Think about your actions, repeat what has worked and change what hasn’t.

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Top photo credit: pain in the a#@via photopin (license)