Who doesn’t love a good joke? Sometimes the funniest ones are only funny to a handful of people—an “inside” joke. Mingling your way through a crowd, shaking hands, meeting, greeting, and getting to know new people. Good for business, right? Absolutely. If you happen to be with acquaintances or people with whom you’ve already built a relationship, an inimitable opportunity just might present itself…the chance to tell an inside joke. It sparks laughter among those who are “in” on the fun and demonstrates that you and the others engaged are recalling something you’ve already shared.

Inside jokes identify you and the others involved as being on a separate, and higher plane of camaraderie, one not yet enjoyed or even understood by the others. It reveals a familiarity and a bond between you that the others don’t share. We could probably each recall at least one memory of sharing an inside joke. I know I sure can. Not only can I remember a time and place, more affectionately, I can recall the people with whom I’ve shared inside jokes. While they may be silly and even insignificant in nature, they have the potential to promote and progress a relationship toward an even closer bond with each chuckle or peal of laughter.

I’m not suggesting business schools teach standup comedy, but humor can open the door for serious business, whether directly because of it or by referral to others. Why is that?  Let’s call it the “Likeability” factor. It distinguishes you, sets you apart from others, and in a business context, from your competition. How often do you like to be around others with whom you share that type of camaraderie where humor freely flows versus those with whom there is none? The thing about relationships, meaningful ones, is that they have established various levels of emotional bonds. Humor, in all seriousness, is one of those factors that help to achieve that bond, furthering the relationship. 

While humor is no substitute for substance, you can use humor to build camaraderie and establish deeper bonds with those you meet. Focus on establishing an “inside joke” rapport. It’s not about the punch line. It’s about the bottom line.