The start of the seventh season was pushed back due to the 1988 writers strike.
Some of the memorabilia on the walls from earlier seasons start to make a reappearance since Sam sold the bar. For example, the silhouette picture of a man standing in a doorway can be seen in the background where most of the sailboats are located. This had been a continuous staple in Cheers from the very first episode.
As stated, this episode is a nod to the musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." The book for this musical was co-written by Abe Burrows, Jack Harlow, and Willie Gilbert. Abe Burrows is director James Burrows' father.
The name of the episode is a nod to the musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967).
Cliff refers to the Isle of Langerhans. The Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells within the pancreas.