THE MOBBIES: OR HOW TO STOP WORRYING AND GET A DATE AT A “NAME BADGE” EVENT IN BALTIMORE

So last night I sold out my anonymity for a pretty dress, high heels and hearing people telling me how much they love my blog! If you missed me, I make an appearance in this gallery (also where the above photos are from). 

Besides getting a surprising and wonderful shout out as a new blog to check out from the presenters on stage, the highlight of the night was: HOW RIDICULOUSLY GOOD LOOKING, FUNNY AND INTELLIGENT THE BLOGGERS OF BALTIMORE ARE.

So, I figured I couldn’t walk out of The Mobbie’s without a.) a blog to write & b.) a potential date (or two). I managed to do both, so here you have it:

TIPS ON HOW TO SCORE A DATE AT A “NAME BADGE EVENT”:

1. Use the name badge to your advantage
   Clearly, you’re already there out of some common interest so just break the ice in the most obvious way but don’t lie. If you’ve never heard of them or what they do, then say so! If what you or they do is inherently boring, move on quickly—you just need to break the ice.
   Ask/say: “Congratulations on your win/nomination/acknowledgement!”; “I love your company/blog/performance/etc.”; “What’s your *whatever they do* about?”
2. Figure out their relationship status (and orientation)
   I’m not saying that you can’t have a great conversation with anyone but those two things will decide how the rest of the conversation goes. At least for me, since I’m a shameless flirt. An introduction to whoever they’re near may do the trick, if you suspect they’re together. Thankfully, due to the nature of my blog, I had the privilege of assessing that information almost immediately.
   Ask/say: “Who are you here with?” “I dragged my friend(s) with me to this.” “I never have anyone to go with to these things.”
3. Find out where they’re from/relation to the city
   You can tell a lot about someone in Baltimore by where they live. This will also aid in discovering status/orientation if you didn’t during step 2. I won’t bash any neighborhood because we’ve all got our preferences. However, usually people that don’t align with their neighborhood’s stereotype will say so. So if they say they live in Fed Hill and don’t qualify it, be prepared that they may ACTUALLY enjoy it there.
   Ask/say: “Do you have roommates?”; “Do you bike?”; “Haven’t I seen you at…?”
4. Find out where they hang out/what they do
   Likely, if they’re attached, phrases like “we always go there!” should start popping up. If you’re lucky they’ll say things like “The only place I really like in Fell’s Point is Sticky Rice” and you know you’ve found a winner 😉 (Okay, maybe that’s just me…)
   Ask/say: Mention your favorite bars/restaurants in the area & ask them where they recommend.
5. Get the number/date!
   Okay, if 10 to 15 mins later, this person is still chatting with you and you’re already on the topic of food & drink, this would be a good time to ask them out! Suggest you go to taco night or half price sushi or WHATEVER. I don’t care if you’re male, female, straight, gay, etc. Just do it or at the very least get a phone number!
6. Make a connection
   If it turns out they’re unavailable romantically, clearly this person is still interesting so exchange twitter handles/emails/whatever is appropriate and you’ve got yourself a new friend or potential business connection.

If you’re interested, appear so! Laugh with enthusiasm, touch them on their shoulder (or leg if you’re bold and honestly, if you’re female), make eye contact, and listen to what they have to say.

I always say, “If I like you, you’ll know it.” Don’t keep it a secret. Even if you’re at an event in a professional setting, you don’t have to be too obvious, but it’s amazing what a smile and witty banter can do.

Final tip: If you find yourself at a loss for words, just talk about Baltimore!

(And once again, thank you all so much for voting for me!)