Tittle's top ten: How to schmooze with the best of them

If you are on the hunt in the current job market, you should heed Woody Allen, who said 80 percent of success is "just showing up." That means showing up at good networking events. Fortunately, there are plenty in the D.C. area. Choose carefully and follow these guidelines:

1. Get there as soon as registration opens. If you arrive when the event is starting, you're too late. The only people you will meet are those at your table.
   
2. Find out who's coming. Check the registration list or the name badges on the table. Zero in on companies that interest you. That's what you're paying for, not the little doughnuts.
   
3. Speaking of eating, minimize your trough time. First, it's hard to make a good impression while balancing a pyramid of meatballs and chicken nuggets. Second, it robs you of networking time. Third, it's fattening.
   
4. Go easy on the alcohol. It's hard to meet people when you're face down in the brie.
   
5. Create a 30-second "elevator" speech. Memorize it cold. When attendees ask, give them a rap that speaks to your ability to help their company.
   
6. Minimize small talk. Unless you are interviewing to be a trail guide, don't spend a lot of time discussing your trip to Colorado.
   
7. Don't socialize. Sure, it's tempting to find a spot near the chicken wings and dish about your old boss, but you are there to schmooze with new people.
   
8. Bring plenty of business cards. Get good ones printed on expensive stock, not the flimsy ones from your computer.
   
9. Bring resumes. But don't hand them out unless someone asks for one.
   
10. Enjoy yourself. Sure, networking is work, but no one said you can't have fun.