Hey fellas- I'm new to the forum. Because I've been stealing your ideas for a while I feel compelled to contribute and give back. Here's one of my favorites. Much of my extended travel has brought me to groups, for either study abroad or business. I run this Game every time I'm abroad with a group to subtly make sure all the ladies know who's the coolest MF in the room, expand my social circle in a new locale, lock down a local bar/club, and get the inside track to local women.
I host the group party.
Here's how it works:
1)In group environments there's a period where 100+ people don't know each other well, just before social cliques/groups start to take shape. Nature abhors a vacuum so this is where you come in. People want guidance in a new place... and I like engineering situations where I am without a doubt The Man.
2)If you're like me you're partying, drinking, smoking, and gaming right off the plane- and I'm guessing you are. Simply pick your favorite spot to host a party for the group. Second-tier places are very receptive to this on an “off” night, and the day really doesn't matter because everyone in your group is away from home. (difficult door/stuck up places not recommended)
3)Talk to the Bar/Club owner and tell him you'll have 100+ gringos in there spending cash on tons of drinks. They like this. Tell the Bar/Club owner he can charge “gringo” prices. They really like this.
4)As you can probably guess, you're pimping your gringo travel group to your own personal glory yet it looks like you're magnanimous, leading, and in the parlance of this forum, “Alpha.” And other people are subsidizing it all.
5)Invite everyone in the group (e or old-fashioned flyer) and tell them they can bring whoever they want (host family/in-country friends/business colleagues, etc.) to the “group” party. People are usually pretty excited about the party and meeting others “great idea man,” etc. It's a “captive” audience so they'll do what you say if you get the ball rolling. And they don't really have a choice- everyone is jockeying for social position so they follow the herd.
6)Hold your, er, I mean the group's party. Welcome people outside with the bouncer. Now you're the “host” and your role changes to leader. This is a huge mental shift; now you own the place and have the "right" to talk with whoever you like. Introduce yourself and make small talk with everyone at the door, asking them where they're from, etc. The info comes in handy later. Welcome them around.
7)Now you're the man and it hasn't cost you a cent. But you should either hit the doorman off with a nice tip or, better yet, get someone else to do it. As with the bartender, it's an investment, not a cost- free drinks and social proofing will be worth it.
8)During your, er, I mean the group's party, don't immediately start running game. Bounce around between groups, make introductions based on the knowledge you got greeting everyone at the door. NY chick meet NY chick. Soccer guy 1 meet Soccer guy 2. Open bitchier 8's and 9's (usually acting aloof waiting for Top Dogs to validate their social position like entitled brats), but don't spend much time with them. Ask people if they need anything. Women will wonder who the f--- you are. (like cocktail party game, play fast and loose and don't get caught up with needy people for 15 min- always have an out “excuse me I have to check the door”)
9)Take note of three types of groups; 1) Women you want (obviously), 2) other Gamers, 3) those with Local Connections (24 year old host sister?). ID'ing other dudes with game you can roll with during your stay (cultural literacy/won't screw things up) always pays off. Knowing who's got the local ins gives you immediate social circle game. Also, don't trip on others like gay dudes- they'll often have a local scene with women which can come in handy as well.
10)Now you 1) know EVERYONE, 2) have the bar/club completely on LOCK (they'll pull in 2+ Gs), 3) have MULTIPLE social circles, and 4) have WOMEN interested in you.
11)Since you're the leader, women will be asking you what's next, buzzily begging you to bounce them to the next spot, which of course you already know (there will be no group indecision and wandering around bs like what always happens when people don't know each other). Tell them where to go.
12)Thank the bar owner/doorman/bartender. This is important. Make sure they have what they need. Establish the lasting connection as they're counting their dough. Now you're magically F Scott Fitzgerald in 1920s Paris with your own “home cafe.” And it took you what? like an hour to set up? 20 min conversation with bar/club owner, 20 min to make invites, 20 min to distribute and talk up.
13)Hit the next spot, commence game, get yours.
14)After you're done with the women in your group and they're off doing dumb stuff like getting mugged hiking in the beautiful surroundings for their cash and $170 hiking sandals because they think it's Northern California, roll out at YOUR bar with YOUR multiple social circles and get YOUR flags like a smooooth Persol-wearin' global player b@stard.
15)In case of emergency, break glass and return to compatriot women you have as back-up.
Additional Notes:
*I've run this game many times on three continents involving thousands of people so I can't be specific on cities and venues. Sorry. But you already know the drill.
*I'm not a hostel guy, but there has to be hostelling variations on this. Think OPM (other peoples money, and how to spend it).
*Expats should be able to run this game with the right angle
*I also use a modified version type of this game for domestic business and personal; Just convene people, put yourself in the middle of it all, and have other people pay for it. When there's herd pressure or a vacuum, take control.
*“46” is for the great 1985 Chicago Bears 46 Defense who controlled and dictated games from angles no one thought possible, hitting hard as hell.
I host the group party.
Here's how it works:
1)In group environments there's a period where 100+ people don't know each other well, just before social cliques/groups start to take shape. Nature abhors a vacuum so this is where you come in. People want guidance in a new place... and I like engineering situations where I am without a doubt The Man.
2)If you're like me you're partying, drinking, smoking, and gaming right off the plane- and I'm guessing you are. Simply pick your favorite spot to host a party for the group. Second-tier places are very receptive to this on an “off” night, and the day really doesn't matter because everyone in your group is away from home. (difficult door/stuck up places not recommended)
3)Talk to the Bar/Club owner and tell him you'll have 100+ gringos in there spending cash on tons of drinks. They like this. Tell the Bar/Club owner he can charge “gringo” prices. They really like this.
4)As you can probably guess, you're pimping your gringo travel group to your own personal glory yet it looks like you're magnanimous, leading, and in the parlance of this forum, “Alpha.” And other people are subsidizing it all.
5)Invite everyone in the group (e or old-fashioned flyer) and tell them they can bring whoever they want (host family/in-country friends/business colleagues, etc.) to the “group” party. People are usually pretty excited about the party and meeting others “great idea man,” etc. It's a “captive” audience so they'll do what you say if you get the ball rolling. And they don't really have a choice- everyone is jockeying for social position so they follow the herd.
6)Hold your, er, I mean the group's party. Welcome people outside with the bouncer. Now you're the “host” and your role changes to leader. This is a huge mental shift; now you own the place and have the "right" to talk with whoever you like. Introduce yourself and make small talk with everyone at the door, asking them where they're from, etc. The info comes in handy later. Welcome them around.
7)Now you're the man and it hasn't cost you a cent. But you should either hit the doorman off with a nice tip or, better yet, get someone else to do it. As with the bartender, it's an investment, not a cost- free drinks and social proofing will be worth it.
8)During your, er, I mean the group's party, don't immediately start running game. Bounce around between groups, make introductions based on the knowledge you got greeting everyone at the door. NY chick meet NY chick. Soccer guy 1 meet Soccer guy 2. Open bitchier 8's and 9's (usually acting aloof waiting for Top Dogs to validate their social position like entitled brats), but don't spend much time with them. Ask people if they need anything. Women will wonder who the f--- you are. (like cocktail party game, play fast and loose and don't get caught up with needy people for 15 min- always have an out “excuse me I have to check the door”)
9)Take note of three types of groups; 1) Women you want (obviously), 2) other Gamers, 3) those with Local Connections (24 year old host sister?). ID'ing other dudes with game you can roll with during your stay (cultural literacy/won't screw things up) always pays off. Knowing who's got the local ins gives you immediate social circle game. Also, don't trip on others like gay dudes- they'll often have a local scene with women which can come in handy as well.
10)Now you 1) know EVERYONE, 2) have the bar/club completely on LOCK (they'll pull in 2+ Gs), 3) have MULTIPLE social circles, and 4) have WOMEN interested in you.
11)Since you're the leader, women will be asking you what's next, buzzily begging you to bounce them to the next spot, which of course you already know (there will be no group indecision and wandering around bs like what always happens when people don't know each other). Tell them where to go.
12)Thank the bar owner/doorman/bartender. This is important. Make sure they have what they need. Establish the lasting connection as they're counting their dough. Now you're magically F Scott Fitzgerald in 1920s Paris with your own “home cafe.” And it took you what? like an hour to set up? 20 min conversation with bar/club owner, 20 min to make invites, 20 min to distribute and talk up.
13)Hit the next spot, commence game, get yours.
14)After you're done with the women in your group and they're off doing dumb stuff like getting mugged hiking in the beautiful surroundings for their cash and $170 hiking sandals because they think it's Northern California, roll out at YOUR bar with YOUR multiple social circles and get YOUR flags like a smooooth Persol-wearin' global player b@stard.
15)In case of emergency, break glass and return to compatriot women you have as back-up.
Additional Notes:
*I've run this game many times on three continents involving thousands of people so I can't be specific on cities and venues. Sorry. But you already know the drill.
*I'm not a hostel guy, but there has to be hostelling variations on this. Think OPM (other peoples money, and how to spend it).
*Expats should be able to run this game with the right angle
*I also use a modified version type of this game for domestic business and personal; Just convene people, put yourself in the middle of it all, and have other people pay for it. When there's herd pressure or a vacuum, take control.
*“46” is for the great 1985 Chicago Bears 46 Defense who controlled and dictated games from angles no one thought possible, hitting hard as hell.