A friend of mine introduced this technique to me a while back and since starting to use it has significantly improved my social proof at almost any venue I walk into. It's a very basic concept. Have a cheat sheets for bars you frequent in your mobile phone. The cheat sheet will consist of a persons name, position, unique characteristic, who introduced you to them and their interest. For example

Orbit Room Bartender - Jimbo (Tall skiny bald guy) Introduced to me by Kerry. Used to work at Mulligans.

Founders Brewery Bartender - Nik (Tall skinny hippie w/ long hair) plays guitar and is a vegetarian. Door - Renaldo (Body builder w/ glasses) Math nerd

Now you're probably wondering why you want to create these list. It's because unless you remember these peoples names they will not remember, let alone care who you are. Remembering who someone is, is a sign of respect. You took the time to remember who they were. Second, if they don't remember who you are they'll ask your name and the majority of the time they will remember you and most likely your name the next time they see you. You also want to keep track of how you met them and what their interests are. This way you can remind of them how they met you and what you talked about. This also makes it so the next time you see them you have something to start a conversation about.

How do you get all of this intel you might ask. It's rather simple. You ask for it. Let me give you a couple examples. You get to the bar and there's no one in line but there is a door guy checking ID. After you've said Hi and he's checked your ID and took your cover charge start making small talk. This is pretty simple to do by asking him what bands are playing tonight. Then ask if he's ever heard any of them before. Trust me door guys will warn you about shitty bands cause they have no choice but to listen to them. After some small talk ask him what his name is and then TELL HIM yours. Door guys look at 100s of ID a day and rarely look at the name. Later on in the night go back and talk to the door guy when he's not busy. Ask what he thought about the last band or make fun of how shitty they were with him. Door guys tend to get bored and if you make his night go by better he'll remember you.

When I walk up to the bar and the bartender isn't busy I usually say something like "Hi I'm dizmo, what's your name?" Once they tell me their name I usually ask about any drink specials or what they have on draft. Next time you get a drink make sure you use the bartenders name. It's as simple as "Hey Fred, can I get another draft?" This cause them in their head to recall your name because you remembered and used theirs. And at the end of the night be sure to thank them by name again. Another way to get the bartender to remember your name is by having a tab because they then see your name every time you order a drink.

After you look up their name once or twice you'll actually remember it and usually by that time you'll begin to meet other people that work there. Be sure to keep track of waitresses as well too. Being in good with waitresses can result in random free shots and a great wing when you least expect it. One thing I like to do is when I get a waitress I don't know I ask if another waitress is working tonight that I know is not working. The reason for doing this is to set myself up for a little playful teasing. When she says no I ask the waitress what her name is and introduce myself and then everyone at the table. Then I ask her if she's going to do as good of a job as the waitress I just asked for. I then tease her that I don't think she will. What this does is gets her to instantly her qualifying herself to me.

And also keep in mind that waitresses talk to each other and she's going to ask the other waitress about you. Be sure that if she gives you great service tip her well. Also at the end of the night as you're leaving tell her to tell the other waitress you said hi. Make sure that the other waitress really knows who you are otherwise this can come off a creepy.