In this week’s podcast, I mention some tips on how to improve your schmooze at social media networking events, so I thought I would lay out a few more pointers in preparation for Tech Cocktail DC 4 (the most recent edition of Frank Gruber and Eric Olson’s successful regional tech networking events).

Honestly, how to schmooze, socialize, and network at events is pretty well-worn territory, so if you’re the stereotypical introverted, shoe-gazing developer (as opposed to the stereotypical extroverted, glad-handing marketing person), there are plenty of resources available for your remedial socialization skills. Instead, I’ll try to offer some ways you can use social media to be more effective.

* Optimize your business cards for social media: In addition to following Steve’s tips on how to have a business card that won’t get thrown out, see how your name, as shown on the card, comes up in Web searches, and do what you need to do to improve those results.

Then, when it comes to listing out your social media addresses and user names (Web site, blog, Twitter name, Facebook ID, etc), think about which are appropriate for a business card, versus a personal calling card. And don’t go crazy listing every platform you’re on — instead, make sure your social media identities crosslink.

(Bonus business card tip for beginning networkers: Have a lot of them. Don’t be afraid to ask for and offer business cards, that’s what they’re there for. And jot a note on the cards you get, with something notable about the person you talked to… it’ll help you with followups, later)

* Do your homework: Sketch out a plan for people you want to meet. Say what you will about the impact of publicly-viewable attendee lists, but they do let you help plan your attack. (Note: don’t actually attack anyone.) Take a look at people’s blogs and other social media sites. Not only does it help make it easier to meet people, but it also gives you a conversational intro. (”I saw your blog — do you feel it’s helping your business?”)

Plus, if you’re trying to learn more about social media, it’s an easy way to see how real people are using it in the wild.

* Tailor your personal elevator pitch: Nothing’s worse that asking someone “What do you do?” and getting a 5-minute monologue in return, or getting lectured on something you already know about. By researching the attendees, you can get a sense of how much detail you’ll need to get into (like “I own a pet store” versus “I own a pet store, and I’m really interested in seeing how I can integrate Twitter”), and by actively listening to people, you can add necessary details as needed.

* Followup: Once all the fun’s over, take a look at the business cards you collected (hopefully, with your helpful written notes written on the back) and do your followups. This is not a license to spam everyone you met with generic “nice to meet you” e-mails, Twitter follows, and LinkedIn requests. Instead, when you follow up with someone, try to reference something specific you discussed (and set it up in your conversations with a “next step” [via Lifehacker]).

And you know, you don’t have to follow up with everyone — not everyone you meet is a prospect. But you might still find some people you can learn from, and some blogs or Twitterers to follow.

Got your own social media networking event tips or gripes? Leave a comment below.

(p.s. Here’s another bonus networking event tip for beginning networkers: On alcohol: If you partake, be moderate. It’s a great social lubricant and it lowers inhibitions, but make sure you don’t lower them too much. Always try to be a bit more sober than the people you’re with.)