I'm not sure if I read this somewhere or if someone told me about this, but I think your system is a good beginning but could be improved by adding a few steps.<p>I use this formula when I am tired, but still need to network, and it works exceptionally well.<p>1) Start with exactly what you said, asking questions about the person. When you find something they are interested in, move to step 2.++<p>2) Tell a brief story. Make sure it has a beginning, middle and an end.+<p>3) Introduce them to someone else, and tell the new person about the old person’s interests to get them involved in the conversation.<p>The toughest part is step 2 and requires practice, you might as well start now. Every time you are out, practice by telling stories. The shorter the better and always have a beginning, a middle and an end.<p>+As an escape, if you tell a crappy story and you can sense it, you can always joke about how it was a crappy story. It isn’t perfect, but usually that will buy you some respect/time.<p>++ If you ask the person too many questions about them without telling a story you will notice they will start to back off. People who are socially strong may not mind as they will understand you are nervous and will intentionally give you a break, but this is not the norm.<p>[EDIT] It is important that the story you tell relates to what that person is talking about.