Keep your eyes open and pounce on opportunities when they arrive. Usually expect to be left disappointed. A good friend of mine told me that one of his friends was a big LotR fan, so I made a point of seeking the guy out. The conversation started a little like this:
Me: "So, another LotR fan, eh? Tell me, did Balrogs have wings?
Other person: "What's a Balrog?"
Apparently, the phrase 'big LotR fan' is more subjective than I'd like it to be.
By the way, I really like a lot of your ideas.
How about designing a headband with
Dor-nu-Fauglith printed on it? That would catch the eye.