Last week I did something that I haven't done in years. I went to a networking event! It's very rare for me to do something like this, but I felt guilty. My company has belonged to this social "name" networking group for a few years now and I had yet to attend and make my presence known.

I'm typically very busy at night, either writing for my weekly marketing ECourse or researching and marketing online using name branding techniques and training myself on how to use the latest online marketing tools of Web 2.0. Plus, I'm not really big on social events- I'm relatively shy and introverted. I seek ways to become more sought after than to approach cold prospects in the old-fashioned 'cold call' method of marketing.

But, tonight I was free. I thought I would just attend what I was putting off. It took all of 45 seconds to remember what I hated most about thee things.

See if any of this sounds painfully familiar to you: I entered a crowded rom and as I was checking in, I was becoming aware of about 50 sets of eyeballs turning to eye the 'fresh new meat' about to come through the door,

A business man approaches me: "Hi (in a downward dash of a glance at my name tag) Ana! I'm Gary with Blah, Blah Systems. We provide easy solutions for business owners. like you, that are looking to maximize their workplace productivity! (Blah, blah, more words coming at me...)"

Me: (Baffled and struggling through the crowd trying to find my way to the bar to redeem my drink token) "Uh, yes hi, I'm Ana it's very nice to meet you."

Mr. Businessman: (Thrusting a business card at my face. Eyes roaming to ID his next target) "Great! Well, if you or someone you know needs my services, keep me in mind!"

Me: (Already forgetting his name and still puzzled and dazed at the attack) "Um, yeah thanks."

Over the next hour or so, I am solicited by another dozen business people. My absolute favorite was this lady claiming to be working for a catering company, yet thrusts me a card high-lighting only that she designs invitations and that her business is located in a local mall kiosk adjacent the TCBY. Hillarious!

This is not to put anyone down who attends these events- in fact, there were many high quality contacts and I am certain that several have even built great businesses his way.

All in all, I ended up having a decent night. I met a few interesting people and chated with a couple others whom I knew a little bit and liked.

But I will tell you honestly, if this is how I had to spend my nights more often than not, I would shoot myself. Im just not cut out for this type of marketing approach.

Let me ask you honestly- wouldn't it be better to have super motivated prospective clients and customers come to you, seek you out, instead of you chasing them?

I want to show you how to create a marketing system that magnetically drawes in your prospects so you do't end up having to give them the same 'elevator ptich' 19 times per night to gals and guys like me.

How would you like that for a change?

---------------<B>About The Author:</B> Ana Hernandez DO is a practicing physician and self proclaimed marketing enthusiast. Her website at www.netrageouz.net is the portal to her delicious recipes for creating killer online marketing campaigns. Her online course, "NETfabulous! Marketing ECourse" is jam packed with tips n' techniques for both newbie and seasoned marketers alike. Subscribe for FREE by sending a blank email to NETfabulous.Marketing@gmail.com or sign up from her blog at http://www.netrageouz.biz