Interview with Gail Tolstoi-Miller, author of 'Networking Karma'

12:00 AM







She is a former "goth" girl, a soccer mom, career coach and an avowed introvert who transformed herself to become a successful dual CEO of Consultnetworx™, a consulting/staffing firm and Speednetworx™, a B2B speed networking event company. Her companies are focused on connecting people for mutual fit and success. 

As someone who always preferred solitude and time for reflection, Gail struggled for decades with social interaction, small talk and networking; but knew she would have to master these skills to reach her goals. When Gail began to focus on others instead of herself she saw her opportunities skyrocket.
During her 20+ years as a staffing strategist, Gail has coached thousands of job seekers and discovered a startling truth; that those with the strongest networks and the most generous spirits always landed the best jobs in the shortest amount of time. In fact, Gail credits her own success to her mindful giving of care, compassion, and guidance in all areas of life. In other words, she's living proof that Networking Karma works! 

And now, to fully live by her beliefs, Gail is sharing these secrets with her readers in her first book, Networking Karma.

Amidst the shrinking job market, Tolstoi-Miller's innovative approach to business and life has singled her out as a resource in her field.  She’s frequently sought after by many media outlets, including Forbes, FOX Business, msn careers, and others, where she shares her ideas on networking, recruiting and the job market. Gail has received the NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business 2013 award as well as the Diversity.com Top 2014 and Top 2015 Business awards. She was also named Leading Women Entrepreneur finalist, and selected as a finalist by Enterprising Women of the Year 2013.  Gail has a Bachelor's from NYU.

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About the Book:

Title: Networking Karma
Author: Gail Tolstoi-Miller
Publisher: Consultnetworx
Pages: 160
Genre: Business/Self-Help

Are you Awkward? Uncertain? Even jittery at networking events?

Author Gail Tolstoi Miller, an award-winning entrepreneur and successful CEO, feels your pain. In fact, she spent years experiencing the same emotions when networking. An avowed introvert, Gail discovered a powerful and universal law of connecting, she calls Networking Karma. And when she embraced it, Gail put those anxious, apprehensive interactions behind her to become a career coach and owner of a networking event planning company.

Now, Tolstoi-Miller shares her secrets with you in her new book, Networking Karma.

If you are trying desperately to get past the constant inadequacy you feel every time you try to attend a networking event, this book is for you!

Networking Karma is a mindful approach to living that asks you to consider each chance meeting and budding relationship as an opportunity to inform, assist, advocate or connect others. “Embracing this spirit of selflessness,” Tolstoi-Miller says, “is the key to building a professional and personal fan base; one that will ultimately return your kindness in unknown and awesome ways. “

Networking Karma proves that life is not “all about me.” In fact, Tolstoi-Miller reveals that the most successful networkers are on a constant mission of “giving.” 

Throughout this book, you will explore dozens of essential and specific Networking Karma to-do’s; powerful ideas you can implement immediately. Shared by some of today’s hottest thought leaders, speakers and business trailblazers, these proven tactics are absolutely essential to getting the edge you need to succeed in business and in life.

Written in a fast-paced, no-holds barred style and steeped in real-world situations, Networking Karma reveals:
  • The negative beliefs that hold you back from networking success, and the 6 empowering steps to overcome them.
  • Why Speed Networking is more fun and effective than absolutely any traditional networking method you’ve ever tried.
  • 3 unique and foolproof strategies for breaking the ice at your next networking event.
  • The 3 vital building blocks to your personal branding success.
  • A surprising fashion “don’t” that may make you appear more successful to others.
  • 10 ways your body language can work to your advantage
  • The simple secret to creating a strong elevator pitch and the best place to test it out.
  • How to turn passive listening into active listening, to attract important new contacts.
  • Smart strategies for bringing stalled conversations to an end—without offending!
  • 3 creative approaches to business card design that will launch countless conversations
  • How to provide value, build awareness, nurture relationship and establish relevance through proper social media avenues
  • The dramatic personal and professional benefits you can acquire through mentoring relationships.
  • BONUS: The #1, can’t-fail networking approach to becoming the most visible and unforgettable person in the room. Hint: It’s all about Karma.
PLUS, exclusive guides, cheat sheets, checklists and secret resources, available only to Networking Karma readers.

Read Networking Karma and integrate its law and lessons into your life. No matter how introverted, shy, awkward or uncertain you are when it comes to networking, you’ll get past your sticking points and see your relationships--and dreams--take shape.

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Q: Welcome to The Writer's Life!  Now that your book has been published, we’d love to find out more about the process.  Can we begin by having you take us at the beginning?  Where did you come up with the idea to write your book?

I came up with the idea to write Networking Karma when I got to a place in my life where I believed I had something of great importance to share. As a life-long, avowed introvert who always dreaded forced networking and social events, I discovered a deep and total truth, born of years of experience, observations and introspection. I found the key to successful networking was something I call Networking Karma. Armed with this insight, I went on to become a CEO, networking event planner, career coach and staffing strategist. Today, I see people making the same mistakes I made, every single day. These are oversights and missteps at work, while job hunting, and in daily life! It breaks my heart because I know folks would be happier and more successful if they understood these simple principles and easy practices. I am living proof that Networking Karma works and I’ve seen it work for others who live by similar thoughts and deeds.

Q: How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

Unlike others, writing is not my profession. I am a businessperson and a serial entrepreneur. So it was very difficult for me to learn the process of writing. My advice to others who might be in a similar situation is to take breaks while writing. Don’t be in a rush to complete your book and fine-tune your manuscript as you go along. I would suggest finding an editor who understands your vision and wants to help you get there better. Don’t take anything your editor says personally; learn how to take constructive criticism and take a stand (backed by proof) if you feel very strongly about something you’ve written!

Q: Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

I self-published which was quite a learning experience. I feel like I could write a book on how to write a self-published book!

Q: Is there anything that surprised you about getting your first book published?

There are so many intricacies of the publishing business. ISBNs, returnable copies, ePubs, book tours! Who knew? Also, there are many more expenses associated with creating and marketing a self-published book than I had expected.

Q: What other books (if any) are you working on and when will they be published?

I have a rough concept that I am toying with for a new, helpful title. Again, it will be based on my personal journey and experiences.

Q: What’s your favorite place to hang out online?

I have two favorite places to hang out online. First, LinkedIn. It is an incredible resource for business and for nurturing and enhancing my business relationships. I also love Houzz.com. It is my guilty pleasure. Years ago I created a dream board and my dream kitchen is pictured on it. Today, I am planning the kitchen of my dreams for my home and I love going to Houzz.com for inspiration and information.

Q: What’s your nightly ritual before retiring for the night?

That is a funny question. I’m a night owl and stay up very late. I’m on the computer, checking emails and wrapping up business. As an introvert, I enjoy my alone time and I’m a deep thinker so I use this time to solve problems, answer questions and quench my curiosities, both business and personal. I don’t have a bedtime and most people are shocked when I tell them how late I go to sleep!

Q: Finally, what message (if any) are you trying to get across with your book?

I want to inspire everyone to focus on their relationships today to guarantee their best tomorrow.
  
Q: Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

There are a lot of networking books that provide tips and to-dos to help readers become better networkers. The truth is, most people buy these books and never do the things that the author recommend. Why? Because of fear.

Fear of networking. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown.

I address this fear in Networking Karma. With some self-reflection and visualization exercises, readers can get past this fear and start putting the book’s unique content to work for them. In addition to dozens of tips, secrets and to-dos, which I share from my personal experiences, the book features guest contributors who are industry powerhouses. From the world’s foremost authority on body language to a fashion industry icon; from an insanely popular LinkedIn Makeover expert to a master storyteller—and more—their help and guidance is found in the pages of Networking Karma. I truly believe this abundance of insight, ideas and inspiration will help readers connect and conquer anything!



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