Author Interview: Gail Tolstoi-Miller, author of 'Networking Karma'






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:

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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Thanks for this interview, Gail. Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?

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. For over 20 years, I have been watching 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. This is why I decided to write a book.


When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

Although I don’t fit the stereotype of a soccer mom, that is exactly what I am. I spend a lot of time with my sons, ushering them from soccer field to soccer field. We are huge Red Bulls Soccer fans and enjoy going to all of the home games! I also love attending live music events. Yoga is also a passion of mine.

Do you have a day job? Or a night one?

I am a CEO, career coach and staffing strategist. So it is a day job and a night one. It’s 24/7.

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?

It was not smooth sailing at all. In the midst of writing Networking Karma I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was forced to take some time away from the writing to take care of my health. This was an unexpected opportunity to think and reflect. I believe this unfortunate experience ultimately made the book even better. The experience reinforced the need to live by the lessons of Networking Karma. After all, during my illness I made deep and meaningful connections and saw the profound impact of helping others. Ultimately, I was helped, too.

What is it about the self-help/business genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write?

As a business owner who spends a lot of time providing advice and insight to my clients and job candidates, I think that this book fits perfectly into who I am and what I represent.

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be?

Networking Karma is about giving of yourself today to guarantee your very best tomorrow.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

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.

I address fear first in Networking Karma. Fear of networking. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. With some self-reflection and visualization, readers can get past this fear and start putting the book’s unique content to work for them. When I wrote Networking Karma, I set out to cull true expertise across many networking sub-specialties and delivered that to my readers. 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, they’re just a sampling of all of the help and guidance found in the pages of Networking Karma. I truly believe this abundance of insight ideas and inspiration will help readers connect and conquer anything!

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

Thanksgiving. It’s a time of giving and gratitude. Networking Karma provides many lessons but the overarching theme is a mindful giving of information, assistance, advocacy and helping to connect others. Embracing this spirit of giving is the key to building a professional and personal fan base; one that will ultimately return kindness in unknown and awesome ways.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

Yes! I have been considering a way to create a Karma series. It’s in the works!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

My book is a collaboration. It is based on my journey as well as the experiences of other experts who have contributed amazing content to Networking Karma. 

What’s next for you?

I would love to continue to help others through a variety of channels. I have a career coaching business, which will soon offer an online portal for job seekers. I am also planning a tour of college campuses to help students leverage the information in Networking Karma to help them reach their full potential in life!

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