Networking doesn't have to be painful...

Media Kit

Author Bio
Interview Topic Ideas
Suggested Questions
Prior Host Comments
Contact Information (if you’d like to do an interview.)

AUTHOR BIO

Jennifer Gniadecki has been professionally networking for over four years. She has used Non-Toxic Networking to start and run two successful businesses. Jennifer attended DePaul university and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars as well as an Illinois State Scholar. The author of Non-Toxic Networking, Ms. Gniadecki believes it isn’t strategy, but heart, that makes for truly successful networking.

Jennifer found that the current books on networking are packed with theory. Theory isn’t going to help you when you’re standing in the entrance to a room full of people you want to talk to. Jennifer wanted to bring real tips and suggestions for things to say and do to make an emotional connection with others. The hard sell and smooth sales techniques don’t work anymore. People do business with people they like, and the only way to get more business or land a better job through networking, is to become the person that other people like and want to do business with.

Currently, Jennifer is the resident networking expert for VAnetworking.com - a site with over 8,500 members. In this capacity, Jennifer does her best to help virtual assistants navigate difficult situations and have real conversations with business owners.

INTERVIEW TOPIC IDEAS

Why is networking so important during an economic downturn?

When companies tighten their belts you need to find a new way to make contacts and find out about job openings and ways to outperform your peers.
If you have a B2B business, you have to make a connection to someone if you expect them to part with part of their budget to pay for your services.
Networking is the only way to speak directly to decision makers.

How can networking help me find a new job if I’ve been laid off?

Getting your next job from the newspaper isn’t as effective as “knowing someone.”
Personal relationships forged while networking go beyond the company you work for and the relationships can follow you or lead you to a new job.
Knowing who are the connectors, or nodes in your networking community gives you an advantage of being able to be more efficient when getting the word out that your skills are on the market.

Your marketing efforts won’t go anywhere if you can’t connect with your customers.

As the Internet makes the world a smaller place more voices are competing for your prospects ear.
People see right through fake sincerity, and recognize the numbers game for what it is and find it easier to blow you off.

How can the freelancer or micro-business compete in today’s economy?

Networking gets you past secretaries and other gatekeepers.
Being a one man show is actually helpful because you don’t have the rules that apply to larger businesses holding you back.
Leaner and sleeker makes you a better value as a business option for others.
The possibilities and pitfalls of networking from home (online).

How can a not for profit organization benefit from networking?

Getting the word out for your organization is the number one thing you should be doing for your not for profit.
Even if the person you talk to at a networking event isn’t able to help your organization, you don’t know whom they know that could volunteer, donate, or help organize an event.
Don’t go out with the single-minded purpose of getting donations for your org. Every person can help in some small way. If you find 10 people that can help in small ways, that can save your organization more money than a small donation could make for your not for profit.
Make sure you’ve got a positive attitude when you go out to an event.

Networking for college graduates

Even if you’re going to school out of state or away from home, those connections can still come in handy.
Who you know is important, but you have the power to get to know the people who can help you in your future career.
Eventually you need to make some friends that don’t know your college stories.
Are you in a frat/sorority? You already network. When you have shared parties, or meet people from other houses. If you’re in a social group, you’re networking. An academic group? Networking.

Networking for college students

Getting to know people before you need help can help in the long run.
Become the hub that helps others and be seen as the “go to” person amongst your peers, and they will remember you well beyond graduation.
How does the networking most college students don’t even realize they’ve done effect their professional networking in the future?
You can network during breaks and summer vacation. Any time you can schedule to make connections is worth it.

PRIOR HOST COMMENTS

“I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Gniadecki, author of Non-Toxic Networking. I consider Jen to be a networking goddess.” Erika Marie Geiss

“Jennifer is an enthusiastic and engaging co-host and radio show guest that I have made a point to invite back more than once. My listeners made note of her high energy and lively humor. Jennifer can bring a fun element on short notice when needed, something I value highly. I recommend her as a guest, co-host or guest host.” - Kelly McCausey, Owner & Host, Work at Home Moms Talk Radio