Anyone embarking upon a new path has no doubt heard that the key to achieving any modicum of success lies in the cultivation of relationships to help us advance or move to a higher position. The message gained from this is that anything valuable in life which involves relationships—be it business, marriage, charity work or entertainment—is only attainable by networking. But this is not only untrue, but potentially dangerous to those hoping to succeed. Within these pages, Mark H. Maxwell will not only uncover serious problems with this single path to success, but unravel the myth itself.
College freshmen are lectured about networking on their first day of class. Young professionals race to another boring party so they can be seen and shake hands with someone that might be able to help them—just like the business books and podcasts have instructed. Creatives are chronically obsessed with and depressed by the number of likes, views and followers on their social media.
• NETWORKING KILLS CREATIVITY • NETWORKING KILLS AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS • NETWORKING KILLS LIFE • NETWORKING KILLS LOVE
Christ taught, "If you want to be great -- you must become a servant. If you want to be first -- you must become like a slave." And, Martin Luther King, Jr. made it "Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve."
Networking does not equal success. Serving equals success. Life is not about you; it's always about others. The heart of networking is rooted in selfishness, taking and using. In contrast, great leaders teach us that true success comes through giving, loving others and serving.
• SERVING ERASES FEAR OF FAILURE • SERVING ERASES CONFLICT • SERVING CREATES PURPOSE • SERVING CREATES VALUE • SERVING CREATES PROVISION • SERVING CHANGES THE WORLD
Through pop culture illustrations and the author's personal stories as an entertainment attorney and college professor, this book examines the need for cultural change concerning our pursuit and definition of "success" in every area of life. Serving is the key!
Mark H. Maxwell is an entertainment attorney, music business veteran and college professor. As a lawyer, Mark represents a diverse roster of recording artists, celebrities, record labels, music publishers, authors, songwriters and producers. As a professor in Belmont University’s prestigious entertainment business and songwriting program, he created their popular course on Bob Dylan and teaches courses on music business, faith and culture, and copyright law. Mark is passionate about serving as a mentor to the next generation of creatives and entertainment business professionals. He lives in Nashville with his wife and children.
3.5 Stars ~~~~~~~ I have worked for many, many years in small business. I teach and train small business owners as well as owning my own. I’m a strong believer in networking and also in serving others. I have worked for many years with nonprofits and I think I have a serving heart.
I understand how giving to others can make a full circle back to you. At least, I thought I did, until I picked up this book.
This book is an interesting concept. It’s a collection of stories and the history of the author, showing how giving to others made a huge change In his life and business.
It’s the story of trusting in God‘s word and following His directions in your life. Blind trust and devotion to supporting others. Reaching out and making a difference for someone else, even in uncomfortable circumstances.
I loved the concept of this book. However, I really felt it could have flowed a little easier. Sometimes I was lost in the point he was trying to make in that particular chapter. It felt choppy and time jumped back and forth.
Overall, I got the point loud and clear and believe that this is a book that a business person of faith needs to read. Maxwell's points are definitely something I need to work on and incorporate into my daily routine. I need to become more in tune with where I should be working and developing my business along with helping others.
Networking Kills is a much-needed guide, especially for those starting out in the entertainment (or any) business, but also for those with more experience who have been burned by the traditional networking cycle. Mark Maxwell’s charming, down-to-earth style and interesting anecdotes make this book read more like a story than a manual for success. And it is that: by using service-based motivation in his own life experiences, Maxwell proves that we reap what we sow. He turns networking on its head, showing that business based on serving others out of authentic relationships benefits the soul, not just the bank account. A must-read for any young entrepreneur, and a gentle reminder to those of us who are further down the road.
I started this book before the COVID lockdowns. I was so busy with work/clients, it took me a while to pick it back up. I’m glad I did. The overall message of the book is not only solid and desperately needed but one that has to remembered again and again. I find myself asking how I’m going to stay focused on some of the little things this book spurred me to change and work on. I appreciated the reminder to serve others in the midst of a pandemic where I don’t always appreciate where others are coming from. It’s helped remind me that I really do care more about those income in contact with than my preferences or “rights.” It’s a good, simple, quick, quality read. Pick it up!
I appreciate the heart behind this book. Maxwell, the author, is a business man whose job is to deal with people.
Through his personal stories and illustrations he shows the selfishness of merely meeting with people in order to network and gain higher status versus the self-less-ness of serving those around you in order to show them the love of Christ.
A wonderful book for anyone in leadership of any kind.
Wonderful book! Maxwell articulates a way out of the slimy business of networking and making "connections," which of course, are ultimately based only on the selfish desires of one party. Do yourself a favor and read this book- it might change your career, your life, and even the way you view yourself in the world.
More of a biography with elements of business and leadership added into the stories; very easily accessible and easy to understand, and the truths the book contains are timeless and biblical; great stories from a great man
Did not enjoy AT ALL. I felt like it was more of a personal narrative (stories about the author and his experiences) as opposed to “if you find yourself in this situation, try this.”
I finished the book, however it was one long testimony. I gave two stars because I felt the title was misleading and really did not share much about why networking kills, but shared the author’s testimony. This book is a great introduction for college students just starting out in the workforce. I enjoyed his devotions in the Bible app which is why I purchased the book.