What do you think?
Rate this book
Networking Kills: Success Through Serving
The key to finding success isn’t about who you know, but how you serve.
Change the world, one person at a time.
“In an industry and culture that encourages us to be more and more self-focused for our own personal gain, Mark’s book is a fresh and necessary perspective that is desperately needed.” ~ TobyMac
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. Anyone embarking upon a new path or business venture has heard the key to success lies in networking – who you know, and how they can get you ahead. But, according to Mark H. Maxwell, this is not only untrue, but potentially dangerous to those hoping to succeed.
Networking Kills lays out what the Bible and Jesus say about true success. Weaving scripture with Maxwell’s own stories from his professional career and pop culture illustrations (John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Kim Kardashian, Johnny Cash), Networking Kills examines the need for cultural change concerning our pursuit and definition of "success" in every area of life, and shows how serving is actually the key.
“Christ taught, ‘If you want to be great, you must become a servant’,” Maxwell says. “And, Martin Luther King, Jr. made it clear, ‘Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve’. Even music business super-manager, Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber) says, ‘Don’t live for yourself… Live for others ... that is where you will find true riches in life.’ The heart of networking is rooted in selfishness, taking and using, while the great leaders teach us that true success comes through giving, loving others and serving generously.”
In Networking Kills, Maxwell shows how:
• Networking kills creativity
• Networking kills authentic relationships
• Networking kills life
• Networking kills love
He then lays out the amazing benefits that can come from living a life that is focused on service:
• Serving erases fear of failure
• Serving erases conflict
• Serving creates purpose
• Serving creates value
• Serving creates provision
• Serving changes the world
Change the world, one person at a time.
“In an industry and culture that encourages us to be more and more self-focused for our own personal gain, Mark’s book is a fresh and necessary perspective that is desperately needed.” ~ TobyMac
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. Anyone embarking upon a new path or business venture has heard the key to success lies in networking – who you know, and how they can get you ahead. But, according to Mark H. Maxwell, this is not only untrue, but potentially dangerous to those hoping to succeed.
Networking Kills lays out what the Bible and Jesus say about true success. Weaving scripture with Maxwell’s own stories from his professional career and pop culture illustrations (John Mayer, Bruce Springsteen, Kim Kardashian, Johnny Cash), Networking Kills examines the need for cultural change concerning our pursuit and definition of "success" in every area of life, and shows how serving is actually the key.
“Christ taught, ‘If you want to be great, you must become a servant’,” Maxwell says. “And, Martin Luther King, Jr. made it clear, ‘Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve’. Even music business super-manager, Scooter Braun (Justin Bieber) says, ‘Don’t live for yourself… Live for others ... that is where you will find true riches in life.’ The heart of networking is rooted in selfishness, taking and using, while the great leaders teach us that true success comes through giving, loving others and serving generously.”
In Networking Kills, Maxwell shows how:
• Networking kills creativity
• Networking kills authentic relationships
• Networking kills life
• Networking kills love
He then lays out the amazing benefits that can come from living a life that is focused on service:
• Serving erases fear of failure
• Serving erases conflict
• Serving creates purpose
• Serving creates value
• Serving creates provision
• Serving changes the world
242 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2018
19 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Mark H. Maxwell
1 book13 followersMark 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 9, 2018
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.
* copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~
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.
* copy received for review consideration
July 31, 2018
Yes!
One of the best upside down-inside out pieces of wisdom out on the market today. Thrilling n challenging n encouraging in all the right ways!
One of the best upside down-inside out pieces of wisdom out on the market today. Thrilling n challenging n encouraging in all the right ways!
September 27, 2018
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.
July 30, 2020
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!
August 3, 2018
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.
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.
August 9, 2018
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.
June 3, 2023
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
January 3, 2022
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.”
September 12, 2020
One Long Testimony
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews