Networking Kills - by Mark H Maxwell (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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 who 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

Networking Kills proves that to experience true success and fulfillment, and in an effort to obey God, this lens of serving must become the basis for all of our daily decision-making and our major life assignments. Serving attracts us to and is attractive to others; when people can sense you genuinely care, walls come down and true relationships form. And that is more powerful than any business card exchange, forced cocktail hour conversation or Instagram follow. That is how you can truly change the world-one person at a time.

Review Quotes

"I knew I wanted to get my hands on Mark Maxwell's book, Networking Kills, when one of his Belmont students quoted it in a conversation we were having over a cup of coffee. What a simple concept: "Networking" narrows our focus and our life experience. "Serving" connects us in a meaningful way and throws the gates of opportunity wide open. Let the adventure begin!" AMY GRANT - Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter

"I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Mark Maxwell for some time now. 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. It is natural for us to think that our gifts and talents are for us. Mark does a great job of leading us through his book and turning this paradigm upside down. No matter where we are on the journey we need to constantly be reminded that we are called to serve not be served." TOBYMAC - Grammy award-winning recording artist

"Culture teaches us to measure everything through the question: "how does this benefit my life?" This book does the exact opposite by changing the question to, "how does my life benefit others?" Mark Maxwell's book, Networking Kills, is more than just a novel idea - this significant message can help steer a generation towards true success. But more than just this generation, I believe it will help anyone, in any stage, re-evaluate their motivations and navigate their life back to what truly matters. I know it's doing that for me." NATALIE GRANT - award-winning recording artist

"In his book, Networking Kills, Mark Maxwell shares a compelling message that disrupts our current culture of selfish ambition and self promotion. His message of serving others is profound, not only because it's true, but because as my friend and counselor I've seen Mark live it out in his everyday life. His story and wisdom are instructional and inspirational!" GREGG DEDRICK - Former CEO of Kentucky Fried Chicken & Founder of Iron Bell Music

"Mark Maxwell was an early believer and important counselor for MercyMe twenty years ago. I am thrilled that through his book, Networking Kills, he continues to authentically mentor and counsel the next generation concerning true success - success that is only found through serving others." BART MILLARD - MERCYME - award-winning recording artist

"With Networking Kills, Mark Maxwell is seemingly flying in the face of what the assumed "best approach" is for building a successful career in the music industry ... network, network, network! When in reality, every person doing business - including us creatives - are all truly in the service industry. Mark's call to think about our roles in the context of service is refreshing and spot on. Kudos, Mr. Maxwell!" busbee - Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer (Lady Antebellum, P!nk, Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Jon Bellion, Carly Pearce)

"I am grateful Mark Maxwell is bringing this timely message to students everywhere. In Networking Kills, he dismantles the networking myth concerning success while illuminating the truth about finding true purpose in life. Serving is the key!" JUDGE ALBERTO R. GONZALES, former White House counsel & U.S. Attorney General; Dean of Belmont University College Of Law