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REVIEWING TODAY: NETWORKING KILLS – SUCCESS THROUGH SERVING BY MARK H. MAXWELL
Networking Kills – Success Through Serving by Mark H. Maxwell is a Christian prescription for personal success, and it may justifiably imply a necessary Christian framework for the sincerest implementation, but the remedy for personal failure envisioned by this revolutionary concept (at least, in the current paradigm of self-marketing) is not exclusively religious or spiritual in nature. That is to say, a secular application of an historically Christian admonition is also an effective antidote to the self-serving, narcissistic, manipulative advice fostered by the majority of marketing gurus today. This important message, particularly for Creatives, is the exact opposite of those given by strident, overbearing voices proclaiming the need to network. In fact, Networking Kills. Serving others succeeds.
The message of Networking Kills – Success Through Serving is cogently but completely stated early on by Mark H. Maxwell in this banner headline:
CHANGE THE WORLD BY ~ MAKING YOURSELF AVAILABLE INSTEAD OF VISIBLE, GIVING INSTEAD OF TAKING & LOSING YOURSELF INSTEAD OF FINDING YOURSELF
The first indelible observation Mr. Maxwell makes about the current mess caused by self-marketing is that “Networking has become a deceptive and broken substitute for time-honoring, (often isolated) passionate work in developing craft and expertise.” In other words: Step 1 – Perfect your product; make it worthy. The second prescription: “When you stand on a stage you have the honor of presenting your audience with a gift … not simply to receive their adoration.” Step 2: Be of Service to Others. Thus, Maxwell shines light onto the darkest lie that says promoting one’s creative work is best done through enticement, manipulation, and even begging others to promote your stuff. His refreshing and timeless truth: Offer sacrificial service in order to enrich others. Success will come, if possibly redefined.
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Joel R. Dennstedt – Top Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite
