Jason Seward: Why Introverts Win at Networking (If They Ask One Question)

In this solo episode of Burning the Ships, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful forces behind everything I’ve built in business and life: networking. This conversation was recorded the morning after hosting our very first Deal Maker Hampton Roads event, and it gave me a fresh perspective on just how differently people experience rooms full of strangers.I share why networking has always been my biggest strength, how it’s shaped my career, and why being “resourceful” often just means knowing who to call. But more importantly, I talk about introverts—the anxiety they feel walking into events, the courage it takes just to show up, and a simple question that can completely change the experience. If you’ve ever avoided networking because it feels uncomfortable, intimidating, or draining, this episode is for you.This isn’t about collecting business cards or forcing sales conversations. It’s about creating environments, building real relationships, extracting value, and giving value—no matter your personality type.Key Talking Points of the Episode00:00 Why networking events don’t have to be big or expensive01:15 Why this is a solo episode after hosting our first Deal Maker event02:03 JJ’s Joke of the Week02:54 Why networking has been my biggest professional advantage04:16 How networking both energizes and drains me05:13 Being resourceful by knowing who to call—not how to do everything06:08 Building trust by doing what you say you’ll do07:18 The power of long-term relationship building08:16 Why curating environments brings me the most joy12:08 Hosting events—from backyard cookouts to 60-person meetups13:53 The introvert moment that changed my perspective14:27 Half the room identifying as introverts15:15 Understanding anxiety through someone else’s lens16:41 Vulnerability required just to show up17:11 The simple question that breaks the ice: “Where are you from originally?”23:59 Extracting value without chasing money25:25 Why avoiding networking limits opportunity26:14 Bill Phillips as the introvert example—and why it still works27:26 Joining our first mastermind and jumping into the deep end33:10 How Amanda Holbrook became our financial strategist34:15 Building our brand through relationships, not transactions35:45 How every major piece of our business came from networking36:48 Two mindsets to bring into every event: give value + extract value38:08 The junk removal example—and why showing up matters39:35 Why free local events can change everything40:39 How real conversations actually build trust41:21 The joy of watching connections happen42:47 Why facilitating relationships is the real reward44:12 Why impact matters more than direct profit46:16 Gratitude after seeing it all come together47:04 The (true) mom story and empty brewery joke51:35 Final encouragement to get in the room—even if it’s uncomfortable52:38 Closing thoughts on networking, perspective, and growthQuotables“Networking isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about knowing who to call.”“Half the room is uncomfortable, even if it doesn’t look that way.”“If you’re an introvert, ask one question and let curiosity do the rest.”“Go to events with the intent to give value and extract value.”“The best opportunities in my life came from rooms I almost didn’t walk into.”Links608B Capitalhttps://608bcapital.com