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 Episode 00:00 Why networking events don’t have to be big or expensive 01:15 Why this is a solo episode after hosting our first Deal Maker event 02:03 JJ’s Joke of the Week 02:54 Why networking has been my biggest professional advantage 04:16 How networking both energizes and drains me 05:13 Being resourceful by knowing who to call—not how to do everything 06:08 Building trust by doing what you say you’ll do 07:18 The power of long-term relationship building 08:16 Why curating environments brings me the most joy 12:08 Hosting events—from backyard cookouts to 60-person meetups 13:53 The introvert moment that changed my perspective 14:27 Half the room identifying as introverts 15:15 Understanding anxiety through someone else’s lens 16:41 Vulnerability required just to show up 17:11 The simple question that breaks the ice: “Where are you from originally?” 23:59 Extracting value without chasing money 25:25 Why avoiding networking limits opportunity 26:14 Bill Phillips as the introvert example—and why it still works 27:26 Joining our first mastermind and jumping into the deep end 33:10 How Amanda Holbrook became our financial strategist 34:15 Building our brand through relationships, not transactions 35:45 How every major piece of our business came from networking 36:48 Two mindsets to bring into every event: give value + extract value 38:08 The junk removal example—and why showing up matters 39:35 Why free local events can change everything 40:39 How real conversations actually build trust 41:21 The joy of watching connections happen 42:47 Why facilitating relationships is the real reward 44:12 Why impact matters more than direct profit 46:16 Gratitude after seeing it all come together 47:04 The (true) mom story and empty brewery joke 51:35 Final encouragement to get in the room—even if it’s uncomfortable 52:38 Closing thoughts on networking, perspective, and growth Quotables “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.” Links 608B Capital https://608bcapital.com